Longford students pick up Highly Commended award at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

“Upcycling waste streams for agricultural use and protecting water sources”

Two fifth year students at St Mel's College, Longford, Gerard Keogh and Jared Weafer, picked up a Highly Commended award at the 60th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in the RDS.

The title of Gerard and Jared's project is 'Upcycling waste streams for agricultural use and protecting water sources' and is entered in the senior Biological and Ecological category.

The project looks at using industry waste to replace chemical fertiliser in Irish agriculture. This same industrial waste is currently being released into water sources causing pollution.

If this project finds that this waste can replace chemical fertiliser it could then eliminate the waste being released into water and reduce input costs on Irish farms.

To learn more about Gerard and Jared's project WATCH HERE

The Longford duo met Minister for Education Norma Foley TD at the event.

Minister Foley said, "Meeting students exhibiting projects this week and witnessing the innovation, creativity and attention to detail which they have applied to their research has been a great honour. As the 2022 results of the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) show, 15-year-olds in Ireland significantly outperform many of their counterparts across the OECD in science.

"The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continues to demonstrate the breadth of what’s possible in our world when open and inquiring minds ask questions and explore new opportunities and solutions. Along with the Government, I am committed to continuing to promote uptake in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in our schools for the benefit of all learners.”

Longford students win Farm Sustainability Award at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition