Five BT young scientist winners win trip away to Japan to showcase their creations!

Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, has announced that his Department is funding the winners of this year’s BT Young Scientist (BTYSTE) to travel to Japan to present their project at Expo 2025.

Up to 30 million visitors are expected at the EXPO in 2025, according to a press release.

The BT young scientist award ceremony is set to go live on the BTYSTE website and Facebook page on Friday January 10 at 5:30pm.

The Tánaiste said: “Bringing the winners of this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, along with four other outstanding entrants, to Expo in Osaka will showcase the innovation and talent of Irish young people on a global stage."

“The opportunity to attend Expo 2025 will allow the students to engage with educators and people at the cutting edge of science and technology from all over the world. This will be a huge benefit to them as they continue their own journeys and exploration into the world of science and technology.

“Japan is one of the world’s leading economies, and an important source of investment in Ireland, but also a country with which we share values and strong political, economic and cultural connections. 2025 will be an exciting year for Ireland in Japan. With the opening of the new Ireland House in Tokyo this year, as well as our participation in EXPO in the mega-city of Osaka, 2025 is the beginning of a dynamic new chapter in our bilateral partnership,” the Tánaiste added.

He also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Professor Pat Guiry, Chair of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, according to a press release.

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The MoU, according to a press release, will support Ireland’s Embassies and the BT YSTE in the development of further International YSTE competitions, such as those already established by Ireland’s Embassies in Kenya and Jordan.

Today @MichealMartinTD visited @BTYSTE, announcing that Ireland will bring 5 Young Scientists, including the overall winner, to @expo2025japan

He also signed an agreement to further develop International YSTE competitions, like those launched by 's Embassies in Kenya & Jordan pic.twitter.com/9ScUulPOqc

— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) January 9, 2025

This will contribute to Ireland’s ongoing work in the area of education and encourage young people, particularly girls, to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the press release has said.

The Tánaiste said: “The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition plays a critical role in encouraging young people in Ireland to develop their learning in areas that are increasingly defining the modern world. Our embassies in Kenya and Jordan have spearheaded the establishment of local competitions based on the successful Irish model. I was delighted to meet the winners of the Kenyan and Jordanian competitions today as part of their visit to Ireland."