"I had the knack and the love. I was a nerd long before it became popular"

John Monahan was the first ever winner of the Young Scientist competition

John Monahan Picture: Brendan Duffy

CV: John Monahan

Role: biotech entrepreneur

Age:69

Family: married with three children

Hobbies: collecting antique computers

Favourite movie: Time Bandits (1981) by Terry Gilliam

For more than 50 years, the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has offered a chance to shine to impassioned students with a flair for science.

This year, the event is expected to host 60,000 visitors winding through the stalls of test tubes, Bunsen burners and handmade posters. There ...