When schools promote project-based learning through science fairs like the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, students look for interaction/engagement within the local environment, such interactions build connections between schools and:

1. The local environment, local resources, parents and the community who become engaged through their children/students or will attend a local school based science fair
2. Local organisations and businesses including the farming sector, 3rd level colleges, and science outreach centres, SMEs etc.

This creates opportunities to identify local needs, solve local problems and create and grow local business opportunities. Where opportunities exist for students to work cooperatively with peers in diverse geographical regions on areas of local as well as global scientific and engineering interest such as climate change, sanitation, soil fertility, animal husbandry, fishery science, and access to healthcare, education and ICT.

It’s not for me, it’s only for certain types of schools

There is an incorrect view that the BT Young Scientist &Technology Exhibition is elitist in some way – we would have to disagree. The winner of the 2011 competition was from a private school, whereas the winners in 2012 were from an inner-city disadvantaged school, for example.

It costs a lot to enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Not true, each student who enters pays a small admin fee of €20/ £18. Whether a student qualifies or not they receive a  certificate of participation and also a family pass worth €25/£20 for the exhibition. For qualifying students, the news is even better. Schools over 70kms away can apply for an accommodation bursary. This means that a group project can receive €300/£270 and an individual €150/£135 to a maximum of €1,500/£1350 per school. With accommodation in a triple room close to the RDS costing as little as €85/ £75 per night,& this grant should even provide you with some left over for food.

It is difficult to enter

The process is very easy. In late August we will open the online registration system for schools and projects. In the meantime, there are samples of entry forms on the website which will tell you what information you will need.

The main part of the application includes:

1. An entry form, filled out by the student
2. A one page proposal, written by the student(s)
3. Teacher Assessment Form.

All of these have to be completed  by 30 September 2024.

We have a helpline which will open to all schools in September and can be contacted on Freephone 1800 924 362/0800 917 1297 where all your queries around the on-line system can be answered.

There are also three teachers prizes to be won, as well as awards for the Best School, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Over the years, our school has developed a special bond with the BT Young Scientist competition and wonderful memories have been created that will live long in our students and school community. We aim to foster the promotion of science in our school and continued promotion of the Young Scientist competition for many years to come. Kinsale Community School are so proud of Emer, Sophie and Ciara for winning this year’s competition and are also extremely proud of all our entrants in the 2013 BT Young Scientist competition. The three girls have been wonderful ambassadors for their school, families and county and they are looking forward to promoting the Young Scientist competition in our school.”

SHAUN HOLLY, Kinsale Community School