Her winning project explored how chromium can be removed from drinking water. This enables tap water to be purified and reclaimed for the steel industry, where it is a valuable resource.
Hannah made a substance called Lepidocrocite, which is an iron oxide-hydroxide mineral. She discovered its formation pathways after creating a control system to make the substance.
Hannah Eastwood, talking about her award, said: “I’m still in shock but so thrilled. This is an unbelievable opportunity to be an ambassador for science and to inspire young people.”
Professor Brian Cox, one of the judges of the National Science & Engineering Competition, said: “I'm delighted to award Hannah the UK Young Scientist of the Year. The judges were truly overwhelmed by her project and it’s wonderful to witness such enthusiasm and dedication for science. It’s left me hugely excited about the future of science in the UK, with passionate young scientists such as Hannah at the helm.”
Professor Jo Price, Head of the School of Veterinary Sciences, added: “It is a great achievement for Hannah to win such a prestigious award. We wish her every success in her degree and her ambassadorial work in encouraging more young people to study at university.”
The judging panel was comprised of Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a Professor of Theoretical Physics and Public Engagement in Science at Surrey University; Professor Colin Blakemore, Professor of Neuroscience at Oxford University; Professor Brian Cox, Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester and broadcaster; Professor Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and Vivienne Parry, science writer and broadcaster. The prize was awarded by Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir John Beddington.
The National Science & Engineering Competition is open to 11-18 year olds from across the UK. Finalists showed off their projects at the Big Bang fair at the ExCeL centre in London last week [10-12 March], which marked the start of National Science and Engineering Week 2011.