A student from Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree has been honoured in a science competition.

Gianpaolo Ruju wowed the judges with his project HydroCharge - a portable mobile device charger powered by flowing water - in the Big Bang Competition.

He won the Energy Institute Climate Change Award which recognises a project that is designed to help bring about a lasting reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as a contribution to the UK’s goal of reaching net zero by 2050.

Gianpaolo was chosen from more than 200 young people from across the country to be finalists of The Big Bang Competition; an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

Borehamwood Times: Gianpaolo Ruju wowed the judges with his project HydroCharge Gianpaolo Ruju wowed the judges with his project HydroCharge

Congratulating Gianpaolo, Dr Hilary Leevers, chief executive of EngineeringUK, which organises The Big Bang Competition, said: "Gianpaolo really impressed the judges with his project and congratulations to him on winning this award.

"This year’s Big Bang Competition ran a little differently to normal due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re incredibly impressed by the entries we’ve received. Young people throughout the past 16 months have shown great resilience and determination – they have had to manage multiple lockdowns, periods of remote learning and restricted access to equipment.

"To see the ambition, passion and enthusiasm for their projects at such a difficult time is truly inspiring. It certainly bodes well for the future that the scientists, engineers and inventors of tomorrow are already producing such astute and creative project work – congratulations to all those involved."