FAQs

We will be updating this page as and when questions are asked. Please note we will not be posting answers to specific science-based questions about the individual challenges.

Celebration Day

Can I enrol as an individual and if so will you help with finding Team members?

All enrolment is completed individually but if you are already part of a Team please state this in the dedicated box on the form. Otherwise, we will put you into Teams automatically.

Can we choose which challenge we would like to enrol for?

Yes. The form allows you to choose a first and second preference. We hope in most instances you will get your first choice but logistically this may not always be possible.

I didn’t attend the launch event. Can I still enrol for the competition?

Absolutely! We would love to see you sign up and encourage others to do so.

How big will the teams be?

The size of a Team will be between 4 and 6 persons. A key aim of the Competition is to develop multidisciplinary team working.

Will there be one Team per Challenge?

No there can be multiple teams working on the same Challenge.

Will Teams be competing with those doing the same challenge or with all Teams?

Teams will compete with all regardless of the challenge.

Do Teams have to be based in Bristol over the whole of the summer?

No you do not have to be in Bristol for the whole summer – we are fully expecting some remote working. We have scheduled the half day training before the end of the summer term as we would like you to attend this if possible in person. The celebration day in September will also be in person.

Is there a minimum number of hours you are expected to contribute to the challenge?

We have not stipulated a minimum number of hours we expect you to work on the challenges. This is entirely up to your Team. We understand that you will all have other commitments and part of the challenge will be managing your time as a Team over the summer.

Do we have to attend the half day training in June?

The half day training in June is not compulsory. However, we are strongly encouraging people to attend and want it to be an informative and fun event but understand that not everyone will be able to come. We will be sharing online resources and we would expect that at least one member from each team to come along so they can share what they have learnt with other team members.

Does this Competition count towards my Degree course assessment ?

No this is an extra-curricular activity and does not count towards your course.

In what way is the competition factored into the Bristol PLUS Award?

Participants in the competition can use any time spent working on the challenge towards their PLUS Award experience hours (work experience). This would include the time at the mingle where they worked on the challenge, as well as any hours completed over the summer. The training with the centre for innovation would count towards the workshops and courses element of the students’ Award.

If you have further questions about this Bristol PLUS Award can be contacted at careers-plusaward@bristol.ac.uk

What are the criteria for the outputs for each Challenge?

We have provided assessment guidance of what to include but we want to encourage open thinking so this is not too prescriptive. Each Team will need to produce:

A poster to be displayed at the celebration day. Please see poster guidance for more information.
A seven minute oral presentation with three minutes for questions. Please see oral presentation guidance for more information.

How do we get our poster printed for the Celebration Day?

All posters should be sent to the Science Partnership Office via the Competition email (scif-apuc@bristol.ac.uk) We will let you know the deadline in due course. They should be in PDF format. The Science Partnership Office will cover the cost of printing and bring them along on the Celebration Day. See poster guidance for more information including how to send a large attachment.

What happens if I am not in Bristol or not available on the date of the Celebration Day?

Ideally we would like all team members to be present. However, we are not stipulating that all team members must pitch. If you are unable to attend, then it is important to be open with your team about this. We want to be inclusive and not exclude people just because they cannot make the celebration day. We can explore other ways for you to be virtually involved on the day either by connecting online if you are available or making a pre-recorded video perhaps. It may be that your contribution comes in the form of designing the poster or making a prototype!

So, the answer is you can still take part in the competition just make sure you are open with your team!