KCS again maintained is excellent tradition of achievement at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition which was formally opened by President Michael D Higgins and held virtually this year. Now in its 58th year, the Exhibition showcased some of Ireland’s brightest young minds as they competed to take home the highly acclaimed BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) titles. Huge success was already achieved by qualifying 13 projects for the exhibition which included 24 students.
Conan O’Brien (1st Year) came 3rd in the Junior Individual Technology category for his project ‘The science of bacteria and virus control using energy efficient and environmentally friendly UV LEDs’.
Martha O’Sullivan and Aoibh Kirwan (1st Year) came 3rd in the Junior Group Social and Behavioural category for their project ‘An Intergenerational study of diets and the awareness of the effects they have on health and the environment’.
Jessica O’Keeffe (1st Year) came 2nd in the Junior Individual Social and Behavioural category for her project on ‘An analysis of the awareness of the link between heading the ball and increased risk of dementia in later life’.
Hannah Collins and Edel Ryle came (1st Year) came 1st in the Junior Group Biological and Ecological category for their project ‘An exploratory study of what the carbon footprint impact of driving on rough road surfaces v smooth surfaces’.
Isabelle Lenihan, Lucy McCarthy and Momo Sheehy (TY) came 1st in the Intermediate group Biological and Ecological category for their project ‘The evaluation of horse manure on a sustainable alternative to peat compost’.
Lilian Gleave (TY) won the Special Award for Sustainable Development presented by Minister Norma Foley and a Highly Commended Award for her project ‘To investigate the world of fast-fashion and how to incentivise mending clothes instead of discarding them’.
Rachel Bogue and Giulia Moretto (TY) received a Highly Commended Award for their project ‘A Statistical Analysis of Gender Difference in ADHD Diagnosis’.
Paidi O’ Farrell (TY) received a Highly Commended Award for his project ‘An investigation into the prospect of including boxing into the Paralympics and raising awareness of the sport within my own community’.
Young Scientist coordinator at Kinsale Community School, Shaun  Holly (who won an ‘Educator of Excellence award) speaking of the achievements said, “I would like to congratulate all the students who qualified for the exhibition and in particular the prize winners.  I would also like to give a huge thanks also to the BTYS team in the school for the time given, parents and to all the mentors who have given so much to the students”.
Upon opening this year’s exhibition, President Michael D Higgins said, “May I offer my congratulations to all of the students participating in this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and pay tribute too to their teachers and parents, and all those who have played a role in organising the event. Over the decades, the Awards and Exhibition have rightly earned their place as an annual highlight in the school calendar, providing opportunities for young people across our country to participate and be inspired by science engagement activities in their schools and homes. We are fortunate in Ireland to have so many young people who create the promise, as well as the possibility, of becoming the problem solvers, critical thinkers and persistent pursuers of the possibilities of tomorrow.”
Speaking to students the BTYSTE awards ceremony, Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said, ‘It is both encouraging and heartening to witness the level of creativity and innovation of this year’s entrants as demonstrated through their meticulously researched and ingenious projects. Each one of you is a credit to yourself, your family, your school and you should be proud of your accomplishments. The calibre of entries 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."
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is much more than a competition – it is the experience of a lifetime for the students and teachers who take part. Designed to raise schools’ engagement in the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), the Exhibition calls upon students aged 12-19 years from all over the island of Ireland to showcase innovative science and technology project.

Pictured are Lilian Gleave (TY), winner of the Special Award for Sustainable Development presented by Minister Norma Foley, and Shaun Holly, Young Scientist coordinator at Kinsale Community School, who won an ‘Educator of Excellence Award.