Ireland’s future innovators lead the way at the RDS

THE 55th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition sprang into life last week as over 1,000 students from across the island descended on the RDS to set up their projects and begin preparations for the days ahead.

In a rousing speech to a packed house of young scientists, President Michael D Higgins opened the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2019.

Speaking on the projects put forward by students, President Higgins said: “We in Ireland are so gifted to have so many young people in this country who give us the prospect of becoming problem solvers, critical thinkers and persistent learners.

“Citizens who are essential in the crafting of a shared and better future for all who share this fragile planet.”

Speaking to the students, President Higgins added: “Between you, you have produced a vast body of impressive work, so much of which deserves to be considered at the highest level as a contribution to the urgent measures that we must take together if we are to solve the world’s most pertinent problems, which are now at a point of crisis.”

BT Ireland MD, Shay Walsh , congratulated students on their participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, in what is now the largest and longest-running science fair of its kind, not just in Ireland but in the world.

This is now the 19th consecutive year for the technology giant, BT, to organise and sponsor the event.

With over 160 BT red coat volunteers on hand to assist, Ireland’s future STEM leaders kicked off an exciting event, building on generations of students’ innovation and imagination.

The event brought together some of the country’s brightest young minds, from diverse backgrounds, as they competed to take home the coveted title of the BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year 2019. 

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins officially opened the Exhibition at a special ceremony attended by students, teachers, Exhibition partners and stakeholders, and presented by broadcaster Aidan Power and TG4’s Roisin Ni Thomáin.

Since 1965, over three quarters of a million people have visited the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition illustrating how fascinated people are by the limitless possibilities of science and technology.

Also taking place alongside the Exhibition is The Primary Science Fair, now in its 17th year, which brought hundreds of primary students from across Ireland to Dublin’s Southside.