Clare students wishing to take part in this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have until Monday, October 2, to enter. The county has a long and rich tradition in the competition, with Clare projects regularly winning prizes, often with projects focussed on the rich biodiversity of the county. A survey conducted by BT Ireland has found that almost two thirds of secondary school students in Ireland, do not believe that the public celebrate the nation’s achievements in STEM subjects, such as science, technology, engineering and maths, enough.
People from Ireland have changed the world with their inventions, including the submarine, invented by Liscannor man John Philip Holland, the binaural stethoscope and the hypodermic needle.
The BT survey, conducted in 500 secondary schools across the country, found that 64% of respondents felt that Irish scientists and engineers did not get enough credit for their work.
A large cohort of Clare students are expected to enter this year’s competition, which has a prize fund of €50,000, including the overall award worth €7,500.
The prizes are awarded across the five categories of Technology, Social and Behavioural Science, Biological and Ecological Science, Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Science, as well as in a brand-new category, Health and Wellbeing.
“Secondary school students who have participated in the BTYSTE have generated very innovative ideas and after their experience at the exhibition, they have gone on to have successful careers in a range of different fields,” said Mari Cahalane from BT Ireland. “The exhibition is a great way for anyone who is interested in learning or gaining more exposure to STEM to do so, and we’re encouraging students to not miss out on being a part of history as we celebrate 60 years of the BTYSTE in 2024.”
Applications are open to students aged 12 to 19 years For more information visit www.btyoungscientist.com.
Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and blogger who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.