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BT is calling on all past entrants, visitors, teachers, judges, partners and supporters to connect with the exhibition again and send their Happy Birthday messages and memories via a virtual birthday card, Facebook and Twitter. Simply go to www.btyoungscientist.com/birthday or www.facebook.com/btyste, or use #btyste50 on Twitter to send your birthday wishes and BT will collate the messages. A selection of the most special birthday wishes will be projected onto the RDS, Dublin, in January 2014. The birthday card is accompanied by a new digital archive created by BT, which displays unique material and iconic moments of the last 49 years of the exhibition. In addition to photographs from throughout the decades, the archive also includes indexed exhibition guides, forming a searchable database of students that competed in the programme. The archive is available at www.btyoungscientist.com/archive and BT is calling on old friends of the exhibition to re-connect on our Facebook page to share their memories. As part of the launch of the 50th year of the exhibition, BT Ireland also announced that it will extend its commitment to organising and sponsoring the competition beyond 2014 and until 2016. This additional two-year sponsorship demonstrates continued support and a significant investment by BT into what is now a cornerstone of the Irish educational calendar. Commenting at the launch, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD said: “I am delighted to offer my wholehearted congratulations to everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist Exhibition as it celebrates its fiftieth birthday. The whole country has been impressed by the hard work and ingenuity of all of those who have taken part since the first competition was... read more
BT is calling on all past entrants, visitors, teachers, judges, partners and supporters to connect with the exhibition again and send through their Happy Birthday messages and memories via a virtual birthday card, through Facebook and Twitter. Simply go to www.btyoungscientist.com/birthday orwww.facebook.com/btyste, or use #btyste50 on Twitter to send your birthday wishes and BT will collate the messages. A selection of the most special birthday wishes will be projected onto the RDS, Dublin, in January 2014. The birthday card is accompanied by a new digital archive created by BT, which displays unique material and iconic moments of the last 49 years of the exhibition. In addition to photographs from throughout the decades, the archive also includes indexed exhibition guides, forming a searchable database of students that competed in the programme. The archive is available at www.btyoungscientist.com/archive and BT is calling on old friends of the exhibition to re-connect on our Facebook page to share their memories. As part of the launch of the 50th year of the exhibition, BT Ireland also announced that it will extend its commitment to organising and sponsoring the competition beyond 2014 and until 2016. This additional two-year sponsorship demonstrates continued support and a significant investment by BT into what is now a cornerstone of the Irish educational calendar. Commenting at the launch Education Minister John O’Dowd, MLA said, “The importance of STEM subjects at school cannot be over-estimated. If we are to grow the local economy in the future we need to see more young people leaving school and university with STEM-related qualifications. The school pupils of today are the innovators of tomorrow and it... read more
50% of students surveyed at BT Business Bootcamp feel that they do not need to leave Ireland to fulfill their full career potential. 78% of students surveyed at BT Business Bootcamp feel that there is a gap in the education system regarding innovation. The winners ofthe 2013 BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp, an intensive commercialisation skills programme held at NovaUCD, have been announced today. Devised by BT, and delivered with UCD Innovation, the course aims to bridge the gap between business and education. Anna Fitzpatrick aged 18 from Scoil Chonglais in Wicklow, Sean Reilly aged 17 from Coláistena Coiribe in Galway, Sean Murphy aged 15 from Davitt College in Mayo, Émer Hickey aged 15 from Kinsale Community College in Cork and Aaron Hoffmann aged 16 from Luttrellstown Community College in Dublin won ‘best overall team’ for their project ‘I.C.E. Scan Me’ the development of a medical database which may be rapidly accessed in an emergency situation using a personalised QR code. Evaluated by a judging panel from business and academia, the team was selected for its significant progress over the course of the innovative programme. Eoin McMahon aged 16 from Gonzaga College in Dublin was recognised as the best individual student. All the winners will enjoy summer placements at leading third level universities including NUI Galway, University of Limerick, University College Dublin, and the University of Ulster. In addition, Rory Hughes aged 16 from Gonzaga College was the student selected to pitch his project idea, ‘Automatic Cloud Based Medical Alert Platform’, at the next Dublin Web Summit in October 2013. Speaking at the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp award ceremony,... read more
Dublin, Friday, 11th January 2013: The winners of the 49th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2013 have been announced! Third year students Ciara Judge, Emer Hickey and Sophie Healy-Thow, all aged 15, from Kinsale Community School, Cork have taken home the top prize for their project entitled, “A statistical investigation of the effects of Diazotroph bacteria on plant germination”. The announcement was made in the BT Arena at Dublin’s RDS this evening, by Ruairi Quinn, TD Minister for Education and Skills and Colm O’Neill, CEO, BT Ireland. The girls were entered in the Biological & Ecological Sciences category,intermediate section. Ciara, Emer and Sophie were presented with a cheque for €5,000, the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 25th European Union Young Scientist competition taking place in Prague in September and a Waterford crystal trophy. Almost 1,200 students from 31 counties covering 550 projects from 216 schools nationwide competed for the coveted title ‘Winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2013.’ Colm O’Neill, CEO, BT Ireland said, “The exhibition is incredible this year – more ideas submitted, more partners coming on board, excellent exhibits and certainly more visitors coming through the doors. It is becoming a real movement and gaining such momentum in its 49th year. We’re delighted with the winning projects and would like to congratulate the winners on their achievements this week. We know, from experience, that this award will change their lives.” Mary Kelly-Quinn, Head Judge – Groups, Biological & Ecological Sciences category said, “Over 70% of the Earth’s atmosphere is made up of the gas nitrogen. Nitrogen is extremely important for plant growth... read more
Travel Awards Elan Student Award, Cork, Coláiste Choilm, ‘Using beetles as an indicator to test the biodiversity of hedgerows’ Analog Devices Student Award, Mayo, Davitt College, ‘The world at your fingertips’ Intel Student Award, Roscommon, Scoil Muire gan Smál – Roscommon, ‘The effect of static magnetic fields on molecular and macroscopic properties of water’ Fr Tom Burke Memorial Bursary Father Tom Burke Memorial Bursary, Cork, Regina Mundi College, ‘Investigating if sudoku can improve mathematical literacy and logic skills’ Special Awards Bank of Ireland, Cork, Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh, ‘Robot Run’ Bell Labs Award, Limerick, Castletroy College, ‘A portable solar panel tracker getting the best out of the sun’ ComReg Special Award, Roscommon, Scoil Mhuire, ‘Protect your engine from petrol damage’ Eli Lilly Special Award, Limerick, Castletroy College, ‘A comparison using chemical analysis of naturally occurring antiseptic extracts from plants’ EMC Data Hero Award, Cork, Presentation College, ‘The best way to write’ Environmental Protection Agency Special Award, Cork, Coláiste Choilm, ‘Using beetles as an indicator to test the biodiversity of hedgerows’ Foras na Gaeilge, Dublin, Coláiste Iosagáin, ‘Staidéar ar shreabadh gránach’ Geological Survey of Ireland Award, Dublin, Skerries Community College, ‘Predicting changing sands on Skerries South Strand’ Google Trailblazers- Best Boy, Dublin, Terenure College, ‘Libramatic: a fully automated cloud based library management system’ Google Trailblazers- Best Girl, Tipperary, St Mary’s Secondary School – Nenagh, ‘Investigating methods of automatically classifying sheet music according to difficulty’ Google Trailblazers- Best Group, Dublin, Our Ladys School – Templeogue, ‘”Real Time” information?’ Health Research Board Special Award, Tipperary, ‘Presentation Secondary School – Thurles A Shock in Time: a community based study of response... read more
Category Awards – Biological and Ecological Sciences 1st – Junior Individual, Dublin, Newpark Comprehensive School, ‘Investigating changes in air pollution since 1988 using lichens as an indicator’ 2nd – Junior Individual, Limerick, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, ‘An féidir planda uisciúil eile a úsáid seachas Elodea chun ráta fótasintéis a thaispeáint?’ 3rd – Junior Individual, Dublin, Loreto Secondary School – Balbriggan, ‘Spice up your diet: An investigation into the use of spices as effective food preservatives and in medicinal use’ 1st – Junior Group, Antrim, Rathmore Gs, ‘Why did our Palm Trees (cordylines) die?’ 2nd – Junior Group, Londonderry, Oakgrove Integrated College, ‘Developing methods to harvest seeds from crops for replanting by farmers in developing countries’ 3rd – Junior Group, Dublin, Sutton Park School, ‘An investigation of ways of reducing fruit flies in compost bins’ 1st – Intermediate Individual, Dublin, Loreto Abbey Secondary School, ‘Regional variation in birdsong – do robins have dialects?’ 2nd – Intermediate Individual, Clare, Mary Immaculate Secondary School – Lisdoonvarna, ‘Are there morphological differences in the leaf of Geranium sanguineum that are separated geographically?’ 3rd – Intermediate Individual, Dublin, Loreto Secondary School – Balbriggan, ‘A bioinformatic study of the genomes of MRSA and other superbugs’ 1st – Intermediate Group, Louth, Our Ladys College – Drogheda, ‘Horse chestnut trees under attack’ 2nd – Intermediate Group, Dublin, Loreto Secondary School – Balbriggan, ‘On target: A bioinformatics investigation of potential drug targets for cancer’ 3rd – Intermediate Group, Dublin, Loreto Secondary School – Balbriggan, ‘Investigating the protective effects of chitosan on the tomato fruit’ 1st – Senior Individual, Cork, Christian Brothers College, ‘Investigating the sensitivity of the honey bee to acids... read more
BT Young Scientist & Technologist’s of the Year 2013 Kinsale Community School, Cork ‘A statistical investigation of the effects of diazotroph bacteria on plant germination’ Best Individual Presentation College, Galway ‘”Free Feet” a device to reduce freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease’ Runner Up Individual Scoil Muire gan Smál, Roscommon ‘The effect of static magnetic fields on molecular and macroscopic properties of water’ Runner Up Group Bush Post Primary School, Louth ‘Abortion and religion: A statistical analysis of views and opinions in border... read more
The exhibition, now in its 49th year, continues to gain momentum and provides an exciting forum for students and teachers to interact across science, technology, engineering, and maths in a fun and inspirational way that highlights the relevance of these topics to everyday life. The increased number of finalists will go towards boosting the chances of a local student snapping up a top award. This year seasoned entrants such as St.Mary’s College in Derry~Londonderry and newly qualified schools such as Drumcree College in Portadown and St Fanchea’s College in Fermanagh will go head to head in an attempt to win one of the prestigious awards at the ceremony. Projects such as Investigating the effect of green tea on the action of antibiotics and Plants and the rate of photosynthesis: does age matter? will be exhibited at the event which take places from 9th – 12th January at the RDS in Dublin. Peter Morris, Corporate Services Director, BT said: “The engagement that secondary school students are showing in this 49 year old exhibition is excellent. The vision of the exhibition founders and BT has become a reality – raising awareness of the sciences, unearthing new ideas, giving young people a platform to shine and showing the island of Ireland’s scientific skills at international competitions. We’re looking forward to the show in January, where we get to hear firsthand these young people’s solutions for a better future.” Since BT took over as organiser and sponsor of the event, the quality and quantity of entries received from secondary school students have surpassed all expectations and have garnered both local and international interest... read more
Dublin, Tuesday 6th November 2012: BT has today announced that it has broken all previous records for entries received with the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition set to be the biggest ever. With 1,879 ideas entered from 4,189 students from 32 counties, never has there been such an appetite from young people to drive a better future for Ireland. Since BT took over as organiser and sponsor of the event, the quantity and quality of entries received from students has continued to surpass all expectations. In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of students developing commercially viable projects and demonstrating entrepreneurial flair. This year, entries in the Technology category are at an all time high with a 24% increase in entries since the 2012 exhibition. BT is committed to contributing towards a better future for Ireland. Through this promise, BT has continued to develop and grow a platform where students are encouraged to engage in science, technology, engineering, maths and commercialisation. Now, more than ever, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is geared towards driving skills and innovation for the future of Ireland Inc. The 2013 entries at a glance: 1,879 entries received spanning 32 counties 4,189 students 362 schools represented Number of entries per category: Biological & Ecological Sciences: 504 Chemical, physical & Mathematical Sciences: 308 Social & Behavioural Sciences: 697 Technology: 370 Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., said “Now In its 49th year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continues to break new records for both the number of projects entered and schools competing. Research... read more
Dublin, Tuesday 11th September 2012: School students are today being called on to enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition by Monday 1st October and showcase their ideas for a better future to the public. In a new survey commissioned by the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, the clear message was that students desperately want their opinions and ideas to be heard. Over 200 students, aged between 12 and 19, from across the island of Ireland participated in the survey which showed that more than 70% of students feel that adults today do not value their opinions. When asked whether they thought school was harder for their parents or themselves, 65% of those surveyed maintain that school today is harder for students with an increased amount of pressure to get an excellent leaving certificate and to secure a place in university. Over three quarters of the students surveyed believe that schools in urban areas have a distinct edge over their rural counterparts citing funding, facilities and access to universities as the main advantages. The students were asked to recount recent events from their community or country which made them proud. More than 100 students referenced Irish sporting successes such as Katie Taylor’s Olympic gold medal, individual county GAA triumphs or the success of the Irish Paralympic team as the reasons for creating a sense of pride for them. A number of students indicated that they were proud of Ireland’s ability to cope with the economic downturn. Other notable findings include: 52% of students cited the jobs crisis as the main obstacle standing in the way of their chosen career 57%... read more
BT Ireland today launched the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and is calling on students throughout Ireland to enter their ideas and inventions by the 1st October 2012. As part of the launch, BT has released research into trends in projects which have qualified over the past six years to understand patterns in student’s thinking, how they make decisions and from where they draw their inspiration and subject matter. The extensive research undertaken by BT into over 3,000 qualified entries from 2007 to 2012 has revealed that participating students have dramatically evolved their ideas to reflect the constantly shifting economic, environmental and social landscapes in Ireland over this period. In the 2012 exhibition, 15% of students (more than one in every seven projects) demonstrated entrepreneurial flair coupled with honed business acumen. These students fully understand the value of creating and owning entrepreneurial ideas. In stark contrast, six years ago, a mere 2% of projects could be considered commercially-viable. This trend resulted in a call from BT for the Patents Office to be present at the exhibition to help participating students protect and grow their ideas. The research findings analysed: Exports: Vital to the recovery of the Irish economy, agriculture remains a key component of the export market. Exhibiting students have shown they understand the benefits of Irish agriculture as a commercially viable opportunity. In 2012, over 60 projects focused on the agri-business sector, representing a four-fold increase on the 2007 entries in this sector. Smart students know the value of smart technology. The 2011 and 2012 exhibitions saw a number of apps developed for the... read more
In this, the 50th anniversary of what is now a cornerstone of the Irish educational calendar, secondary school students from across Ireland are being called upon to enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition by Wednesday 2nd October.. Building on the positive momentum in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) seen during this year’s Leaving Certificate where the numbers of students sitting Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Applied Maths, Technology and Biology have increased, BT Ireland is calling on students to submit ideas and inventions they have for creating a better future. . Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BT Ireland commented: “The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition provides Irish students with a unique platform to meet like-minded peers, accomplished academics and industry organisations from across the science and technology sectors. Not only can the students showcase their ideas in the prestigious competition, they can also explore third level education and career opportunities with the organisations who exhibit there. The exhibition has thrived for 49 years, positively impacting so many people who took part, and we’re hoping that more and more students and schools will take the opportunity to enter their idea in this milestone year.” . To celebrate the 50th exhibition, BT has partnered with the Institutes of Technology Ireland (IOTI) and NI regional colleges to find the most creative design for a new award trophy to present to the overall winner of the exhibition. Third level students will submit designs for this perpetual trophy, and the overall winning entry will be selected by one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Graham Knuttel. . The winner of the trophy design... read more
Dublin, 18th September 2013: The closing date for entries for the 50th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is fast approaching. Secondary school students from across the island of Ireland are today being called upon to enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition by 2nd October.. Building on the positive momentum set with an increase in the number of leaving certificate students applying for a third level placement in a science, technology, medical or engineering discipline, BT Ireland is calling on students to submit ideas and inventions for creating a better future for Ireland.. BT is introducing an additional special prize for the overall winner of the 2014 exhibition. The winner(s) will be flown to Silicon Valley in California, home to some of the world’s biggest technology corporations, to meet BT’s Innovation team, and will enjoy a hosted tour of leading enterprises and business leaders. . The winner (s) will also receive the BT Young Scientist of the Year Perpetual Trophy, a cheque for €5,000 and the chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.. To further encourage project entries in 2014, BT will continue to offer a helping hand to students from across the country through the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Grant Scheme. To date BT has provided over €400,000 in financial aid, dedicated to travel and accommodation, to help students across Ireland compete. Through 984 grants to over 330 schools across Ireland, BT has administered over €411,000 in financial aid to competing schools.. Ciara Judge, from Kinsale Community School in Cork, and one of the overall winners at the 2013... read more
Ciara Judge, Emer Hickey and Sophie Healy-Thow Awarded First Prize in Biology at EU Young Scientist Competition in Prague Dublin, Tuesday 24th September 2013: The 2013 winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, Ciara Judge, Emer Hickey and Sophie Healy-Thow, have been awarded First prize in Biology at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Prague today. Representing Ireland (North and South) the girls beat off intense competition from over 120 students from 38 countries, ranging in ages from 14-20 to win the award worth €7,000 as well as an honorary award of an all expenses paid trip to the London International Youth Science Forum. Each year the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition winner receives the honour of representing Ireland in the annual EU competition. Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive, BT Ireland said, “In 25 years of competing at the EU competition, Ireland has now taken home the top honours 15 times, out-performing all other countries. We believe this major award will add to the future career prospects for Ciara, Emer and Sophie, raise the profile of their school and teachers, and further boost the impressive international credentials of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. The girls have done us proud.” Ciara, Emer and Sophie from Kinsale Community College, Cork won the coveted 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition prize for their project entitled, ‘A statistical investigation of the effects of diazotroph bacteria on plant germination.’ Their project investigated the benefits of diazotrophs during the germination stage of plant growth. The girls statistically analysed the results of their investigations using the student T-test. The... read more
BT Ireland has today announced that it has broken all previous records for entries to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The 50th competition, taking place in January 2014, is set to be the biggest ever with 2,000 ideas submitted by 4,418 students from across 32 counties. 50 per cent of secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland have entered a project for the milestone year. BT, which has organised the exhibition for 14 years, has significantly evolved the exhibition every year to engage as many young people as possible in the key areas of science, technology, engineering, maths, innovation and commercialisation. Major progress has been made over the past fourteen years including: a tripling of project entries; a new commercialisation boot camp; a financial bursary to assist participating schools; and a growing array of science and technology exhibits, events and special acts that attract thousands of visitors. The 2014 entries at a glance: 2,000 entries received, spanning 32 counties 4,418 students 379 schools represented Number of entries per category: o Biological & Ecological Sciences: 574 o Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences: 350 o Social & Behavioural Sciences: 701 o Technology: 375 The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn T.D., said: “In its 50th year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is breaking new records with figures up for participating students and schools, as well as an increase in entries in key categories such as chemical, physical and mathematical sciences. The importance of investment in research and innovation to our economy cannot be underestimated, and I commend everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology... read more
138 school students from across Northern Ireland have entered a total of 68 projects into one of the largest school science and technology events in the world, BT announced today. The students, from 29 schools, have entered their ideas into a range of categories from technology to mathematical and ecological to be in with a chance of being crowned the BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year in 2014. BT, which has organised the exhibition for 14 years, has significantly evolved the exhibition every year to engage as many young people as possible in the key areas of science, technology, engineering, maths, innovation and commercialisation. Major progress has been made over the past fourteen years including: a tripling of project entries; a new commercialisation boot camp; a financial bursary to assist participating schools; and a growing array of science and technology exhibits, events and special acts that attract thousands of visitors. Peter Morris, Director of Corporate Services, BT, said, “Investment in science and technology has continued to serve Northern Ireland well, and we need to ensure we have the talent to sustain and grow these valuable sectors. BT organises this phenomenal exhibition because it offers unique opportunities for young people and teachers and inspires them to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and innovation. It has thrived for 50 years, and I’d encourage Northern Ireland schools, families and business leaders to visit in January and experience the talent, ideas, optimism, exhibits and special acts at an event that shows that anything is possible.” The overall 2014 exhibition project entries at a glance (all-island): 2,000 entries... read more
It’s that time of year again! The Main Hall in Dublin’s RDS will welcome some of the brightest young minds in the country as the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition returns in January. This year, Colonel Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut made famous by his interstellar rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity, will be making a very special appearance at the exhibition on Saturday, 11th January to sign copies of his new book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, hosted by TG4’s Roisin Ni Thomain and broadcaster Aidan Power, will be open to the public from Thursday 9th– Saturday 11th January 2014. Tickets are available at the door costing €6 for students, €12 for adults and €25 for a family pass. The exhibition is a great family day out packed full of fun, creative inventions, interactive education and live shows including World of Robots, The Science Museum ‘SuperCool’ Show, 3D Theatre – 50 years of space exploration and TITAN The Robot. World renowned coding club Coder Dojo will also feature at the exhibition with workshops teaching creative problem solving skills and practical creative skills to students. In addition to the 550 student projects on display, there are four more areas packed full of science and technology exhibits making it a must-see event. The annual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition attracts over 40,000 people each year making it one of the largest events of its kind in Europe. For information, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com or check out http://www.facebook.com/BTYSTE, follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/btyste or call 1800 924 362 or from Northern... read more
