Astro Bake-Off 2024!
22 April 2024
The Astro Bake-Off took place on Thursday 18th April in the beautiful Haldane Room. We were presented with 9 entries, all of which were absolutely stunning, captured the theme wonderfully and were out of this world - pun intended!
The fun competition was open to all within the group, we had nine entries in total on the day, whilst the rest of the group were the official "judges". There were two prize categories: "Aesthetics" and "Taste", with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in each (Amazon vouchers of different values). A huge thanks to all those who entered the competition - each bake was unique, amazing to look at and delectable in taste!
Winners
"Aesthetics":
1st prize - Alex Thompson - The TRAPPIST-Yum System
2nd prize - Jack Davey - Mocha Cake
3rd prize - Kay Nakum - Beyond The Moon
"Taste":
1st prize - Kay Nakum - Beyond The Moon
2nd prize - Lorne Whiteway - Cosmological Banana Bread and Sam Wright - Total Eclipse of the Cookie (received the same number of votes)
3rd prize - Kate Pattle - Galactic Dynamics 2 Edition and James Ray - A Slice of Hertzsprung-Russell (received the same number of votes)
Photos of all the entries can be seen below.
Alex Thompson - The TRAPPIST-Yum System:
Jack Davey - Mocha Cake:
James Ray - A Slice of Hertzsprung-Russell
Kate Pattle - Galactic Dynamics 2 Edition:
Kay Nakum - Beyond The Moon:
Laura Aguilar - Eagle Nebula:
Lorne Whiteway - Cosmological Banana Bread:
Nick Achilleos - Auroral Oval Cheesecake:
Sam Wright - Total Eclipse of the Cookie:
Some words from a few of our many judges:
PhD student, Vinooja Thurairethinam, "The Astro Bake-Off was delightful, as an impressive show of both baking skill and creativity displayed by all participants. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event!"
PhD student, Kan Chan, "I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of delicious cakes and the relaxing, friendly atmosphere. It provided a wonderful opportunity to chat with colleagues and know more about their hobby, life, even research through their unique baking creations. I really look forward to the next Astro Bake-Off competition!"
Prof. Amelie Saintonge, "The Astro Bake was a great success. What a joyful (and delicious!) way to be reminded that we are so lucky to work surrounded by colleagues who are all incredibly talented and creative in all sorts of ways beyond Astrophysics!"
Prof. Jay Farihi: "The Great Astro-Bake Off was well attended by enthusiastic and hungry
judges, who were offered a wide variety of space-based themes in the form of cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and more. There were nine entries from all across our diverse group, representing students, postdocs, and staff, and all were highly creative (and tasty!). It seems like an auspicious start for a Group A tradition, and, given how many entries quickly disappeared, one that would be most welcome by all."
Photos from the event: