LAST UPDATE | 6 Jan 2021
PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins has spoken to students about the “critical importance of science” as he launched the first ever virtual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition this afternoon.
This year marks the 57th exhibition and the first ever to take place online.
The exhibition will bring together some of the country’s brightest young STEM minds as they compete to take home the title of the BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year 2021, with over 1,000 students representing more than 200 schools taking part.
This year’s projects cover a wide range of topics, such as Covid-19, social media, sports science, gender studies, climate change, agricultural science, solar power and biological diversity.
Launching the exhibition virtually this afternoon, President Higgins spoke of the importance of science, especially during a time in which the world is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
The President said the pandemic has “reaffirmed the critical importance of science as a vital tool for humanity, both to combat the transmission of coronavirus, and to reduce the suffering and tragedy to which it gives rise”.
He added that science is an “essential tool made available to improve the welfare of citizens, especially in developing countries”.
“It is crucial that the benefits of research and scientific discoveries are shared equitably and made available among, and within, nations,” President Higgins said.
“This is now of vital importance as Covid vaccines and other medical discoveries become available – no one is safe until everyone is safe,” he said.
Science can never achieve its greatest contribution if it is in captivity solely to the accumulative or concentrating tendencies of the market.
Addressing those taking part in the exhibition, President Higgins said: “What you are engaged in here today, and the hard work and effort that has brought you here, is of the greatest importance.
You are the designers and makers of the future, but we need you now to help shape the future that you will inhabit.
“Nothing is inevitable. The future is not something provided to you, but something you create.
“The Young Scientist Exhibition provides you with an opportunity, a platform to do just that. Have a wonderful virtual exhibition.”
Exhibition
Judging of the projects began earlier today each project will be judged a minimum of three times, with over 80 judges volunteering.
During the three-day exhibition, the public can enjoy some interviews, discussions and shows including: Professor Luke O’Neill on making vaccines in a global pandemic, The Climate Emergency, How to Become an Astronaut, and Our Amazing Universe: A journey of discovery.
In addition, teachers will have access to a myriad of workshops at a new dedicated teachers’ area.
This year’s winner will be announced online at 1pm on Friday and will be presented with a cheque for €7,500 and the newly designed BTYSTE perpetual trophy.
In all, there are over 200 prizes for individuals, groups and teachers.
Delivering a good luck message to everyone taking part in this year’s virtual exhibition, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “I’m delighted the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is going ahead this year, and I want to congratulate BT and the Young Scientist Board who’ve pulled it together despite all of the obstacles.
Over the past year, we’ve seen how important science and technology are to solving our global problems, enhancing our living conditions, and helping us to adapt more rapidly to crises.
The strength of our scientific community has developed new vaccines and given us new treatments for Covid-19. It is through technology we have been able to bridge the social distance we’ve been faced with.
“The diversity of the entries shows that our vision for STEM education is being realised in schools across the country, hugely helped by events such as this. It fills me with immense pride and hope to see the ideas of bright, innovative and creative minds, and I wish all participants, and those supporting them on their journey, every success in the future.”
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