I am very enthused by the work of the Science Park’s Generation Innovation programme which encourages bright young minds with an interest in the science, tech and creative industries. The importance of nurturing the talents of those coming through will be vital to our growing knowledge economy. Therefore, I was delighted to hear about the recent BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition held in Dublin. For my latest column, I’d like to share the thoughts of Dr Joanne Stuart, our Business Development Director and Claire Burgoyne, Generation Innovation Programme Manager:
“Once the Christmas and New Year festivities are finished, there is only one thing on our minds – heading down to Dublin for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE). This year it ran from 7th to 10thJanuary and in its 51st year, it is now the longest running exhibition of its kind in the world! Started in 1963 by two physics researchers from the University College Dublin, Rev. Dr. Tom Burke and Dr. Tony Scott, BTYSTE continues to provide an amazing experience for participants and visitors alike.
For the second year running, I [Joanne] was privileged to be involved as a judge in the Social & Behavioural Sciences section judging a diverse and fascinating range of projects. For example, one researched the Cyber Contagion of the Ice Bucket Challenge, comparing it to cycles of diseases such as the Spanish Flu, and another project researched illegibility and readability of doctor’s writing! What was common across all the projects was the passion and enthusiasm the pupils had for their work, their ability to communicate their approach, findings and conclusions and how they planned to take their project forward.
BTYSTE 2015 broke all previous records with a total of 2,077 projects submitted from 363 schools. 550 projects made it to the final including 29 from Northern Ireland. Special mention must go to St Killian’s College Antrim who picked up the Best NI School and Best NI Project Awards.
The exhibition is also fertile ground for sourcing new recruits for our NISP CONNECT Generation Innovation network, which supports our most innovative, creative and entrepreneurial young people. Taking part in BTYSTE this year was one of our Generation Innovation ‘Alumni’, Maria McAnearney from New-Bridge Integrated College, Loughbrickland. She and two fellow students, Rachel Kitchen and Fiona McIlroy, were competing in the Senior Group of the Biological & Ecological Sciences category. And their project? Investigating the presence of microorganisms on the rind of lemons in bars or restaurants and devising a process of eradication.
The growth sectors in Northern Ireland require a growing number of people with STEM skills and qualifications and taking part in competitions such as BTYSTE enable young people to get a practical hands-on experience of the sciences and develop a curiosity about their application in the real world.
29 schools from Northern Ireland submitted projects this year and we would encourage more schools to take part in 2016. The overall experience of competing, networking with other participants and attending the different exhibits provides a unique development opportunity to cultivate and nurture the innovation and curiosity of pupils. Ultimately, this will have a positive impact on our businesses and economy.
Generation Innovation is now seeking nominations from schools and colleges across Northern Ireland for its next big Night of Ambition – for more information, email claire.burgoyne@nispconnect.org.”
