Dublin, Friday, 13th January 2017: The winner of the 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has been announced. Shane Curran, aged 16, a 5th year student from Terenure College, Dublin 6, has taken home the top prize for his project entitled ‘qCrypt: The quantum-secure, encrypted, data storage solution with multijurisdictional quorum sharding technology’. The announcement was made in the BT Arena at Dublin’s RDS this evening by Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Education and Skills, and Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland. Shane competed in the senior section of the Technology category. Shane’s award includes a prize-fund of €5,000, the BTYSTE perpetual trophy, and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the European Space Research and Technology Centre in the Netherlands. In addition, the winner will have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Tallinn, Estonia later this year. Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, said, “It is wonderful to see so many students entering the world of STEM through the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Initiatives such as this have a critical role to play in raising awareness and engagement around science and technology and the impact it has on every aspect of our lives. I would like to congratulate every student, teacher and school community involved for their fantastic work this week. The Exhibition is a highlight for the education calendar every year, and I am delighted that BT will continue to support this event until 2020.” Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland, said; “It has been an incredible exhibition that has captured the imaginations of tens of thousands...
Rio Ferdinand and BT encourage young people to ‘Dream it, Do it’ at a special event at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 12 January 2017 – BT, Active Communities Network (ACN) and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation (RFF) will join forces today at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) to announce BT’s support for a programme designed to promote entrepreneurial and tech skills, youth leadership, and social mobility amongst young people across the island of Ireland. Active Communities Network deliver frontline projects, primarily through sport and cultural activity, to engage young people in education, mentoring and training, and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation delivers skills, employability and employment programmes. Both will collaborate with BT to share best practice, offer mentorship, tech skills training and development opportunities for young people in socio-economically deprived communities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scheme is designed to help build career aspirations and employability skills amongst participants disadvantaged by lack of access, opportunity, or role models. The announcement will be made at a special event this afternoon at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, featuring Rio Ferdinand, founder of the Rio Ferdinand Foundation and former England football captain. The event, which also features broadcaster Aidan Power, Williams Formula 1 Racing CIO Graeme Hackland, BTYSTE alumni Abdul Abubakar and Emily Duffy, and genetics student Avril Watson, is designed to inspire young people from every walk of life to consider careers in science and technology. Speaking about the event, Rio Ferdinand said “The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, ACN and BT share a vision to help young people develop the skills and confidence...
11th January 2017: BT Ireland has extended its partnership with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition until at least 2020. The 53rd annual Exhibition, opened today by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, marks the 17th year under BT’s stewardship. Since its inception in 1963 by Dr. Tony Scott and the late Fr. Tom Burke, almost 85,000 Irish secondary school students have entered the Exhibition, showcasing their original ideas and inventions as part of one of the world’s largest and longest-running science fairs. The event provides a platform for young people with a passion for science and technology and is designed to nurture local talent and skills for the workforce of tomorrow. Its alumni have gone on to launch commercial enterprises, earn international recognition for their ideas, and forge successful careers in critical STEM subject areas. Gavin Patterson, CEO of BT Group said, “We are honoured to extend our commitment to the exhibition for an additional two years. As a vibrant digital hub, Ireland depends on local tech talent and a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive its economy. BTYSTE is one of the most significant grassroots STEM initiatives in the world, bringing together schools, businesses, government and academia with the shared goal of nurturing that future pool of home-grown talent. The exhibition is also making an impact beyond Ireland with the success of its winners in the EU Contest for Young Scientists and with the roll out of the Exhibition in Tanzania and Kenya.” Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, TD, said, “I welcome BT’s continued investment in the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Their...
Dublin, Tuesday 10th January 2017: Thousands of students will light up Dublin’s RDS as the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition kicks off tomorrow. The event brings together some of the country’s brightest young minds as they compete to take home the coveted title of the BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year 2017. President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins will officially open the Exhibition at a special ceremony tomorrow, Wednesday 11th January, attended by students, teachers, Exhibition partners and stakeholders, and presented by broadcaster Aidan Power and TG4’s Roisin Ni Thomáin. The ceremony will be streamed live on Facebook from 2 p.m. There are 550 projects on show at this year’s Exhibition across four categories: Technology; Biological and Ecological; Social and Behavioural Sciences; and Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences. This year’s projects cover a wide variety of topics, from dating to farming and everything in between. Judging begins tomorrow afternoon, and the Exhibition opens to the public from Thursday 12th to Saturday 14th January, with approx. 50,000 visitors, young and old, expected to visit the event over the course of the three days. Speaking at today’s launch, Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said; “This is a record-breaking year for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, with our highest number of entries to date. The quality of the projects on show this year is extraordinary, tackling some of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing society today — from ground-breaking digital tools for people with disabilities to the global migration crisis. We are proud to provide this amazing platform for young people for the 17th year, and...
Registrations now open for BT Mindshare and Dream It Do It: The Future is in Your Hands 4 January 2017 – BT Ireland has added two new free events to the line-up for this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), which takes place on 12-14 January 2017: Dream It, Do It: The Future is in Your Hands Former professional soccer player Rio Ferdinand will headline a special event on 12 January, designed to inspire young people from every walk of life to consider careers in science and technology. Rio will represent The Rio Ferdinand Foundation, which aims to encourage and enable young people to tap into their talents, develop critical skills, and reach their potential through education and employment. Rio will be joined by BTYSTE host and broadcaster Aidan Power, Graeme Hackland, IT Director for Williams F1 Racing, and BTYSTE alumni, including software engineer and 2007 winner Abdusalam Abubakar and Emily Duffy, founder of the Duffily Bag. The free event will take place at 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, 12 January, in the RDS Concert Hall. To register, visit http://btyoungscientist.com/dream-it-do-it/. BT Mindshare Business Breakfast Graeme Hackland, IT Director for Williams F1 Racing, will also take to the stage at BT Ireland’s annual Mindshare business breakfast on 12th January. In a world where milliseconds can stand between the podium and the pits, Graeme will explore the impact of real-time data and the cloud on F1 Racing. Hosted by Newstalk’s Jonathan McCrea, the breakfast will also feature a discussion with Kate and Annie Madden – 2014 BTYSTE finalists, school students, and founders of rapidly growing Irish start-up...
The 53rd Exhibition features a breath-taking line-up of performances for young and old; Open for visitors from 12thto 14th January 2017 at the RDS, Dublin 28th December 2016 Take your imagination into outer space this New Year and plan a visit to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2017, Ireland’s most spectacular science and technology showcase. In addition to the 550 inspiring student projects on show, there is also a fantastic line-up of entertainment and performances, including a special act that will transport visitors to a galaxy far far away! The Exhibition is open to the public in the RDS, Dublin from 12th to 14th January 2017. Space fanatics won’t want to miss Discover the Cosmos 3D, a journey through space and time from the edge of the solar system, exploring the regions of space at the limits of the Sun’s influence. Audiences will chase a comet as it tumbles towards the sun and explore the surface of the Red Planet, Mars. The audience will be wowed and inspired as they observe the majestic Milky Way and learn more about the structure of the universe. Also taking to the stage and joining the line-up for the first time is The Ultimate Science Show, with the longest sparks, the loudest explosions, and the biggest and best science demonstrations on the planet. This is a fast paced interactive show that will explore what the future could look like in the world of STEM. Mentalist David Meade will once again take to the main stage to test the minds of the nation as they try to crack the secret behind his...
The 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will run from 12th – 14th January 2017 at the RDS, Dublin 8 December 2016 Next month the Main Hall in Dublin’s RDS will once again come to life as thousands of young students descend for the 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), which takes place from 12th – 14th January 2017. Hosted by TG4’s Roisin Ni Thomáin and broadcaster Aidan Power, the exhibition brings together the brightest young minds from across the island of Ireland in a showcase of ideas and innovations designed to tackle the issues facing the economy and society today. Over 50,000 visitors, young and old, are expected to visit the Exhibition, which features a showcase of 550 inspirational student projects, as well as a fantastic line-up of live shows including mentalist David Meade, Discover the cosmos 3D, the incredibly popular World of Robots and TITAN the Robot. Tickets are available at the door costing €6 for students, €12 for adults and €25 for a family pass which includes two adults and two children. Visitors can plan their visit to the RDS in advance by downloading the free BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition app, available on Android and Apple devices. Full of helpful information, the app includes an exhibition map, a search tool for student projects and exhibitors, a schedule of events, as well as links to the BTYSTE social networks for live updates throughout the event. Open for visitors: January 12th, 9.30am – 5.30pm, January 13th, 9.30am – 5.00pm and January 14th, 9.30am – 5.30pm Location: RDS, Dublin 4 Tickets: student €6 / adult €12...
New competition will offer former participants the chance to showcase commercial ventures in front of up to 50,000 visitors at BTYSTE 2017 14 November 2016: The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) today announced the BTYSTE Alumni Showcase, a new feature for 2017 which will see previous participants compete for the chance to exhibit their commercial ventures before an audience of up to 50,000 people at the Exhibition on 12th-14th January 2017. The competition is open to alumni of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition or BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp who qualified for the Exhibition itself and went on to incorporate a company based on their BTYSTE project. The goal of the competition is to shine a light on the myriad of successful commercial enterprises born at the Exhibition since its beginnings in 1965, including BTYSTE-born companies like FenuHealth, Restored Hearing, betterexaminations.ie and The Duffily Bag. The submission process is simple – applicants from across the island of Ireland are invited to log on to www.btyoungscientist.com/alumni and tell BT about their company, its impact, and why they deserve the opportunity to exhibit. Nine companies (three per day) will be selected to exhibit alongside 50+ leading private and public sector organisations on the public days of the Exhibition, 12th to 14th January 2017. Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, said; “The BTYSTE Alumni Showcase is a brilliant opportunity to highlight the commercial success stories born at the Exhibition, and to demonstrate how our investment in young talent is impacting the STEM sector, the Irish economy and society as a whole. It’s the perfect way for 2017...
News Release – DC 16-474 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Continues To Break Records As Entry Numbers Rise Again 2,091 entries from 4,591 students across Ireland submitted for the 2017 exhibition Dublin, 20th October 2016: Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD, was on hand today to help BT Ireland announce a record number of entries for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, which takes place on 11-14 January 2017. 2,091 project ideas were submitted by secondary students from 375 schools across the island, an increase of 2% from the 2016 exhibition. 550 projects have been shortlisted to compete at the Exhibition, with results issued to schools this week. The 53rd BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition attracted individual and group entries from 4,591 students in total, an increase of over 3% on last year. These hail from 31 counties, and girls once again out-numbered the boys with a gender split of 61% female to 39% male entrants. Students submitted ideas and innovations on subjects ranging from migration to climate change to concussion injuries, with Social & Behavioural Sciences the most popular category (41% of entries). Speaking at today’s announcement, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD said, “The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a fantastic platform for so many students in Ireland and it is a testament to all involved, that in its 53rd year, the event still continues to grow in such strength and numbers. I have been to the exhibition on numerous occasions and it is extremely inspiring and encouraging to see the talent that is being nurtured as students...
Exhibition announced as official Gaisce Challenge Partner 8 September 2016: Time is running out to enter this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) before the deadline on Wednesday, 28th September 2016. Taking part couldn’t be simpler – students can submit a one-page proposal outlining their idea via www.btyoungscientist.com. For secondary school students who have ever thought “What if?”, BTYSTE offers an opportunity to dream big and give it a shot. This year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has been named an official Gaisce Challenge Partner which means that students can now dedicate their BTYSTE project work towards achieving a Bronze medal as part of Gaisce – The President’s Award. BTYSTE planning, preparation and participation will all count towards the Personal Skill qualification, one of the four challenge areas undertaken as part of the Gaisce programme. Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, said: “BTYSTE isn’t just a school science fair. It is a unique event that provides an opportunity for students to dream and to push their imaginations as far as they can. Each year we see young people take the first step towards becoming entrepreneurs, scientists and technologists, starting out with a simple idea that can blossom into a formal research concept or even a profitable business. Our new partnership with Gaisce – The President’s Award provides yet another reason for young people to explore an idea or an innovation, and enter a proposal for 2017.” To find out more about dedicating BTYSTE project work towards a Gaisce Bronze medal, visit www.gaisce.ie/btyste. To qualify, participants must be aged 15-19 years...
Secondary schools receive financial boost from BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 133 schools across Ireland supported by BT in 2016 10 August 2016: BT Ireland today confirmed financial grants of more than €75,000 to secondary school students across Ireland that participated in this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), one of the world’s largest and longest-running school STEM showcases. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to providing travel and accommodation grants for schools taking part in the 2017 exhibition, which closes for entries on September 28, 2016. The grant scheme is designed to provide financial assistance to the growing number of schools travelling to Dublin each year to participate in the BTYSTE, ensuring that young people with a passion for science and technology have an equal opportunity to get involved, regardless of their geographical location. Schools that are located over 70km from the RDS, where the exhibition is held, are eligible to apply for a grant of €150 per individual entry or €300 for a group entry, up to a maximum of €1,500 per school. In 2016, BT provided more than €75,000 in grant funding to 133 schools across Ireland, bringing the total financial support since 2006 to almost €650,000. Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, said; “We are keenly aware of the financial pressures facing both schools and parents today. Our goal is to ensure that travel and accommodation expenses don’t stand in the way of budding entrepreneurs, scientists and technologists interested in showcasing their innovations. Over the last 50 years, BTYSTE has been a vital platform for Ireland’s most...
With less than a month until schools across the country are back to porridge, Pete Snodden, host of the Cool FM Breakfast Show, has teamed up with the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) to call upon young people across the region to take part in the next event. In a bid to encourage teachers and young people from across Northern Ireland to ‘Dream it, Do it’ and take the science world by storm, Pete is helping drive a campaign to recruit local people aged 12-19 to enter the 2017 exhibition, which takes place in January 2017. BT has also reinforced its commitment to support schools across Northern Ireland to enter this year’s exhibition by offering schools the opportunity to apply for a FREE travel and accommodation grant of up to £2,205. Picture shows: Jill Carwell (15), Sarah Miller (16) and Vicki Miller (16) from Carryduff joined Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden in Belfast to raise awareness of the 2017 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and to call upon young people from across Northern Ireland to submit their proposals to take part in the competition ahead of the closing deadline of...
Top illusionist joins BT in call for entries to the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Belfast, Monday 6th June, 2016: Top illusionist and television mentalist David Meade today joined students in the dome at Victoria Square for a science lesson 148ft high to launch the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Proving that science is not just lab coats and Bunsen burners, David helped students take their learning to new heights by hosting the dome’s first ever interactive science lesson in a bid to encourage young people to ‘Dream it, Do it’ and enter this year’s competition. The science lesson was hosted by BT to mark the official launch of the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and today the company called on teachers and young people aged 12-19 from across Northern Ireland to get involved in the exhibition which will take place in January 2017. To enter, the individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea before the closing date of 28th September, 2016. Entries can be made in any one of four categories within the STEM agenda: (science, technology, engineering and maths). Commenting on the launch, David Meade said: “I am very excited to be involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for a second year as I’m a huge advocate of anything that inspires and encourages young people to pursue their dreams and continue to learn. As a former teacher myself, I understand the importance of encouraging young people to take what they’re learning in the class room or their day-to-day life and use their imagination...
NEWS RELEASE DC16-214 81 per cent of secondary school students state technology has enhanced education and 68 per cent want teachers to use more technology in the classroom BT and Irish gymnast Kieran Behan call for entries for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2017 Dublin, Wednesday 18 May 2016: Research released today by BT Ireland reveals that 81 per cent of secondary school students believe that technology has advanced their education and made information and learning more accessible, while 68 per cent believe that teachers should use more technology in the classroom. The research was conducted with 513 secondary school students and 333 parents of secondary school students throughout Ireland to launch the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2017. The aim of the research is to gain a deeper insight into what motivates young people in terms of their education and career and to understand their perception of science and technology. If they could broaden the school curriculum, students were asked what aspects of science and technology they would like to learn. 57 per cent said they would choose computer programming, 53 per cent said sports science and 41 per cent named bioengineering as their preferred choice. In terms of their futures, sports science is popular with 33 per cent stating they would choose a career in the field. Other choices include a career as a medical researcher (47 per cent) and a scientist working on a beauty brand (25 per cent). These responses show students are thinking about science beyond its traditional form and in a broad range of careers. The research was undertaken to...
