Limerick students gear up for BT Young Scientist competition

TEN LIMERICK schools are preparing their projects for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2023.

Entries closed in October and then the BTYSTE judges selected the 550 projects which will be showcased at the exhibition taking place from January 12 to 14, 2023.

The competition will take place at the RDS in Dublin where the brightest sparks from across Ireland will assemble under one roof with the hopes of winning the top prize.

Over 1,700 projects were entered into the event covering a variety of topics including health, new technologies, agriculture, sport science, and environment.

Some of the Limerick schools taking part are: Scoil Pól in Kilfinane, Salesian Secondary College in Pallaskenry, Coláiste Nano Nagle on Sexton Street in Limerick city and Laurel Hill Secondary School FCJ on the South Circular Road, also in Limerick city.

Other schools taking part include Mungret Community College, Desmond College in Newcastle West, Coláiste Chiarain Croom, Coláiste Iósaef Kilmallock, Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh in Limerick city and John the Baptist Community School in Hospital.

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This is the first time in three years that the competition will be held in person with special acts including Secrets of Superhero Science, Strong Women of Science and Sustainable Outer Space 3D.

Health has come out as a top issue for students this year as 24% of projects delve into this area.

Projects range from cancer research, allergy remedies, diet and nutrition, to ways to improve our sleep and cardiovascular health.

The students also look at new applications and technology-based solutions to improve everyday life for those living with a variety of illnesses and conditions.

This year 20% of the projects entered tackle environmental issues across all STEM categories.

Over 10% of projects feature new technologies, applications or devices with students exploring topical areas such as road and water safety, sustainable energy usage, along with a variety of other novel ways that technology can assist and improve our daily lives.

Meanwhile, sport-based entries examining the science behind physical activity, tactics, nutrition and results feature in over 10% of projects.

A further 10% of projects look at how we learn, and new ways to improve cognitive processing of information.

The overall winner(s) will take home the top prize of €7,500 and go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Brussels.

A selection of the projects from Limerick students and schools will be highlighted on Limerick Live over the coming days so stay tuned!