The future of Ireland looks to be in safe hands given the calibre of young people taking part in the annual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
The 500 student projects shortlisted for participation in the 2008 event were of a very high standard. The students involved required dedication and discipline to complete their work and displayed remarkable maturity as they discussed their research findings with the judges.
These attributes were particularly evident in the winning Young Scientist of 2008, Emer Jones. Just 13-years-old, this second year student from Presentation Secondary School in Tralee, Co Kerry delivered an outstanding project on how to improve the sandbag emergency shelters used after natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. Emer conducted experiments and showed how these shelters could be made safer and stronger using a simple low-cost, low-technology innovation. She had the poise to discuss her findings with the judging panel, made up of scientists and engineers, and demonstrated a complete grasp of the technology involved and its importance.
Although in its 44th year, the exhibition continues to surprise with the depth of enthusiasm and innovation displayed by the students. It deserves its position as a national institution given the impact it has had over four decades in helping youngsters to exercise their natural curiosity with the world and to enjoy the wonders of science. No less enthusiasm is demonstrated year after year by the dedicated band of judges who generously donate their time and energies.
The exhibition is also very much a public gathering, with the doors opening to visitors on the second day soon after judging has begun. The organisers expect up to 36,000 people to have visited the Main Hall in the RDS before the 2008 exhibition closes this evening. Many will be brothers and sisters, proud parents and near relations. All will share in the excitement and marvel at the content of the projects on display.
It is impossible to ascertain just how many students decided on a career in the sciences, engineering or maths as a result of their participation in the Young Scientist. Nor can we know whether young pupils or children visiting the exhibition were stirred by what they saw and took a new interest in these subjects. What is known, however, is the power of the event to engage and delight all who take part. In this regard, main sponsor BT Ireland and all the many sponsors and contributors who make the annual Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition such an outstanding event, deserve our gratitude.