Bright future awaits our Young Scientist winners

A BRIGHT future beckons for two north county Dublin students who won the 52nd BT Young Scientist & Technology Awards (BTYSTE).

Maria Louise Fufezan (16) and Diana Bura (15), from Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, won the top prize for their project entitled ‘An Investigation into the Effects of Enzymes used in Animal Feed Additives on the Lifespan of Caenorhabditis Elegans’.

And in a further boost for Balbriggan, the award for Individual Runner-Up went to fifth year student Renuka Chintapalli (16), also from Loreto Secondary School, for her project, ‘Developing a predictive tool for identifying FLNc-associated biomarkers of oesophageal cancer metastasis’. 

Renuka was entered in the biological and ecological sciences category at senior level.

Maria and Diana were presented with a cheque for €5,000, the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 28th European Union Young Scientist competition in Brussels later this year and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy. 

In addition, as the Group Technical Partner of Williams Racing, BT will bring the winners on an all-expenses paid trip to the home of Williams Racing in Oxfordshire, England. 

Here, the winners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Williams are using technology to ensure they remain one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

Speaking about the winning entry, category judge Professor Grace McCormack said: “These students (Maria and Diana) have asked a novel question – could there be any effects of enzymes added to animal feed on worms of importance for soil fertility? 

“The girls provide new evidence that there may be an unexpected detrimental change in behaviour and lifespan of these essential worms. 

“The work is important for the environment and the food industry and will undoubtedly lead to further research in this important area.” Meanwhile, Fingal County Council held a civic reception last Monday night in County Hall, Swords, to honour the students.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr David O’Connor said he was delighted to welcome the students and their families to County Hall.  

“The achievements of these young people is an inspiration for all students,” he said.