Teen Builds Nuclear Fusion Reactor for School Project

In a remarkable achievement, 17-year-old Cesare Mencarini has successfully constructed his own nuclear fusion reactor while studying at Cardiff Sixth Form College in Wales. This ambitious project was part of his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), for which he received an A* grade alongside top marks in maths, further maths, chemistry, and physics. Mencarini, originally from Italy, aims to inspire other young people to innovate and consider how they can contribute to improving the world. Mencarini's reactor is designed to generate neutrons through the process of nuclear fusion, which is recognized as a potentially transformative energy source. By fusing atoms together, this method produces significant energy, although it requires high voltage to reach the necessary temperatures, as the conditions on Earth cannot replicate the sun's gravitational pressure. Initially, the college expressed concerns about the safety of the project, prompting Mencarini to adapt his design to meet budgetary constraints. Today, students across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland received their A-Level results, with grading returning to pre-pandemic levels. Approximately 27.8 percent of UK entries were awarded A or A* grades, a slight increase from last year and higher than in 2019. However, the overall pass rate has dipped to 97.2 percent, reflecting a minor decline compared to previous years. Exam regulators in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have aimed to restore grading standards to those seen before the pandemic, with this year's results marking a significant milestone in the academic landscape.