The world faces many challenges in the 21st Century; from disease and drug resistance to species extinctions and climate change. Many of these challenges are biological, so can biology save the world? The University of Gloucestershire set this as a challenge in their A Level essay competition last term and we were delighted to learn this week that Sixth Form student, Isobel Jones, has been awarded the Runner Up Prize.

Head of Biology, Mrs Peel, commented: “Isobel’s excellent essay on the use of Brain Computer Interface technology (BCI) has won her £500.

“Moreton’s Sixth Form Biology students entered essays in the competition and we had some other very high quality entries. Moreton Hall also won £500 as the school who submitted the most entries and all of the girls who took part will receive a certificate in recognition of their entry.”

Reflecting on her success, Isobel added: “My article was about brain-computer interface technology and how in the future, the human brain working alongside computers and AI software could lead to new and effective solutions for the problems we’re facing.

“I was inspired by all the buzz around AI at the moment, all the advancements being made with it, and how it looks like it will become a really useful tool in so many areas. I am also a really big Elon Musk fan, and was really interested by the plans his company Neuralink has to develop brain-computer interface tech.

“It’s amazing that the Biology department gives us these opportunities to explore and engage in our subjects outside the classroom, especially when you get to talk about, and research a subject you are so interested in, and I am really grateful to Mrs Peel for encouraging us to enter the competition.

“I am really happy and surprised that I managed to be a runner-up; I genuinely didn’t think this would happen.”

The University of Gloucester’s judging panel added: “The standard of writing and the depth of understanding were outstanding.

“Your students’ essays were excellent, and demonstrated their passion for Biology. The judges ranked Isobel’s essay as runner up, and noted that her essay was highly commended to reward her efforts.”