Tipperary students are winners of the 59th BT Young Scientist Exhibition.
Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew, aged 19 won with their project “Assessing the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development”.
Chair of the Social and Behavioural Sciences Group Judging Panel Professor Joe Barry described the 6th year Abbey school students winning entry as a very impressive survey, which conducted in three waves over 24 months with more than 2,000 responses examining how secondary school students perceived school to impact on their social, physical and mental wellbeing.
One of the key findings coming out of the research was that whilst inequality is prevalent in DEIS[1] schools, exponential improvements in areas of pastoral care and physical health are quickly closing this gap.
To quote directly from the students’ research, ‘Secondary school is a vital social outlet for students and this can be seen across our interviews, focus groups and in particular in our survey.’
The local students will receive the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and the top prize of €7,500.
They will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which takes place in Brussels, Belgium in September 2023.
They’ll also get to attend the 64th Annual London International Youth Science Forum this summer.
The coveted prize was presented to the winners this evening in the RDS in Dublin by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, and Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh.
Speaking at the awards ceremony this evening, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD says “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Shane and Liam on winning this truly prestigious trophy and award, in what has been another inspiring year of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
With the BTYSTE back in person for the first time since before the pandemic, I have had the pleasure to witness first-hand the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by this year’s entrants, across a range of important and relevant topics.
To every participant – you have been an excellent representative of yourself, your family and your school, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements.
The calibre of each entry 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.
From my time in the classroom, I am aware of the enormous work and support required to participate in competitions like this, and I wish to acknowledge your teachers and school communities who have also generously given their time and expertise to support you on your journey.
A special thank you also to the parents and families of students for their constant encouragement and outstanding support.”
