Students set to flock to the RDS as the 59th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition returns in person

Over 1,100 school students travel to the RDS tomorrow for the 59th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE).

The prestigious event, which showcases research and innovation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), will be in person this year for the first time since 2020, following two successful virtual exhibitions.

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins will officially open the 2023 exhibition tomorrow at a special ceremony for the students, teachers, and exhibition partners.

The ceremony will also be streamed live on the BTYSTE website and on Facebook Live from 2pm.

Speaking ahead of the exhibition, President Michael D. Higgins said, “May I offer my best wishes and good luck to all of the students participating in this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and may I pay a special tribute to all those teachers and parents who have been such an essential source of encouragement as well as all those who have played a role in organising this year’s event. What a great time it is to be a young scientist – challenging, yes, but so potentially fulfilling to know that the choices you make will have effects that are important, not just for your own time but for the very possibility of life in its diverse forms, on our vulnerable planet. May I suggest to all of you that as a young scientist, you will be at your best, achieve the greatest fulfilment for yourself and others, when you locate your contribution within a commitment to be concerned and contributing global citizens.”

Organised by BT Ireland, the exhibition has become one of the leading school STEM exhibitions in Europe, attracting over 100,000 student participants since the first event in 1965. Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said, “BT Ireland is delighted to provide this platform for school students to share their extraordinary ideas. During our 23 years as custodian, I am always amazed by the high calibre of the projects on show, addressing some of the major challenges our world is currently facing. I wish the students the best of luck this week, and hope they take brilliant memories from this unique exhibition.’

“For anyone looking for inspiration and a tonic in January, I’d encourage them to visit and be uplifted by these young people and their talent.”

At the heart of the exhibition are the 550 projects from 212 schools which span the categories of Technology; Biological and Ecological Sciences; Social and Behavioural Sciences; and Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences.

Following judging by the 80 plus-person judging panel, the BT Young Scientist(s) & Technologist(s) of the Year 2023 will be announced at an awards ceremony on Friday 13th January at 5:30pm.

The overall prize winner(s) will receive the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and be presented with a cheque for €7,500.

The winner(s) will go forward to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Brussels in September.

Also taking place alongside the BTYSTE is the Primary Science Fair, now in its 21st year, bringing together hundreds of primary students from across Ireland to the RDS on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th to showcase their projects.

The Primary Science Fair plays a pivotal role in the primary academic calendar in Ireland and allows our very young scientists to tackle issues with science and technology and develop their love of discovery too.

The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday 12th until Saturday 14th January when a fantastic festival of science can be experienced alongside the brilliant student projects on display.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Visitors can plan their visit to the RDS in advance by downloading the free BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition app, available on Android and Apple devices.

Full of helpful information, the app includes an exhibition map, a search tool for student projects and exhibitors, a schedule of events, as well as links to the BTYSTE social networks for live updates throughout the event.

For more information, visit www.btyoungscientist.com