The TAFU – BCS Award

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To innovate and develop tech solutions that address the environmental challenges of today. Whether you’re designing apps to reduce carbon footprints, creating systems for better waste management, or developing software that aids in conservation efforts, or something completely knew, this is your chance to showcase your innovation, to make an impact, win awards, present yourself and be supported by one of the most impactful organisations in IT; The British Computing Society and TAFU, one the most active nature conservation organisation globally, promoting personal responsibility.

Start your career with a meaningful project with the support of the BCS & TAFU and be part of the new world of sustainable IT, where your ideas help humanity and nature!

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Why take part?

• Prizes: The winners receive some brilliant prizes which will certainly take you far!
• Recognition & Mentorship: Winners receive significant recognition for their innovations and gain mentorship from experts in the field, helping to advance their projects, professional skills and careers.
• Networking Opportunities: All participants will benefit from exceptional networking opportunities, gaining invaluable connections with industry leaders and peers. This environment fosters the development of potential collaborations, supports individual growth, and enhances opportunities to secure employment at the early stages of one’s career.
• Visibility: The competition provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and ideas to industry leaders, thereby increasing your chances for internships, job offers, and academic advancements. All participants will be featured on the BCS and TAFU websites, as well as their social media platforms and newsletters. Additionally, there is the potential for promotion through other media outlets.
• Skill Development: Engage in practical experiences that enhance abilities in problem solving, project management, innovation, and communication; essential skills for any tech-driven career.
• Experience: Whether you win or not, taking part will provide you with invaluable experience, skills, and insights that will aid you no-matter what your career may bring!

Categories

There are three categories in the competition for students at different levels;

1. Postgraduate student category
2. Undergraduate student category
3. A–level & BTEC student category
4. GCSE student category
5. Year 9 < student category

Prizes

Each category will have a winner, a runner-up, as well as 3 honourable mentions:

The first prize:

1. Mentorship from professionals in the field. This can be to help you with your career, academic progression, or even to continue your project.
2. A place on a summer skills camp or internship programme to help you further your skills and get started in your career.
3. Official recognition from both organisations (great on a CV!)
4. Aid in making additional industry connections particularly related to your project

Runner-up prize:

1. Mentorship from professionals in the field. This can be to help you with your career, academic progression, or even to continue your project.
2. A guaranteed interview for an internship to help you further your skills and get started in your career.
3. Official recognition from both organisations (great on a CV!)

Honourable mentions:

1. Mentorship from professionals in the field. This can be to help you with your career, academic progression, or even to continue your project.
2. Official recognition from both organisations (great on a CV!)

The Submission

Here is what we expect you to submit:

• A detailed project description in a report style outlining the problem, proposed solution, technology used, and potential impact.
• Any code, designs, or prototypes must could also be submitted for ease of explanation.
• A short video presentation where all group members take part in summarising the project.

Judging Criteria

The submissions will be judged on these 6 criteria:

1. Innovativeness: Entries will be evaluated for their originality and creativity. The judges will look for solutions that showcase a novel approach to the challenge. Innovative submissions should demonstrate a clear departure from conventional methods and introduce a new perspective or technique that has the potential to change the way we think about and address the challenge.
2. Design: Design quality is not just about aesthetics but also usability, accessibility, and user experience. Submissions should be thoughtfully and effectively designed, ensuring that they are user-friendly and appeal to the intended audience. The design should also be coherent, with each element serving a purpose towards the overall function and objectives of the project.
3. Practical Implementation: The practicality of implementing the proposed solution is crucial. The judges will consider how feasible it is to bring the project to life with the current resources, technology, and knowledge available. The entries should present a realistic plan for implementation that is both technically and economically viable.
4. Impact: Impact will be measured by the potential effect the solution can have on tackling the challenge at hand.
5. Scalability: The scalability criterion assesses whether the solution can be expanded or adapted to have a broader application. The judges will consider if the project has the potential to grow, whether it can be replicated in different contexts or regions, and whether it has the capability to benefit a larger population or a wider environmental scope.
6. Alignment to the theme: Submissions must be relevant to the theme of the competition. They should address the specific sustainability challenges outlined in the theme, demonstrating a deep understanding of the issue and presenting a solution that is directly applicable to solving it.

The Jury

Higher Education

Sixth Form, GCSE, & year 9>

Support

During submission period all teams will receive support with their projects, as is outlined below;

1. Supporting materials: every registered team will be provided with supporting materials to help the understanding of the year’s theme.
2. Discord server: once registered, teams will be given access to the competition’s Discord server which will include a ‘Support’ channel.

Timeline

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About the BCS

The British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, 

The BCS has been at the forefront of the information technology revolution since 1957. Established as a professional body and a learned society, it represents individuals in information technology, computing, software engineering, and computer science. Its activities span the United Kingdom and reach a global audience, reflecting the universal importance of IT in the modern world. Since its rebranding in 2009, the BCS has dedicated itself to promoting the study and practice of computing and advancing knowledge and education in IT for the public benefit. It’s a body that not only supports professionals but also advocates for the positive role that technology can play in society. The BCS significantly contributes to our common goals, striving to make the world a better place.

The BCS holds a prestigious place in the tech community, particularly in the United Kingdom. Here are several aspects that highlight the value and impact of the BCS, especially regarding its support for the youth, pears, and the broader IT community and societies.

Benefits of Taking Part in The TAFU – BCS Award Competition

The BCS is dedicated to advancing the global IT profession. By setting high standards for IT education, conduct, and practice, the BCS ensures that its members adhere to ethical and professional guidelines, which elevates the industry as a whole. By taking part and getting involved with an organisation like the BCS, you can really kick-start your career!

Support for Education and Young People

The BCS deeply invests in the future of IT by nurturing young talents through various educational programs and initiatives. They offer a range of qualifications, courses, and accreditations, that help foster a strong foundation in IT. Their commitment extends to scholarships and awards that recognise outstanding achievements among students.

Inclusivity and Diversity

The BCS strives to make IT accessible and inclusive. The BCS works on numerous initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the tech community, supporting women, ethnic minorities, and other underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the IT profession.

Career Development and Networking Opportunities

Membership with the BCS opens numerous doors for career advancement. It provides opportunities to network with other professionals, access to exclusive job boards, and the possibility of mentorship from seasoned IT experts. For young professionals and newcomers, this can be particularly invaluable.

Recognition of Excellence

BCS awards, such as the prestigious IT Industry Awards & The TAFU – BCS Award, are some of the most coveted in the tech world. Winning such an award not only recognises individual and corporate achievements but also significantly boosts one’s professional credibility and visibility in the industry.

Research and Innovation

The BCS supports research and innovation through publications, conferences, and seminars that help disseminate new knowledge and foster discussions on emerging IT trends and challenges. This plays a crucial role in keeping the profession dynamic and forward-thinking.

Policy Influence

The BCS is actively involved in setting high standards for ethical practices within the IT industry. They advocate for licensing and ethical standards for AI professionals to prevent misuse and enhance accountability. The BCS emphasises the importance of strong whistleblowing channels to ensure tech experts can report unethical practices confidently. These efforts are aimed at rebuilding public trust and establishing the UK as a leader in ethical AI practices.

For detailed insights into BCS’s initiatives, you can view their full statement here.

Mentoring

Having the BCS as a mentor is particularly beneficial. The BCS backing can provide a seal of approval that enhances the credibility and seriousness of tech initiatives and enterprises. The BCS’s mentorship programs help guide young IT professionals through the complexities of their careers, providing advice and insights that are crucial for professional growth.

The Prestige of Winning a BCS Award

Winning an award from the BCS such as The TAFU – BCS Award is not just an accolade; it’s a huge milestone, a competitive advantage, and a privilege to make a significant impact. It serves as a testament to one’s IT excellence and can be a transformative point in one’s career. It signifies peer recognition from a prestigious body and can open doors to unparalleled opportunities in the IT & Tech industry.

The British Computer Society is much more than a professional organisation; the BCS is a force in the IT sector that champions innovation, supports education and inclusivity, and celebrates excellence. Being affiliated with, sponsored by, or mentored through the BCS can truly be a game changing experience for anyone in the computing field.

Rules

Eligibility:

• Must be a current student at Postgraduate, Undergraduate, A-Level & BTEC, or GCSE level.
• Participants must be registered for the competition by the specified deadline.

Submissions:

• All submitted work must be original and created by the participants.
• Participants may submit one entry either individually or as part of a team.

Teams:

• Teams are limited to a maximum of five members.
• Each team must nominate a leader for communication purposes.

Project Requirements:

• Projects must be relevant to the competition’s allocated theme that year.
• Entries must include a written report and may include supporting materials such as prototypes or digital tools.

Judging:

• Submissions will be evaluated based on criteria such as innovation, practicality, sustainability impact, and relevance to the theme.

Conduct:

• Any form of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, will result in immediate disqualification.
• Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects well on themselves and their institutions.

Deadlines:

• Submissions must be received by the announced deadline. Late entries will not be considered.

T&Cs

• Right to Modify or Cancel: TAFU and BCS reserve the right to modify the competition rules or cancel the competition if circumstances require it.
• Prize Allocation: Prizes are subject to the submission meeting a minimum quality threshold as determined by the judges. TAFU and BCS reserve the right not to award a prize if no suitable entries are identified.
• Publicity: Participants agree to take part in post-competition publicity and to the use of their names and photographs in such publicity by TAFU and BCS.
• Use of Submissions: TAFU and BCS may publicise submissions and results on their websites, in press releases, and through other media channels. Though all intellectual property rights of the submission remain with the participants.
• No Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for the competition.
• Judging: The judges’ decisions are final and binding.
• No Guarantee: Participation does not guarantee any rewards or employment opportunities with TAFU, BCS, or associated partners.
• Data Protection: Personal information collected during the competition will be processed in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
• Dispute Resolution: Any disputes will be resolved at the discretion of TAFU and BCS in a manner they deem fair.
• Prize Distribution: The prize delivery period will start within 75 days after the winner is announced and can extend up to 6 months, depending on the type of prize.