by BTYSTE_admin
More than 40 pupils from Northern Ireland will be taking part in next week’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in Dublin, which is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors. 15-year-old Harvey Donnelly from Wellington College in Belfast is hoping to impress judges with his project, which uses a computer programme to model electrochemical cell reactions to build better batteries. The 4th year student will present his research alongside 550 other science and technology projects, which are all competing for the coveted title of ‘BT Young Scientist & Technologist’. Harvey says: “I’m really excited about going to Dublin and seeing what all the other students have come up with. It’s the same week as my mock exams and one of these has had to be re-scheduled but I wouldn’t miss it for the world. “I’ve learned so much and my project has already taken me to Queen’s University, where I’ve been talking to researchers in the Department of Chemistry. I want to develop better batteries and, ultimately, address the biggest challenges facing the world, like climate change and the need for renewable energy.” The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has teamed up with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) so that participants, like Harvey, can use their project work to count towards the Skills section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Kate Thompson, DofE Director in Northern Ireland, says: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It’s valued by employers and universities – just like participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. “That’s why it made sense for us...
by Eilis Smith
The winner of the 54th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has been announced. Simon Meehan, aged 15, a Transition Year student from Colaiste Choilm in Cork, has taken home the top prize for his project entitled ‘Investigation into the Antimicrobial effects of both aerial and root parts of selected plants against Staphylococcus’ aureus. The coveted prize was presented to the winner this evening in the BT Arena by Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton and Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh. Simon Meehan presented his project in the Biological and Ecological section of the Intermediate category. Simon’s award includes the largest prize fund yet of €7,500, the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and an exclusive trip to Bletchley Park in the UK, the famous World War II coding centre. In addition, and uniquely this year, the winner will have the opportunity to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, taking place in the RDS, Dublin in September 2018. This will be only the second time in the 30-year history of the competition that Ireland will host this prominent international event. Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton, said, “I’m delighted to be here at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition – it’s fantastic to see so many young people engaged and inspired by the STEM subjects and their application to real world problems. Outside of school activities such as this have a critical role to play in sparking that passion in our children for science and technology and have a massive influence on their engagement with STEM in their future lives. We’ve recently...
by Eilis Smith
BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition to receive Special Recognition Award at the American Chamber’s Annual Dinner in May Global and local contribution to encouraging participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects recognised. The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland has announced that the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) will be honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner on 18 May 2018. The award will recognise BTYSTE’s outstanding contribution to helping enable students across Ireland to participate in STEM based activities. The Chamber strongly supports STEM teaching and learning in Ireland as a critical part of talent development and to ensuring Ireland’s economy remains internationally competitive. Mark Redmond, Chief Executive of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland said: “This award will publicly recognise BTYSTE’s major contribution to encouraging participation in STEM subjects and the initiative’s significant local, national and global impact. BTYSTE has provided a means for which every boy and girl in Ireland can see a limitless future of ability and opportunity for themselves through STEM.” Shay Walsh, Managing Director at BT Ireland said: “BTYSTE is delighted and honoured to be recognised by the American Chamber of Commerce for our work helping to discover the next generation of STEM leaders. 2018 marks another year showcasing Irish students’ teamwork, collaboration, creativity, communication, and scientific research. We hope that this year’s success will be a source of inspiration to even more students to participate in STEM and will continue to promote a culture of STEM teaching and learning within our...
by Eilis Smith
Today, 10 January, President Michael D. Higgins formally opened the 54th edition of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The President visited a number of projects being presented, with ideas and innovations designed to tackle the issues facing Irish and global society. The President also gave an address to the young scientists, paying tribute to the Exhibition initiative, and highlighting the importance of science and of technology transfer in the response to current global challenges such as pollution, poverty and climate...
by Eilis Smith
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 2018. President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins will officially open the Exhibition at a special ceremony tomorrow, Wednesday 10th 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. Leading communications and IT Services company, BT, is also delighted to announce an increase in prize money for the winner and a trip to the home of codebreaking in World War II, Bletchley Park. This year winner(s) of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, to be announced on Friday, will be presented with a cheque for €7,500, (an increase from €5,000), a trip to the historic Bletchley Park and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy. The 2018 overall winner(s) will also receive the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 30th EU Contest for Young Scientists when it is hosted in Dublin in September. This year’s Exhibition, which is now one of the largest and most renowned of its kind in Europe, will play host to a festival of science and innovation with guest appearances from people like Dr. Norah Patten, Ireland’s astronaut in training, Kevin Mitnick, ‘the world’s most famous hacker’ and broadcaster Jon Snow. Over 20 shows a day will be available for students and visitors to see, including one...
by Eilis Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHfhs4O1YkE #btyste Go behind-the-scenes at RTÉ with a unique virtual reality experience; see 2FM DJ’s broadcast live to the nation; or try your hand as an RTÉ Weather presenter – get all this and more at the RTÉ set at the 2018 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) at Dublin’s RDS from next Thursday to Saturday. An exciting three-day schedule of live broadcasts, events and activities will include RTÉ One’s Six One News on Wednesday 10th January, as new programme co-presenter, Caitriona Perry meets many of the young pupils and teachers who are taking part in the event and learning about their scientific discoveries. The programme will feature special reports, live interviews, as well as all the day’s main stories from co-presenter, Keelin Shanley in the RTÉ News studio in Donnybrook. RTÉ’s collaboration with Samsung to create a bespoke RTÉ/Samsung Virtual Reality Experience will offer the 50,000 visitors expected at BTYSTE 2018 the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes during RTÉ One’s One O’Clock News and RTÉ 2FM’s Tracy Clifford Show using cutting edge VR technology. On radio, RTÉ will mark this year’s BTYSTE with a full schedule of live 2FM broadcasts throughout Thursday as Nicky and Jenny, Tracy Clifford and Eoghan McDermott all present their shows live from the RDS, from 10am – 7pm inclusive. The Nicky Byrne Show with Jenny Greene will kick-start this year’s BTYSTE with a live broadcast from 10am – 1pm on Thursday, followed by Tracy Clifford from 1pm – 4pm and then Eoghan McDermott from 4pm – 7pm. On Friday, Mo K brings the beats to the RDS on RTÉ Pulse from 10am – 1pm, while Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh will present Eolaí...
by BTYSTE_admin
January 11th 2018, BT Arena, RDS, Dublin Kevin Mitnick will be performing a live hack on his first appearance in Ireland at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2nd January 2018; BT Ireland is delighted to announce ‘The World’s most famous Hacker’, Kevin Mitnick, as the keynote speaker at BT Mindshare, which takes place during the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition on Thursday 11th January 2018 at 5.00pm in the RDS, Dublin. Formerly one of the FBI’s Most Wanted, Kevin Mitnick has since transformed himself into a trusted security consultant to Fortune 500 enterprises and governments worldwide, mentoring leaders and staff on both the theory and practice of social engineering and educating consumers on how they can protect themselves from today’s latest threats. With average annual losses of cybercrime to companies worldwide standing at €6.6 million, cybersecurity is top of mind. Kevin Mitnick knows everything there is to know about staying protected online and BT is excited to host him as the keynote speaker at the annual BT Mindshare event. On his first visit to Ireland, the security expert will be performing a live hack and will bring insight and experience alive to a room full of senior business professionals where security is top of their agenda. Limited places are available, but those interested can register at info.btireland.com/BT_Mindshare_2018. Speaking about the upcoming BT Mindshare, Steve Benton, General Manager of Cyber & Physical Security Operations at BT, said “Security is one of the biggest boardroom agenda items across the globe. “We want to use this opportunity with Kevin as a chance to educate our customers to recognise the...
by BTYSTE_admin
The 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will run from 10th – 13th January 2018 at the RDS, Dublin 550 unique student projects showcased Live Q&A with astronaut in training, Norah Patten ‘The World’s most famous Hacker’, Kevin Mitnick, revealed as keynote business speaker Mentalist, live science shows, robot wars, exhibition stands and much more… 9 December 2018; An abundance of innovation, unique ideas and creative thinking from young minds will fill the halls of the RDS in Dublin next month at the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). Over 1,100 inspiring students will showcase their projects to an expected 50,000+ visitors and 84 judges from 10th – 13th January 2018. Leading communications and IT Services Company, BT, is also delighted to announce a host of new acts, shows and speakers that will be performing at this year’s Exhibition for the first time, including Ministry of Science UK, a live Q&A with astronaut in training, Norah Patten and keynote address at BT Mindshare from the ‘world’s most famous hacker’, Kevin Mitnick. Shows returning by popular demand include mentalist David Meade, The Real Science of the Circus, 3D Space Journey and the incredibly popular World of Robots. ‘The World’s most famous Hacker’, Kevin Mitnick, will be performing a live hack on his first appearance in Ireland at BT Mindshare which takes place on Thursday 11th January 2018 at 5.30pm in the BT Arena, RDS. Once wanted by the FBI, now turned trusted security consultant to the Fortune 500, Kevin will bring insight and experience alive to a room full of senior business professionals where security is top...
by BTYSTE_admin
Finalists for the 2018 Exhibition announced 2,031 projects submitted to the 54th BTYSTE Project titles show increasing mindfulness of major social issues 1st November 2017: The finalists of the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have been announced as the Exhibition gears up for the 54th year of the renowned educational event. This week BT, the organisers and sponsors of the event, delivered the good news to the students involved in the 550 finalist projects. An impressive 2,031 projects were submitted by students across the island of Ireland, with every county represented by a submission. This year’s award is more special than ever, as the 2018 overall winner will represent Ireland in the European Union Contest for Young Scientists when it comes to Dublin in September. An unusually high number of the 2018 Exhibition entries investigate burning social issues such as homelessness, transgender rights and mental health. Whilst subjects such as these are not uncommon for the Behavioural Science Category, this year the trend is visible in the more traditional categories such as Biological & Ecological Science and Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Science, highlighting just how much these topics are impacting on students’ lives. Shay Walsh, MD BT Ireland said, “BT Ireland is proud to once again be organising the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and to announce the 2018 participants. As a technology company we feel that it is vital to foster an interest in STEM right across the country to ensure our cities and towns have the talent required to move forward as a society. This is something we are proud to do with...
by BTYSTE_admin
Ireland’s favourite illusionist is urging students to submit entries 2018 winner to represent Ireland at European Union Young Scientist taking place in Dublin Top illusionist David Meade has joined BT Ireland in urging students from across the country to submit an entry for the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), ahead of the fast approaching deadline of 25th September 2017. The exhibition, now in its 54th year, is one of the largest and longest running STEM* events in the world. The theme for BTYSTE 2018 is ‘It Starts Here’ highlighting and celebrating the role the Exhibition can play in captivating a love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and help nurture Ireland’s leaders of tomorrow. Signifying the beginning of opportunities for young people at the exhibition, they can express their interest in STEM and demonstrate their creativity by turning their ideas into reality outside of a classroom setting. David Meade, a BTYSTE ambassador, said: “The exhibition can be the starting point of a bright and brilliant future for many and it allows young people to really develop their imaginations and interest in STEM subjects, which is extremely important. I would strongly urge both students and teachers alike to get involved, and to work together to submit an entry before the deadline of September 25th.” BT Ireland has also reinforced its commitment to support schools from across Ireland to enter this year’s exhibition with a free travel and accommodation grant. All schools on application can qualify for the grant, which means that schools that are located over 70km from the RDS, where the exhibition is held, are eligible...
by BTYSTE_admin
IT STARTS HERE! Top illusionist joins BT in call for students to enter the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Belfast, Wednesday 24th May, 2017: Top illusionist and television mentalist David Meade joined students at Belfast Metropolitan College today to officially launch the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). The launch took place at a Sci-Tech Workshop hosted by David Meade and coordinated by BT, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) and Belfast Metropolitan College. The workshop was designed to invigorate, inspire, and engage students and teachers alike in STEM subjects. During the event, David Meade, who is an official ambassador for the BTYSTE, called on young people aged 12-19 years old to create their own project in the science, technology, engineering and maths categories and enter the 2018 BTYSTE. The theme for BTYSTE 2018 is ‘It Starts Here’, signifying the beginning of opportunities for young people at the exhibition, where they can express their interest in STEM and demonstrate creativity by turning their ideas into reality. Commenting on the launch, David Meade said: “I’m thrilled to be involved with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for the third year in a row as I am incredibly passionate about anything that inspires young people to continue to learn, explore and to take on new challenges and experiences. “This world class exhibition allows students to use their imaginations to turn what they are learning in class each day into a fantastic idea and the exhibition can be, and has been, the starting point of a bright and brilliant future for many young...
by BTYSTE_admin
BT reveals research findings as it launches the 2018 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Study reveals that participation in events like the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has a strong influence on third level degree choices School and peers identified as most important influencers in developing interest in science and technology 98% of third level students surveyed could not identify an Irish scientist or technologist BT Ireland today launched the 54th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), calling on secondary school students across Ireland to begin their preparation for the 2018 event in January. To mark the launch of the 2018 exhibition, BT commissioned an independent survey of third-level students to identify levels and origins of interest in science and technology. The research revealed that participation in events like the BTYSTE has a strong influence on the future pursuit of science and technology at third level. However, 40% of students still perceive science and technology subjects as ‘too difficult’. Last year, the BTYSTE recorded the highest ever number of entries proving that the popularity of the exhibition and engagement in STEM events is growing year on year. However, the research illustrates that there is still work to be done to promote the value of choosing science and technology subjects at secondary school level. Key findings revealed that: 40% say they didn’t take science for their Leaving Cert or consider it for third level as they found the subject too difficult One in three had no interest in science or technology whatsoever Despite the volume of Irish technology and science entrepreneurs making their mark, only 2% of...
