Welcome to CSES

Now open: CSES TEXPO 2026

Now accepting entries for our annual STEM competition and exhibition

Welcome to the CSES Annual STEM Competition, TEXPO, a premier event that celebrates the ingenuity and creativity of students across Essex. This competition provides a unique platform for young minds to showcase their innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Why Participate?

Participating in the TEXPO offers numerous benefits:

• Exposure to Industry Professionals: Your projects will be judged by experienced scientists and engineers, providing valuable feedback and career insights.
• Skill Development: Enhance your research, presentation, and problem-solving skills through hands-on project work and public speaking.
• Networking Opportunities: Meet and interact with peers from other schools, local dignitaries, and industry leaders.
• Recognition and Awards: Compete for substantial cash prizes and accolades that can bolster your CV or university applications.

Register your entry now!

Read more: Now open: CSES TEXPO 2026

Vacancy for Treasurer

Are you looking for a flexible, low-commitment way to get more involved? The role of CSES Treasurer could be for you. We are currently looking for an Assistant Treasurer who could move into the formal Treasurer role when ready.

You would be able to get involved in activities such as the Science Festival, TEXPO, Saturday Club and events in schools. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking for flexibility, with options for career and profile development.

Read more: Vacancy for Treasurer

Collecting Our Future

What objects tell your Chelmsford story?

SPARK! Young Cultural Changemakers are working with the Museum of Chelmsford to help shape the future of the Museum's collection, and are asking everyone one question to help shape its collections policy into the next 50 years:

"If the Museum of Chelmsford could collect just ONE object to show what your life in Chelmsford is like today, what would it be?"

Together, we are Collecting Our Future.

Share your story: https://forms.gle/inHHkEReU4VJNEhG8

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*SPARK! is a youth movement of 13-25-year-olds, using art and creativity to make Chelmsford an even more fun and inspiring place to live. Find more about SPARK!’s inclusive Collecting Our Future, part of their Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, 2025-27.

CSES is proud to work with SPARK! on promoting Chelmsford's globally significant culture of science and innovation.

Boswells School Science Fair 2026

For British Science Week (6-15 March 2026), Ed Bye and Nigel Stephens represented CSES at The Boswells School Science Fair. With exhibitors from other local organisations, they worked with Year 9 and Year 7 students on the school’s chosen theme of "Curiosity".

Activities and Displays

A set of hands‑on exhibits encouraged students to explore science and engineering through play, questioning, and practical investigation.

• A robotic comfort cat designed for dementia patients drew steady attention and opened discussions about assistive technology.
• LED eyelashes on a model head showed one way how electronics are being used in the fashion and beauty industries.
• A box of “electronic poo” – a humorous container filled with dead batteries – prompted conversations about recycling, waste management, and battery safety.
• An artificial‑urine battery powering an LED demonstrated how energy can be recovered from a natural by‑product that is normally flushed away. The exhibit showed how this waste stream can generate a small amount of electricity, reducing the cost on sanitation systems by turning part of that waste into a useful output.
• Hand dynamometers allowed students to test and compare their grip strength.
• Ring and peg puzzles challenged problem‑solving skills and persistence.

Read more: Boswells School Science Fair 2026