2:49pm Wednesday 14th April 2004
A YOUNG scientist is in with a chance of representing Britain in an international biology competition after winning his way into the UK final.
Retesh Bajaj, of Harrow, a sixth-former at Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood, was one of four pupils to scoop a gold medal in the British Biology Olympiad.
The competition, which involved answering questions on subjects covering the whole spectrum of the science, is used to select a UK team to take part in the International Biology Olympiad, which is to be held in Brisbane, Australia, in July.
Retesh, 18, has earned a place in the British final 12 and will attend a three-day practical course at Birmingham University, from which the four-strong team will be selected.
He is studying for A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths, but he was amazed to have made it through to the team selection.
"I am really surprised and still trying to get a grip on it," he said. "It is a great opportunity "I am working a little but am still trying to catch up with what's going on.
"Our teachers always encourage us to read and learn outside the subject, so I have got into that habit," he said.
Retesh said he was looking forward to the Birmingham course, which includes a tour of the university's research laboratories.
But he was not looking forward quite so much to the written exam, which will be used to determine whether he makes it onto the team.
Retesh, who has never been to Australia before, said: "As far as going all out goes, I am trying. I am trying as hard as I can to learn.
"I have a one-in-three chance, but I don't really know what to expect."
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