A PUPIL from Musselburgh Grammar School has won the Young Science Writer of the Year Award.

Jasmin Notarangelo finished first in the national competition, organised by the Association of British Science Writers (ABSW).

A record-breaking 377 essays were submitted by students aged 14 to 16 from across the UK, marking the highest number of entries in the competition’s history.

After a rigorous judging process, Jasmin emerged as the winner. Her 800-word essay, ‘Are Insulin Pumps the Future of Type 1 Diabetes Management?’, stood out as “an exceptional piece of investigative journalism”.

Jasmin’s writing highlighted “the inequities within the NHS and the barriers to diabetes care, showcasing her commitment to in-depth research and impactful storytelling”, the association said.

Jasmin will be honoured at an awards ceremony at The Royal Institution in London next Monday (June 24). Along with her title, she will receive £1,000 to further develop her writing skills.

Her essay will be published by the BBC and she will also get to spend a day at BBC Science HQ in Cardiff, alongside senior science journalists.

Jasmin said: “I have always had a big passion for reading and writing.

“When I was younger, I would spend my time reading rather than running about outside. This passion has followed me into my teenage years, so when my biology teacher, Mrs Duff, told my class about Young Science Writer of the Year, I was very interested.

“In my future I would like to study English and history and go into a career in journalism, so I thought that this would be a great experience and would also be useful for university applications.

“The Young Science Writer of the Year is designed to encourage young people to think about and get involved in the future of science.

“I chose to write my 800-word essay on insulin pumps, how they benefit type 1 diabetes and to explore if they are potentially the future of type 1 diabetes management.

“I chose this topic because my mother and grandmother both have type 1 diabetes. I have seen just how difficult it can be to manage and how much it affects the lives of those living with the condition.

“I began by thoroughly researching the subject and speaking to people who have type 1 diabetes. I was also lucky enough to be able to interview GP partners from Prestonpans Group Practice and one of their practice nurses.

“When I submitted my essay, I hoped for the best but I never expected to be runner-up, never mind win first place!

“When I was told the news I was ecstatic! It didn’t feel real that I had won such a prestigious award and I feel very privileged to have the opportunities the prize gives to me.

“I am really excited to attend a coaching session with an experienced journalist at the BBC Science HQ in Cardiff and it is a dream come true to be a published writer on the BBC website.

“I want to say a massive thank you to Mrs Duff, my science teacher, for encouraging me to enter.”

Katie Duff, biology teacher, added: “The biology department are absolutely thrilled for Jasmin winning the Young Science Writer of the Year Award 2024.

“Winning first place in a national competition encompassing all secondary schools in the UK is a tremendous achievement and Jasmin’s piece of investigative journalism about using insulin pumps to manage type 1 diabetes was outstanding.

“It all started when I posted an announcement on Google Classroom announcing the competition and calling on all learners passionate about STEM with a flair for writing.

“Jasmin quickly took up the challenge and set out to decide on a topic. Given her personal connection with diabetes, it only seemed appropriate when she decided to investigate the effect of insulin pumps.

“I was blown away when I read Jasmin’s work for the first time and I learned a lot from her essay.

“Jasmin – you are a real talent, stay passionate and keep on writing.”

Alex O’Brien, vice-chair of the ABSW, said: “I was really proud of all the students.

“The record-breaking number who entered this year delivered such a high quality of work they made it really tough for us to create a shortlist and then even tougher to pick a winner from it.”

Maria Rossini, head of education at the British Science Association and a judge for the competition, added: “It was a pleasure to be involved in this year’s Young Science Writer Awards, and to read through some of the brilliant entries.

“I was particularly impressed at the variety of topics covered, and the passion and creativity with which many of the entrants approached their essays.”

The Young Science Writer of the Year Award aims to nurture a passion for STEM and science writing among students aged 14 to 16.