Limerick students take STEM to next level at SciFest 2023

A COMPACT heart monitoring device developed by two Limerick students is in the running for a prestigious national award.

Aidan Oscar and Taha Nije, who attend Coláiste Chiarain in Croom won the regional title at the TUS Moylish SciFest, which welcomed over 190 secondary school students from across the Mid-West.

Their project, ‘Heart monitor ECG using arduino’, saw them work on creating a small hand held modular compact heart monitor device to keep track of one's cardiovascular health. They were mentored by teacher Ms. Edel Farrell and will now go onto the national finals.

An all-island STEM initiative, SciFest fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. The programme operates throughout the school year and, being locally based and free-to-enter, is highly inclusive and accessible.

Dr. Pauline Ryan, SciFest co-ordinator at the TUS Moylish campus said: “Every year I am so impressed by the high standard of research that goes into the entries and this year is no different. The quality of the research being done by the second-level students from across the region highlights the passion the students have for science, technology, engineering and maths. We are so proud to take part in SciFest, as it not only encourages the students to learn more about STEM but it is all inclusive.” 

Winners from the national final, which takes place in November, will go on to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in America and in the Hong Kong Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl. They will also attend the Long Night of Science in Berlin.

The SciFest programme is funded primarily by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific and EirGrid.