The Irish Times view on the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition: a source of inspiration

Ireland’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is marking its 60th anniversary at its spiritual home in Dublin’s RDS. It has left a remarkable legacy, having contributed handsomely to Ireland’s rapid economic development. It has been a catalyst enticing young people to take a scientific pathway at third level and helped correct a significant gender imbalance among second level students. More girls than boys now enter the contest, though the problem persists at a broader level as only 35 per cent of those engaged in Stem research in Ireland are women.

Its standing has grown steadily and it has now become one of the leading school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) exhibitions in Europe. Over six decades, it has not only grown in size with the support of highly committed teachers and rigorous judges, it has also modernised and improved standards. This year it introduced a health and wellbeing category to promote research and innovation in human health, medical advancements and nutrition.

Some projects would be on a par with a good final year thesis at university. The presentational skills of many participants would match those making big pitches in the competitive real world of commerce. Many entrants have been introduced to the benefits of teamwork and collaboration. The BTYSTE is equally an opportunity to embrace the fun of science that shapes our lives and a source of inspiration in meeting the challenges of a troubled and uncertain world.

Any doubts about its ability to wrestle with issues confronting modern Ireland are dispelled by this year’s projects that range across artificial intelligence, neurodiversity, digital technologies, mental illness and solutions to help address the interlinked crises of climate disruption, nature loss and widespread pollution of ecosystems.

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This year’s entrants should relish their participation as they consider future career options and remember the advice to them from President Michael D Higgins, “that good science is critical to the ongoing pursuit of a more just, peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world”.