Science Alive

A RECORD number of schools have entered the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for 2010, proving that interest in science, technology, maths and engineering continues to grow throughout the country. Spread across the 32 counties, 329 schools have submitted a total of 1,588 projects for the exhibition, 520 of which will compete in the finals.
Clare will be represented by 16 projects in the categories of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Chemical Physical and Mathematical Sciences and Biological and Ecological. Mary Immaculate Secondary School has nine entries, Meánscoil Na mBráithre has four entries with Kilrush Community School, Ennis Community College and Scoil Mhuire all having one entry each.
Chris Clark, CEO, BT said, “Our focus is on continually evolving this fantastic exhibition, and we’re delighted that more schools than ever have responded positively and entered for 2010.
“This showcase of young talent is surpassed by none and the commercial successes of some of our past winners prove it is a real stepping stone for Ireland’s next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”
BT also recently launched the Business of Science & Technology, a new programme that will give students the business knowledge they need to turn their innovative ideas into commercial opportunities. The 40 students will be selected at the exhibition and mentored by leading executives from BT, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Bombardier, Bord Gais Éireann, IP Innovations, UCD, TCD, Engineers Ireland and Bank of Ireland on subjects such as protecting intellectual capital, global marketing and international business. The programme is designed to bridge the gap between education and business, and to support Ireland’s ambition to be a smart economy.
Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keeffe TD, said, “The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, which my Department continues to support, is a unique platform for secondary school students to showcase their talents and imaginations.
“As minister, I want to promote science, technology, engineering and maths at all levels of our education system as part of the Government’s efforts to build the smart innovation-based society in our economic recovery project.”
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 will run in the Main Hall, RDS from January 12-16. For more information on the exhibition please visit www.btyoungscientist.com or call 1800 924 362.