Education Minister, John O'Dowd, has praised the talent of students from 16 local schools who have taken part in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2014 in Dublin.
On Friday (10th January) the Minister toured the event, held at the RDS, and met with pupils to view displays of their work. Across the 16 local schools represented, a total of 28 individual projects have made it to the finals.
Congratulating the young people involved, Mr O’Dowd said: “An increase in the uptake of STEM subjects is vital for the growth of our economy and the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition provides a platform for pupils to challenge themselves through investigative projects.
“I took time today to meet with the young people who have worked hard to make it to the finals as well as the teachers who have supported them in their investigations. I have been impressed with the dedication and ingenuity of these students, who have used the competition to boost their own learning and to develop new skills, such as the ability to present and convey their ideas.
“Furthermore, simply being at the event has provided students with the opportunity to view projects from schools across Ireland and has provided them with recognition of their achievements.”
There are four categories of entries: Technology; Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences; Biological & Ecological Sciences; and Social & Behavioural Sciences, with over 120 awards available.
The Minister continued: “In this, the event’s 50th anniversary year, 2,000 entries were received from 379 schools. The continued growth and success of the awards is to be welcomed, providing, as it does, such an excellent opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge of our young scientists.
“I would like to congratulate all of the pupils who were successful in reaching the finals exhibition. I know their participation will have been a worthwhile experience for each of them and will provide a solid foundation on which to progress their continued education and career.”
