“The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a wonderful experience for students, teachers and the public at large. From a teachers point of view, this is an ideal opportunity to do real science which is not restricted by a curriculum. The ideas are products of the imagination and curiosity of the individual or group. The students get to ponder, trip, stumble, fall and get up again and again. They experience that problems will present themselves but that these problems can be overcome and dealt with in some shape or form. Hypotheses are proposed, pilot tests run (this in itself shows that few get it right first time) relevant experiments run, data collected, data analysed and conclusions drawn.
To see the students complete a solid scientific study, believe in it and defend it when interviewed by the judges is the highlight for me.”
Padraig HarlowMean Scoil Muire Gan Smal, Convent of Mercy, Roscommon Town - Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences Educator of Excellence 2015
“To say that the BT Young Scientist is an incredible experience would be an understatement. The BT Young Scientist is not just a four day exhibition in the RDS but a journey that starts in the classroom and takes you to a whole new incredible world, where you meet new people, try new things, explore your imagination, think outside the box and do things that you could have only dreamed of.
The BT Young Scientist doesn’t finish in the RDS, the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp in UCD, embarked me upon a whole new and different experience, meeting like minded people, thinking about my project from different angles and developing new skills that change your perspective on not only your project but life.
No words can describe how amazing my BT Young Scientist journey was. It has changed my career path, given me life changing opportunities and I have met friends for life. It is an experience that will stick with me for life and has given me a platform along with the self belief and confidence to pursue my dreams.”
Shíofra RyanAn Tionchar
“I was absolutely amazed at the entire event! Unbelievable quality from start to finish from students, teachers, judges, organisers, red coats, caterers. I have never seen an awards ceremony with so much fun and energy.
I can honestly say that I have never seen my children evolve so much in such a short space of time. I’m sure that is true for many parents. The whole experience gives them a real opportunity to shine. Irrespective of prizes, the development that took place was incredible and, at times, my own children were unrecognisable in terms of confidence and demeanour!
An amazing experience all round and we shall return next year.”
Parent
“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 HollyKinsale Community School
“Since 1965, when it was founded, many people have worked tirelessly to ensure that the BT young Scientist remains pre-eminent among science fairs worldwide. Their work has inspired many young people to engage in scientific research and has affected the lives of the participants in a very positive way.
Initiating, preparing, completing and presenting a project at the standard required for the BTYS&TE poses many challenges. But, when we reflect on our experience, what we remember most vividly are not the difficulties, even though there were plenty of them, but the excitement of investigating new ideas and methods.”
Mark Kelly and Eric DoyleBT Young Scientists & Technologists of the Year 2012
“The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has the right mix, in that students often quote that they have “room to go outside the box” and that they are participating in “science that interests young people” while still having “the craic”. Every year, as educators, we are humbled by the maturity, creativity, initiative, self-confidence and excellent communication skills demonstrated by all participants. Our whole school community looks forward to being dazzled by the brilliance on show in the RDS by students in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2015 and returning to school invigorated and looking forward to the next terrific instalment!”
John WhiteSt. Vincent’s Secondary School, Dundalk
“After competing in BT Young Scientist & Technology exhibition in 2010 and being awarded runner-up to the overall winner, I then entered Young Innovators in Belfast. Winning “Young Innovators” in Belfast back in 2010 I was ecstatic about competing in London. I felt truly privileged to represent N. Ireland in a science competition in England and hoped I could do us proud. For three days “The Big Bang” exhibition buzzed with the atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm!! The attributes gained from researching, compiling data and presenting are lifelong skills that will be easily applied to all aspects of my studies as a vet. The contacts and friends that you make though doing and presenting the project are among the best parts of doing any competition. Any student who has an idea for a project or is asked by a teacher to do a project I would say “Don’t even think twice about it – do it! It will be the best experience of your life!”
Hannah EastwoodUK Young Scientist of the Year 2011
“It’s hard to put your finger on what makes the BTYS so unique and brilliant . The organisation is superb, the atmosphere is electric, and yes… teenagers talk Science to each other. It’s a real Fun Fair of Science. Most of all the students truly come to understand the significance of scientific research for making a positive difference in the real world.”
Catherine TattersallSutton Park School, Dublin
“I keep returning year after year because I believe that as many of my interested pupils as possible should have the opportunity to participate in the phenomenon that is the BTYS&TE. Although it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to come up with a qualifying project, my pupils find it very interesting and rewarding. They get the opportunity to meet new people of all ages and backgrounds, who have a common interest in science. The experience further stimulates their interest in science and they have FUN!”
Ann BlankingSt Mary’s College, Derry. Co Londonderry
