Tipperary student claims top prize at annual SciFest Regional Final
Imaan Kashif from Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, took home the top honour on the day
Second-level students from across Tipperary and the wider region showcased innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills at the Regional Final of SciFest at the Technological University of the Shannon.
The Thurles Campus welcomed more than 150 students, who exhibited over 54 projects across the areas of life sciences, physical sciences and technology, as part of one of 15 regional SciFest venues nationwide.
From the impressive line-up of entries, the top honour, the SciFest Best Project Award, was awarded to Imaan Kashif from Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, for her project, Magnetically Guided Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery.
Imaan’s research explored the potential role of magnetic nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery in modern medicine.
As part of her project, she designed a simulated blood vessel model using tubing and fluid flow to demonstrate how treatments could be directed more precisely within the body. The judges were highly impressed by the scientific depth and practical application of her work.
Imaan will now progress to the SciFest National Final, where she will compete for the opportunity to represent Ireland at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, California, in May 2027.
She was supported in her project by her teacher, Eimear O’Donoghue.
The Runner-up Best Project Award was presented to students David Hoare, Oliwia Kurpen and Daniel Ryznar from Central Technical Institute, Clonmel, for their project, Calm Case, which explored solutions to trypanophobia, the fear of needles, a condition that can lead to anxiety, fainting and reduced uptake of essential vaccinations in healthcare settings.
The students were supported by their teacher Shauna Burke.
Other award winners on the day represented a wide range of schools, including St Joseph’s College, Borrisoleigh; Cistercian College, Roscrea; Borrisokane Community College; Castlecomer Community School; Coláiste Dún Iascaigh and Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule.
As one of 15 regional venues nationwide, SciFest@TUS Thurles provided a platform for students to explore real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering and maths.
SciFest@TUS Thurles co-ordinators Dr Bridget Kirwan and Dr Abimbola Ikoyi said: “As SciFest celebrates its 20th anniversary, we continue to be inspired by the standard of projects that enter this competition. The standard of research undertaken by second-level students across our region demonstrated their passion and enthusiasm for research in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths. We are delighted to be part of SciFest, an initiative that not only supports students in developing their STEM knowledge but also encourages them to stay curious and engaged with the world around them.”
SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island STEM initiative that promotes active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. Now in its 20th year, the programme continues to encourage young people to explore STEM through curiosity-led investigation, creativity and problem-solving.
Speaking on this year’s SciFest@TUS Thurles regional STEM fair, Sheila Porter, Founder and CEO of SciFest, said: “Twenty years ago, the first SciFest fair took place in 2006, and since then we’ve seen tens of thousands of students bring ideas to life — asking questions, testing solutions and presenting projects with confidence and pride. It is inspirational to see the innovation, imagination and impact of this year’s SciFest@TUS, Thurles Campus projects. I would encourage every second level student with an idea, interest or even just a question to remain curious and enter SciFest.”
SciFest is funded by the Department of Education and Youth and supported by industry partners including Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Keenova.