Thousands to take part in young scientist exhibition

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Thousands of pupils and students will this week take part in the 60th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and Primary Science Fair at the RDS in Dublin.

One of the longest running events of its kind in the world, the exhibition showcases research and innovation in project entries from learners aged 12 to 19.

President Michael D Higgins will open the 2024 exhibition on Wednesday.

Some 550 projects from 219 schools will be on display, spanning the four exhibition categories of technology, biological, and ecological sciences; social and behavioural sciences; chemical, physical and mathematical sciences; and a new fifth category introduced this year, health and wellbeing.

A judging panel of 85 experts will have the task of choosing more than 200 prize winners, including the overall BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year, who is awarded €7,500.

The overall winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday and represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS) in Katowice, Poland, this year.

BT Ireland estimates that in the last 60 years some 150,000 young people have taken part, putting forward more than 100,000 project ideas, and over the past 35 years, 17 of the overall exhibition winners have won first place at the EUCYS.

The 2024 Primary Science Fair will also take place alongside the exhibition on Thursday and Friday, giving 55 primary schools the chance to display their research and innovation to judges and visitors.

Mr Higgins said: “As we reflect on this year’s exhibits, and on their connection with the issues and challenges we face together on our shared vulnerable planet, may I suggest that there has never been a better time in which to be a young scientist.

“Yes it is a challenging time, but it is so potentially fulfilling to know that the choices you make will have effects that are important, not just for your own time, but for the very possibility of life itself.

“It is my hope that the experience of the Young Scientist will further drive the interest and determination of all those participating to continue to play a role in science, its application, and to deliver their energy to where it is most necessary for the benefit of all of society.”