The winners of the 59th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) have been announced. Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew, aged 19 and in sixth year in the Abbey School, Tipperary won with their project Assessing the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development. The coveted prize was presented to the winners this evening in the RDS in Dublin by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, and Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh.
Chair of the Social and Behavioural Sciences Group Judging Panel, Professor Joe Barry said, ‘What we are looking at here is a very impressive survey conducted in three waves over 24 months with more than 2,000 responses examining how secondary school students perceived school to impact on their social, physical and mental wellbeing. One of the key findings coming out of the research was that whilst inequality is prevalent in DEIS[1] schools, exponential improvements in areas of pastoral care and physical health are quickly closing this gap. To quote directly from the students’ research, ‘Secondary school is a vital social outlet for students and this can be seen across our interviews, focus groups and in particular in our survey.’
The 2023 BT Young Scientist & Technology winners received the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and the top prize of €7,500. The winners will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which takes place in Brussels, Belgium in September 2023. They’ll also get to attend the 64th Annual London International Youth Science Forum this summer.
Speaking at the awards ceremony this evening, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Shane and Liam on winning this truly prestigious trophy and award, in what has been another inspiring year of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. With the BTYSTE back in person for the first time since before the pandemic, I have had the pleasure to witness first-hand the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by this year’s entrants, across a range of important and relevant topics. To every participant – you have been an excellent representative of yourself, your family and your school, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. The calibre of each entry is a testament to the tenacity and talent of the students behind them, and it is this constant high standard that makes BT Young Scientist one of the longest running, and most successful STEM events in Europe. From my time in the classroom, I am aware of the enormous work and support required to participate in competitions like this, and I wish to acknowledge your teachers and school communities who have also generously given their time and expertise to support you on your journey. A special thank you also to the parents and families of students for their constant encouragement and outstanding support.”
Ayush Tambde, aged 18 and in sixth year in Stratford College in Dublin won the prize for Best Individual, with his project, Analysis of single-cell proteomic data to understand the mechanisms of oncogenic transformation and how to control them.
Dr John Monahan, Biological and Ecological Sciences Group Judge said, ‘This project studied the problems of breast cancer. As many know there are two major groups of breast cancer, one of which can be targeted by drugs for treatment (Luminal cell types; Receptor positive) and one of which is more difficult to treat (Basal cell types; Receptor negative). The project has taken new protein biology approaches to relook at an important existing data set and come up with novel insights into potential treatments for these difficult to treat basal cell breast cancers.’
Adrian Drogomir, aged 19 and in sixth year in Adamstown Community College in Dublin won the prize for Runner-up Individual, with his project, AL-energy.
Prof Orla Feely, Chair of Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences Individual Judging Panel said, ‘Aluminium-based batteries could play a role in the provision of sustainable energy. This project demonstrates through very detailed experiments how the design of the electrode impacts the battery performance and points the way to future design. The judges were very impressed by Adrian’s passion for the subject and his detailed implementation of the scientific method.’
Olivia O’Shea, Erica O’Brien Murray and Abigail O’Brien Murray, aged 17 and in fifth year in Loreto College, Balbriggan won the prize for Runners-up Group, with their project, Can we save the common ash?
Dr Richard O’Hanlon, Biological and Ecological Sciences Group Judge said, ‘Ash dieback is the most serious tree disease to arrive in Ireland in over 50 years. These young scientists have provided robust data to highlight potential treatments which could, in combination with other actions, protect our native ash trees.’
Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said, ‘On behalf of the entire team at BT Ireland, I wish to thank each and every student who took part in this year’s exhibition for sharing your ideas with us. After a long three years, it has been a pleasure to welcome you all back to the event in person. The past week has been truly inspiring, and I am in awe of your unique and individual talents. The level of creativity, innovation and research displayed over the last number of days has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of it.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to all our winners, who join a special group of some of Ireland’s brightest minds. I have no doubt this is only the beginning of all the brilliant work you will go on to do. To all the teachers, parents, guardians and everyone who supported the students who entered on their journeys, I express my sincere thanks. We are hugely grateful also to our panel of esteemed judges, our sponsors and partners, and of course, our own BT team, without whom this magnificent Exhibition would not be possible.’
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ABP Food Group Farm Safety Award (Biological & Ecological)
John Buckley, Árdscoil Uí Urmoltaigh, Bandon
“Investigation of a prototype tool belt to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in vets”
1st Junior Group (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences)
Katie Mae O Neill, Anna O'Brien, Aimee Renton; St Mary's Secondary School, Mallow
“An investigation into atmospheric microplastic contamination in both indoor and outdoor environments in the North Cork area of Mallow and potential health risks for humans”
2nd Intermediate Group (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences)
Gráinne Cronin, Alex Neff, Dylan Ó Muirí,; Gaelcholáiste Charraig Ui Leighin
“Mata sa léim cuaille”
1st Senior Group (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences)
Lydia O’Leary Kelleher, Sophie Creedon; St Mary's Secondary School Mallow
“An investigation into the biomechanics of heading a football with implications for the design of protective, wearable technology for measuring and recording cumulative non-concussive cranial impacts”
1st Junior Individual (Technology)
Conan O'Brien, Kinsale Community School
“SteriAir - A portable UV sterilising breathing pack”
1st Junior Individual (Biological & Ecological)
Elma Pallone, Kinsale Community School
“Consuming Fish: The Carbon Footprint of Trawling”
2nd Intermediate Individual (Biological & Ecological)
Ruth Fair, Bandon Grammar School
“Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of Ilex aquifolium (common Holly tree)”
2nd Intermediate Group (Biological & Ecological)
Eve O’Driscoll, Susannah Guerin; Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“An investigation into the effectiveness of constructed farmland sediment ponds in promoting biodiversity as indicated by the presence of water beetles as bioindicators”
3rd Senior Individual (Biological & Ecological)
Ellie Fleming Hand, Bandon Grammar School
“Parasites in domesticated horses”
3rd Junior Individual (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Emily O'Regan, Coláiste Muire, Cobh
“Binge drinking is a problem BUT could it be all in the pour?”
2nd Junior Individual (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Danny King, Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal
“‘Big P’ or ‘little p’? A study of young people’s conceptions of and engagement in politics”
1st Junior Group (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Jessica O'Keeffe, Martha O'Sullivan, Edel Ryle; Kinsale Community School
“Imscrúdú ar nósanna athchúrsála cearta, ar dearcthaí daoine agus cloí leis na treoirlínte athchúrsála i measc an phobal i gcoitinne”
2nd Intermediate Individual Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Eoin O’Keeffe, Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“Examining the experiences and effects of overtraining in young athletes”
1st Intermediate Individual (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Leah Nolan, Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy
“Vaping Under the Influence: An investigation into the impact of social media on adolescent attitudes towards vaping”
Heanet – Ireland’s National Research & Education Network (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Rachel Wallace, St Aloysius School
“An investigation into the differences in how men and women are treated in online gaming”
National Water Forum Award (Biological & Ecological)
Eve O’Driscoll, Susannah Guerin; Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“An investigation into the effectiveness of constructed farmland sediment ponds in promoting biodiversity as indicated by the presence of water beetles as bioindicators”
eFlow STAR (Sustainable Transport Award Recognition) Award (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Lily O'Shea, Grace Kelleher, Caoimhe O'Brien; St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom
“Passenger Transport Emissions modelling to inform local and national school sustainable transport policy”
Health Research Board (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Leah Nolan, Loreto Secondary School, Fermoy
“Vaping Under the Influence: An investigation into the impact of social media on adolescent attitudes towards vaping”
Horizon Educator of Excellence
Briget Lehane, Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven
BT Educator of Excellence
Shannen Foley, St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom
Highly Commended (Technology)
Holly Wenger, Leah Coakley; St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom
“Construction and Evaluation of a DIY Air Filter”
Highly Commended (Technology)
Katelyn Dineen, Ella Lesniak, Michelle O'Shea; Scoil Mhuire gan Smal
“A.A.H.M (Anxiety Attack Heart Monitor)”
Highly Commended (Technology)
Ronan Hawkins, Ian Cullinane, Mark O’Driscoll; Kinsale Community School
“A C++ based AI to translate a live video input of Irish Sign Language to English Text”
Highly Commended (Technology)
Oscar Green , Kinsale Community School
“An investigation into the impact of kinetic flooring as a renewable energy source in schools”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
Grace O'Mahony, Eanna Hickey; Coláiste na Toirbhirte, Bandon
“Sustainable Produce: Honesty Boxes vs Supermarkets?”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
Thiha Kearney O'Sullivan, Ollie Cwikula; Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“Population Dynamics and Reproduction of Invasive Australian Yabby in an Irish Lake”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
Amy Roche, Catriona Browne; Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“Assessment of the persistence of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae in peat soil”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
Paddy Canniffe, Ronan Moloney ; Kinsale Community School
“Evaluate the impact of feeding strategies on Friesian Bull Calf Growth”
Highly Commended (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Robert O’Halloran, Glanmire Community College
“An investigation into attitudes and awareness towards pain-medication in 15-19 year olds”
Highly Commended (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Emily Duffy, Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig
“The Manosphere... The Impact of Misogynistic Online Influencers on Young People’s Perception of Women"
Highly Commended (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Karen Cotter, Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven
“I've got 99 problems but age ain't one”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
Lucy Murray, St Mary's Secondary School, Macroom
“Can Ireland sustain producing its own quality baking flour with triticale amidst the current food crisis?”
Highly Commended (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Rachel Wallace, St Aloysius School, Cork
“An investigation into the differences in how men and women are treated in online gaming”
Highly Commended (Social & Behavioural Sciences)
Zac Darcy, Colm King, Eoghan O’Donnell, Coláiste Fionnchua, Mitchelstown
“An investigation into sustainability practices on Irish farms and the factors that affect them – particularly the cost of living crisis as an influencing factor”
Highly Commended (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences)
Fiona O’Sullivan, Siobhán Carter; Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig
“Identifying patterns in Top Hit music using Fourier analysis
Highly Commended (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences)
Anthony Coughlan, Ellie Coughlan; Kinsale Community School
“Sustainable Cleaning Detergent”
Highly Commended (Biological & Ecological)
John Buckley, Árdscoil Uí Urmoltaigh, Bandon
“Investigation of a prototype tool belt to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in vets”
Display Award (Biological & Ecological)
Ava Scarlett, Skibbereen Community School
“Constructing a Microbial Fuel Cell to Investigate the Electrical Power Output of Copious Organic Waste Samples”
2nd Intermediate Group (Biological & Ecological)
Eve O’Driscoll, Susannah Guerin; Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
“An investigation into the effectiveness of constructed farmland sediment ponds in promoting biodiversity as indicated by the presence of water beetles as bioindicators”
1st Intermediate Group (Biological & Ecological)
Tomás Markey, Leah Lordan, Clodagh O Sullivan; St. Brogan's College, Bandon
“Human Neuro-Storage - A Contribution To Biological Memory And Learning”
