Winners of Young Kelvin Prize 2025 Awards Unveiled

09 October 2025

The Ulster-Scots Agency, in partnership with the Institute of Physics, are delighted to have presented the prize winners of the Young Kelvin Prize 2025 with their trophies in a special ceremony at Parliament Buildings.

The three winners – Shane (Best Overall), Joshua (Best Science Communication) and Patryk (Best Physics Knowledge) – all demonstrated exceptional insight relating to the work of Lord Kelvin (William Thomson), an Ulster-Scot born in Belfast in 1824, who earned many accolades during his scientific career. 

Lord Kelvin’s research helped to revolutionise our understanding of physics – for example, absolute temperatures are measured in Degrees Kelvin – while his innovations, including the first underwater telegraph cable, changed lives around the world. On his death in 1907, he was buried in Westminster Abbey alongside Sir Isaac Newton. 

The Young Kelvin Prize aims to perpetuate his memory in Ulster and encourage young people to follow in his footsteps by making physics their choice for university and a future career. Competition entrants were asked to demonstrate a strong understanding of the physics relating to an aspect of Kelvin’s work, and to demonstrate the highest standard of science communication or creativity in explaining an aspect of Kelvin’s work. 

The awards were presented by the Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Steve Aiken MLA.   

Speaking after the trophy presentation, Ulster-Scots Agency Director of Education and Language, William Olphert, said: “The Ulster-Scots Agency was delighted to partner with the Institute of Physics to deliver this prestigious award. We all know the importance of encouraging science uptake in schools and we’re proud to highlight such an influential Ulster man.”  

Lee Reynolds, Lead of Ireland & Northern Ireland (Job Share) at the Institute of Physics added: "It is great to see the new generation of Ulster Physicists being inspired by the life, scientific discoveries and business achievements of William Thomson, Lord Kelvin through the Young Kelvin Awards. Joshua in science communication, Patrick in physics knowledge and Shane in both displayed skills showing our future contribution to physics is in talented hands. The IOP looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Ulster-Scots Agency to make next year's an even greater success."  

The Young Kelvin Prize 2026 will be launched in the coming months, so keep following our socials for further information on how your school can get involved.