With their science teacher, Eva Acton, some of the entrants from Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar. At back from left, Seán Murphy, Max Buinenko, Dylan Kennedy, Charlie Dupuis and in front, Ethan Tanudra, Maksymilian Surowice and Hubert Kozlowski.

Record entry from Westmeath at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition

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There is a huge buzz at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at the RDS, where Westmeath is one of the strongest contenders, with a phenomenal 29 entries.

Minister Peter Burke was an early attender and was visibly impressed at the quality of the Westmeath entries, including the eight from his own Alma mater, Coláiste Mhuire.

A lesson in investing for Minister Peter Burke from Dylan Kennedy, Hubert Kozlowski and Charlie Dupuis, pupils at Coláiste Mhuire who have developed a financial literacy app for teens.
Flying the flag for Moate Community School at the BTYSTE were, at back from left, Darragh Kennedy, Moate, Kate Nally, Drumraney, Lauren Fox, Tubber, Niamh Heduvan, Moyvoughley; (front) Eva Fox, Moate and Searah Henson, Castledaly.

The Primary Science Fair, which has been integral to the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) for 20 years, was officially opened by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth of Ireland, Roderic O’Gorman TD, for 2024 today.

The fair encourages third to sixth class primary school students to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in a non-competitive environment. It also inspires them to become future participants in BTYSTE, one of the world’s leading and longest-running school science exhibitions.

In 2024, 1,300 primary school students from 55 schools are showing their projects at the RDS today, January 11, and tomorrow, January 12. The topics explored in the 75 projects focus on a range of scientific categories, such as living things, environmental awareness and care, energy forces and the make-up of materials.

The projects are screened by former winners of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, who volunteer their time.

Minister O’Gorman said: “I’m delighted to open the Primary Science Fair. Over many years, the exhibition has been a hugely impressive and valuable opportunity for children to showcase their creativity and expertise, across a wide range of STEM topics. I have no doubt that the fair helps nurture a love of science for the many children involved, and I’d like to wish all those who are taking part the best of luck.”

Shay Walsh, MD of BT Ireland, said that the exhibition has stood the test of time by continually evolving 2and key developments included the Primary Science Fair in 2001”.

“It’s a fantastic way to nurture a passion for science and technology at primary school level and encourage classes to be curious, be collaborative, and have fun. We hope all of the students, and the teachers and parents supporting them, have a great experience this week.”

For more on the exhibition, see the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition website or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube or Snapchat.

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