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A project by two pupils from from St Colman's College in Newry is one of 15 projects from the north that have qualified for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2025. Ronan Scullion and Laochra Hill will showcase their project 'An 'egg'citing way to treat phosphate run off in Lough Neagh' at the exhibition in January.
Over 4,000 Irish students from 352 schools across the island of Ireland have showcased their innovation and ingenuity through the 2,069 project entries received for the BTYSTE 2025. Tackling a broad range of topics relating to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the 550 shortlisted projects will represent their schools and local communities at the BTYSTE in Dublin from 8-11 January 2025.
Overall, health has emerged as a key theme, accounting for over one-third of all project entries across a number of categories with topics covered ranging from stress reduction techniques to help improve mental health to the role of linguistics in emotional expression. The second key theme, environmental sustainability, included projects on air quality and biodiversity, recycling and waste management.
STEM-focused subjects relating to technology, biology and science also featured prominently in project entries, including topics such asAI, use of technology in meteorology, and pharmaceutical research. Chemistry, physics and mathematics also featured among entries.
Speaking on the entries, Professor Pat Guiry, Chair of Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Board and Exhibition judge said, “This year we were heartened by the exceptional quality of entries to the BTYSTE. In fact, every year we are amazed by the calibre of submissions being made right across the country. The shortlisting of 2,069 entries down to 550 qualified projects was a tough challenge again this year.
“The scientific rigour and depth of research evident in the entries demonstrates the talent and creativity of Irish students, and their commitment to finding solutions to some of the greatest challenges of their times and gaining a greater understanding of the world around them.”
Paul Murnaghan, Northern Ireland Director at BT added: “This year’s entries reflect the dedication and creativity of students in Northern Ireland in addressing some of the greatest challenges of our time, and we see a shift towards more specific and detailed investigations within the project entries. There is also a noticeable increase in the application of AI and new technologies to address various challenges.
“In the 25 years that BT Ireland has been custodian, organiser, and sponsor of the prestigious YSTE, we have seen many previous entrants go on to make a big impact in the STEM sector and change the world for the better. I have no doubt based on this year’s entries, that future alumni will continue on that same trajectory.”
There are over 200 prizes and a prize fund of well over £40,000 to be won. These prizes are awarded across all five categories and age groups, including the overall BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year Award, worth €£6,750. There are two specific awards for Northern Ireland schools, Best School for the region and Best project, both are sponsored by BT.
Tickets for the BTYSTE 2025 will be available for purchase in November. For more information on the BTYSTE, please visit @BTYSTE on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
