A CLEVER schoolboy felt “incredibly lucky” to have his scientific work acknowledged by a Nobel Prize winner.

Sam White, Head Boy at Monmouth School, spent his summer holiday taking part in the Nuffield Research Placement, which provides students with the opportunity to work alongside professional scientists, engineers and mathematicians.

On September 28, Sam’s work on the ‘Mathematical Modelling of the West Africa Ebola Outbreak’, was celebrated along with other students’ projects at Techniquest in Cardiff.

As well as presenting the outcome of his four-week long placement, Sam was handed a certificate by Professor Sir Martin Evans, Nobel Prize winner for Medicine.

“It was a wonderful evening with students, teachers, project providers and parents alike walking amongst the stands, asking questions and listening to the presentations of the work,” Sam said.

“Professor Sir Martin Evans presented all the student researchers with their Nuffield certificate, and walked around the display area looking at the projects and asking questions.

“To receive an award for the work from him, and also be able to hold his Nobel medal topped off a very memorable evening.”

Among the 75 projects granted in South Wales this year, pupils took on work in numerous fields.

David Sharp, 17, also took part in the scheme over the summer.

He said: “I am very thankful to both Nuffield and Monmouth School for organising such fantastic experience for me to fulfil a Nuffield Research Placement.

“It is not every day you get to meet a Nobel winner and hold the Nobel Prize for Medicine!”