PRESIDENT MICHAEL D HIGGINS TO OPEN THE VIRTUAL BT YOUNG SCIENTIST & TECHNOLOGY 2022 EXHIBITION TODAY

Over 1,000 students from across the island of Ireland are busy preparing to exhibit their projects at the 58^th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), which begins today.

Students are eagerly awaiting the first round of virtual judging, which kicks off this afternoon, where they will be interviewed by the over 90 judges volunteering their time this week.

At 13:00 today, President Michael D Higgins will formally open the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022 with an official address, which can be viewed on the BTYSTE website and on Facebook Live.

Speaking ahead of 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.”

Mari Cahalane, head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said, “Our virtual portal is now live and we’d like to welcome all our visitors, at home and abroad, to the 58^th annual Exhibition.

“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm of all our students as they begin to exhibit their projects today and begin the judging process.

“As always, the calibre of projects exceeds all our expectations and I’d like to wish all the students the best of luck over the coming days as judging progresses. We have a jam-packed schedule of events every day so register at www.btyoungscientist.com now to get an all-access pass to the 2022 event.”

As well as the students’ projects on display, the BTYSTE 2022 has a spectacular line-up of performers and events which the public can enjoy free of charge from the comfort of their home, workplace, or school. From the physics of rollercoasters to the science of rap, to the magic of psychologi-science, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Over the course of the three-day exhibition, attendees will hear from some very special guests, watch live entertainment acts, and join sessions on a range of topics including sustainability, positive mental wellbeing and turning molecules into medicine.

Events taking place on the first day of the virtual exhibition include:

• Daily shows from Strong Women Science from Circus 250: a helter skelter performance dedicated to bringing circus to new audiences together with science
• Alumni Interviews: Kicking off with BTYSTE 2021 winner and company founder Greg Tarr and BTYSTE + European Union Contest for Young Scientist (EUCYS) winners Cormac Harris and Alan O’Sullivan
• A Day in the Life: Following four real scientists for a behind the scenes look at putting science into action
• Bright Futures in Technology: BT, in association with Connecting Women in Technology (CWIT), will present a panel of inspiring professionals working in a range of diverse roles in technology! Tune in to learn about their careers, successes, challenges, and discover the endless opportunities that a career in technology can offer. Register here to join this session at 5pm, with a special opening address from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris.
• Cancer: a formidable adversary but science is fighting back: Hear from the experts on the cutting edge of the fight against cancer and how science is our greatest weapon against it
• Daily shows from the Kabin Studio: Discover the science and technology that fuels creative expression

This is just a taste of the fantastic line-up you can expect at the BTYSTE 2022. Full schedule of events and instructions on how to access are available here from 8am. Keep your eyes peeled for our picture of the day in this evening’s round-up!