Overall Science and Maths Results Cause Concern for ‘Smart Economy’.
Dublin, 17th August 2011: Emer Jones, the youngest ever winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, has today received six A1s and four A2s in her Leaving Certificate results, achieving the maximum 600 points. Emer has bucked the disappointing trend in this year’s Leaving Certificate science and mathematics results and has already secured a place in the prestigious Cambridge University in the UK where she will study Physics. Emer achieved A1’s in Physics, Biology and Chemistry and an A2 in both Maths and Applied Maths.
Emer was just 13 years old when she took home the overall prize for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in 2008. A student of Presentation School, Tralee, Co Kerry Emer’s project entitled “Research and Development of Emergency Sandbag Shelters” examined the use of native materials to enhance the stability of emergency sandbag shelters used in disaster relief.
Graham Sutherland, CEO BT said: “Graduates skilled in science and mathematics are imperative if we are to address the challenges facing our country and build a Smart Economy. While this years Leaving Certificate results shows that some students may have struggled in these areas, we hope that with added support such as bonus points for maths and growing participation levels in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, more students will embrace these subjects to build a strong future for themselves and Ireland Inc. On behalf of BT I want to extend our congratulations to Emer on her outstanding results today.”
Now in its 48th year the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition attracts the brightest young minds to compete in the areas of science and technology. Students are urged to get working on their projects for the 2012 exhibition. The closing date for entry is 3rd October 2011.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 11th – 15th 2012. For more information on the exhibition, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com, check out http://facebook.com/BTYoungScientist, follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/BTYSTE or call 1800 924 362 or from Northern Ireland 0800 917 1297.
