Rockstar Prize Giving Day 2026 Presentation Slide
From fascinating fossils and remarkable rock collections to imaginative artwork, clever games and inspiring films, the entries in this year’s Rockstars Young Geologists’ Competition have once again amazed us.
Every entry represents something special. Hours of research, creative thinking, new discoveries and, above all, a growing understanding of our extraordinary planet and the processes that shape it.
And that’s what Rockstars is really about. Every young person who takes part has achieved something worth celebrating, whether they’ve discovered a new geological interest, developed their scientific knowledge or simply had great fun exploring.
Of course, every competition has its prize winners, and this year’s Rockstars are as impressive as ever!
A very special day for our Rockstars!
Michael Mapstone, CEO of Anglo American Foundation and Clare Byrne, Chair of Rockwatch
Our generous sponsors, the Anglo American Foundation, once again welcomed our young geologists and their families to their London Headquarters for a special Prize Giving Ceremony.
And what a celebration it was!
For one very special day, our Rockstars were the VIPs, recognised for their hard work, creativity and enthusiasm for Earth science.
But before the prizes were presented, there were some fascinating discoveries to be made, thanks to two very special guest speakers.
Diamonds are billions of years in the making!
Beth West from De Beers Group
Our first speaker, Beth West from De Beers Group, took our young geologists on a sparkling journey into the world of diamonds.
As part of De Beers Group’s Education & Training team, Beth knows a thing or two about these extraordinary gemstones!
She explored how diamonds form deep within the Earth, why some are billions of years old, and how they make their remarkable journey from the Earth’s interior to the beautiful gemstones we recognise today.
From different diamond cuts to the famous 4Cs, Beth revealed the science and stories behind one of the world’s most fascinating minerals.
From Rockwatcher to Cambridge researcher!
Our second guest speaker had an especially inspiring story to share.
Oscar Lozada, University of Cambridge
Oscar Lozada is a former Rockwatch member and a former Rockstars Competition winner!
Today, Oscar is a researcher at the University of Cambridge, studying Neanderthals and other early humans.
His work takes him to archaeological sites in Iraq, Morocco and the UK, where he investigates ancient remains and uncovers clues about how our ancestors lived, survived and adapted thousands of years ago.
But Oscar’s scientific journey began much closer to home — as a curious young Rockwatcher with a passion for discovery.
He spoke enthusiastically about his childhood experiences with Rockwatch and how they helped inspire his decision to pursue a career in science.
What a wonderful message for our young Rockstars!
Who knows? Among this year’s winners could be the palaeontologists, geologists, archaeologists and scientific explorers of tomorrow.
Lights, camera… Rockstars!
Next came another highlight of the day — the premiere of the Rockstars 2026 Competition Highlights Film!
Featuring many of this year’s fantastic entries, the film celebrates the incredible range of subjects, talents and creative approaches demonstrated by our young geologists.
From the geology just beyond our doorstep to distant planets, ancient life and Earth’s extraordinary history, the film is a reminder that curiosity really has no limits.
Whether through artwork, fieldwork, models, writing, films or games, our Rockstars have found their own imaginative ways to share what they’ve discovered.
🎬 Watch the Rockstars 2026 Competition Highlights Film: [YouTube link]
And the winners are…
The excitement continued as Michael Mapstone, CEO of the Anglo American Foundation, officiated the Prize Giving Ceremony.
Michael spoke warmly about the Foundation’s support for Rockwatch and the importance of encouraging young people to explore and learn:
“We are proud to support Rockwatch, which gives young people opportunities to develop their creativity and learning. This year’s Rockstar Award entries remind us that curiosity can take many forms, from exploring fossils and landscapes to telling stories through art and film. It is exciting to see a new generation finding their own ways to explore the planet and tell its story.”
Clare Byrne, Rockwatch Chair, then introduced our prize winners, celebrating the tremendous effort, knowledge and imagination behind their entries.
“Judging this year’s Rockstars competition was a true highlight of the year. From remarkable artwork and ambitious fieldwork to astonishing videos and games full of geological accuracy and fun, there was so much to celebrate.”
“Thank you all for making the competition so successful and worthwhile!”
And so, with much excitement, our young Rockstars received their well-deserved recognition.
Meet our Rockstars 2026 winners!
8 & Under
1st – Alexander – Dinosaur book
2nd – Rahul – The wonderful world of crystals
3rd – Micheal – Gravity the God of Atrogeology – Creator Architect and Destroyer of Worlds
3rd – Ruairy – Ruairy the Great Garnet Hunter
3rd – William – Fossil Top Trumps
8 & Under Movie Sound
1st – Florence – Is it cake (or is it rock)?
1st – Omar – Rock-a-Dex
2nd – Tomasz – Sarsen Stones – The Valley Of Stones
9 – 12
1st – Elwynne – The Mystery of Hooken Cliffs
2nd – Abigail – Cabinates of Curiosity
2nd – Maisie – Ammonites
9 – 12 Movie Sound
1st – Isabel – Mary Anning
2nd – Ellie – Geology News
3rd – Ribhu – Shaligram: The Sacred Ammonite Fossil
13 – 16
1st – Toby – Geology of the northwest highlands of Scotland
2nd – Elizabeth – Chalk Wall Breach
3rd – Von – Fossils Discovery – Cenozoic Edition: Titan & Smilo’s Fossil Find
13 – 16 Movie Sound
1st – Simran – A musical exploration of the geological journey of Santorini through time
2nd – Ceci – Geology of Millook
2nd – Emma – All about Chalk
Rockwriter
1st – Ben – The Exciting world of Lake Orcadie
A big thank you from Rockwatch!
Congratulations to every one of our prize winners, and to all the young geologists who entered this year’s competition.
We hope you’ve enjoyed making your projects as much as we’ve enjoyed discovering them.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the Anglo American Foundation for its generous sponsorship, wonderful hospitality and continued commitment to inspiring young people.
Special thanks also to Beth West and Oscar Lozada for their fascinating and inspiring talks, and to our dedicated judges for the difficult task of selecting this year’s winners.
Most importantly, thank you to all our young Rockwatchers for sharing your curiosity, creativity and love of geology with us.
Keep asking questions, keep exploring and keep discovering. Who knows where your interest in geology might take you?
Perhaps one day, just like Oscar, you’ll be returning to inspire the next generation of Rockstars!
🎥 Watch the Rockstars 2026 Highlights Film
🌍 Discover more about the Rockstars Young Geologists’ Competition
