19 projects from Kilkenny schools qualify for 2024 BT Young Scientist Exhibition

19 projects from seven schools in Kilkenny have qualified for the 2024 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). 

2,042 project entries were submitted by 4,166 students from 343 schools from across the island of Ireland for the exhibition.

From January 10 to 13, hundreds of students will showcase their innovative ideas in the areas of Social & Behavioural Sciences, Technology, Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Biological & Ecological Sciences, and a brand-new category being introduced for 2024, Health and Wellbeing.

The 2024 showcase will mark the 60th anniversary of this exhibition being held.

There are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of €50,000 for BTYSTE 2024.  

These prizes are awarded across all five categories and age groups, including the overall BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year Award, worth €7,500, which will see the winners go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

BT Ireland has revealed the top themes emerging from the 2,042 project entries and the data shows that secondary school students from across the island of Ireland are interested in learning more about AI, diversity & inclusion and mental health. 

The three group projects from Castlecomer Community School that qualified were entitled ‘Cash or Clicks: The Evolution of Currency in the Digital Age’, ‘Is there a link between executive function and ambidexterity’ and ‘Group versus individual study: who wins the science of success?’.

Coláiste Pobail Osraí’s two qualifying individual projects are ‘Éifeacht Forbairt Nua ar Thrácht i mBinn Éadair, Áth Cliath’ and ‘Stadair éiceolaíochta ar an caidreamh idir féithleann faíne agus leamhain i cill cheannaigh’. 

Loreto Secondary School boasts six qualifying group entries: 

‘Níl Aon Thinteán Mar Do Thinteán Féin? - A comparative study on fuel types and their effects on the environment’, ‘Brain Dominance’, ‘How does colour affect our memory’, ‘Does age and gender affect our ability to comprehend and deal with certain social situations?’, ‘Are brunettes actually smarter than blondes?’ and ‘How can we develop a programme to engage teenage girls in physical activity?’.

Meánscoil na mBráithre Criostaí's qualifying project is called ‘How social media affects athletic performance’.

Presentation Secondary School’s qualifying groups will be presenting their projects, entitled ‘The Active Affect’ and ‘What a Good Question’.

A group from Scoil Aireagail will showcase their project ‘ How Covid 19 has affected the developmental stage and mental-health of Secondary School Pupils aged 14-17’.

The three projects by groups from St Kieran’s College are called ‘The Truth of Air to Water Heating’, ‘Investigation into the effect of listening to different music genres on athletic performance’ and ‘Does sleep have an affect on the performance of sports athletes?’.

“It is fantastic to see the level of engagement by students in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024. It is an absolute highlight of the school calendar each year,” said Minister for Education, Norma Foley.

“I wish to congratulate each and every student who has submitted a project to the BTYSTE, along with their teachers and parents who have supported them throughout the process.” 

“At BT Ireland, we’re looking forward to delivering the 60th edition of this national treasure in January.  Each year we continue to be amazed at the calibre of ideas and innovations that are submitted for consideration to the BTYSTE,” said Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland.

“As one of the largest STEM school exhibitions in Europe, our alumni have been recognised globally and with the standard of entries for 2024 just as high as years before, we’re very confident that trend will continue. We are excited to see the 2024 BTYSTE entrants showcase their extraordinary work at next year’s exhibition,” said Mari Cahalane, Head of BTYSTE.

Tickets for the BTYSTE 2024 will be available for purchase later this month.