DESPITE the daunting weather conditions, the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) got off to a flying official start today (Thursday) as Limerick’s Minister for Science told entrants their vision will help shape the future.
550 projects from 225 schools are on display showcasing innovation in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) at the RDS in Dublin.
11 Limerick schools are bringing a total of 26 projects to the exhibition this year, hoping to bring the title back home for a second year running.
Schools on Shannonside taking part this year include Ardscoil Rís, Castletroy College, returning champions Coláiste Chiaráin, Coláiste Iósaef, Coláiste Nano Nagle, Desmond College, Glenstal Abbey, Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ, Mungret Community College, Salesian Secondary College, and Scoil Pól.
A judging panel of 85 experts from the world of STEM and business will choose over 200 prize winners, including the overall winning entry – which was taken home to Limerick last year by Seán O’Sullivan from Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom.
There were concerns that some school might not make it to the RDS because of conditions, but all the stops were pulled out to get the competitors where they needed to be.
This year, for the first time ever, the overall winner, along with one senior project from each of the four remaining categories, will be awarded a trip to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan.
The winner will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in Riga, Latvia, in September.
Minister for Science and Limerick TD Patrick O’Donovan offered his best wishes to all the competitors taking part in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition as it kicks off in the RDS between today and January 11.
The Minister will present the new Research Ireland Award on Friday to a project that combines branches of science with social sciences to tackle a critical societal challenge in a novel or innovative way.
“I want to speak directly to the students today. Your ability to shape our future is limitless, and you are the designers of the future Ireland we will live in. You are the vital drivers of Ireland’s potential. We need to learn from you and apply those learnings to how we write, imagine and deliver on government projects,” Minister O’Donovan said.
He said students taking part “are already blazing a trail in their chosen areas and have the potential to become future research leaders in Ireland”.
“I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of them
the best of luck this week, and I look forward to meeting many of them when I visit the exhibition and present the award on Friday.”
The expo was opened officially yesterday with an address from President Michael D Higgins.
