Derry students take home prize at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023

In October of last year, second-level students from Derry's St Mary's College were selected to take part in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2023. 

Over 1,700 projects were entered from across Ireland and after closing for entries in October 2022, the BTYSTE judges selected the 550 projects which were showcased at the exhibition taking place from January 11 to January 14 2023.

For participants and teachers, the Exhibition offered a chance to win one of over 200 prizes with a prize fund of over €35,000. 

The four projects from St. Mary’s College that qualified for the finals of the BTYSTE Competition 2023 were all in the Intermediate Chemical, Physical and Mathematical sciences category and the girls are in fourth and fifth year.

Kaycee Deery, who presented her investigation, development and evaluation of different sunscreen preparations, received a Highly Commended Award from the judges for her project.

Kaycee's project tested a range of natural oil based substances for their ability to absorb UV light and formulates and tested a range of homemade sunscreens using these natural substances.  

Kaycee's investigation was of great importance as most proprietary sunscreens contain chemicals that can be harmful to health and the environment. UV blockers such as titanium dioxide have been shown to harm coral reefs and some organic UV absorbers have been shown to produce free radicals that can harm health. A natural sunscreen would be less harmful.

The other three projects from St Mary's College included investigating the effect of activated charcoal on the absorption of glucose in the digestive system by Lexie Melrose. This project concerns the possibility of controlling the absorption of glucose into the blood by taking activated charcoal tablets. This is particularly important for people with diabetes.

Lexie with her project investigating the effect of activated charcoal on the absorption of glucose in the digestive system

Also, investigating the effect of different pHs on the use of hydrogels as drug carriers part II by Nikita Morrison and Becca Connolly. This project investigated how different pHs (found in the digestive system) affect the release of different medicines from hydrogels. This is important as the delivery of medicines could be targeted to different parts of the digestive system.

Becca and Nikita and their project which investigated how different pHs (found in the digestive system) affect the release of different medicines from hydrogels

Investigating the effect of acid rain on metals used in construction and metal compounds found in soil by Rebecca Lewis. This project makes up solutions of simulated acid rain and adds it to metals and soil containing metal compounds. After a period of time the acid rain is tested to determine its acidity. Lower acidity would indicate that the metals have been leached into the environment. 

This project was important as these leached metals get into waterways, move up the food chain and get into drinkable water which is harmful to humans and animals.

Rebecca investigating the effect of acid rain on metals used in construction and metal compounds found in soil

Commenting on the girls participating in the affluent exhibition and Kaycee's achievement, Ann Blanking at St Mary's College said: "It was fantastic to have the BTYSTE back in the RDS this year.  

"We had four projects in the competition this year and were the only representatives from County Derry. All the girls acquitted themselves very well.  It was a hard fought contest as there were only 1st, 2nd and 3rd places available in each category.  

"We were delighted that Kaycee was awarded a Highly Commended Award. All the girls were buzzing. This was their first time at the RDS and they are already talking about next year.

"The girls had a terrific time, as apart from the actual competition, there were many other things to get involved with. Rebecca Lewis was totally starstruck when she saw the President, Michael D. Higgins.

"The girls had a visit from a busload of their peers on Friday and were delighted. Every pupil (and accompanying Staff were amazed by the sheer scale of the BTYSTE.

"The school is incredibly proud of all the girls; Rebecca, Becca, Nikita, Lexie and especially Kaycee." 

The winners of the 59th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition were Shane O’Connor and Liam Carew, aged 19 and in sixth year in the Abbey School, Tipperary.

The boys won with their project Assessing the impact of second-level education on key aspects of adolescents’ life and development. The coveted prize was presented to the winners this evening in the RDS in Dublin by Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, and Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh.

Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said, "On behalf of the entire team at BT Ireland, I wish to thank each and every student who took part in this year’s exhibition for sharing your ideas with us. 

"After a long three years, it has been a pleasure to welcome you all back to the event in person. The past week has been truly inspiring, and I am in awe of your unique and individual talents. 

"The level of creativity, innovation and research displayed over the last number of days has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of it.

"I would also like to extend my congratulations to all our winners, who join a special group of some of Ireland’s brightest minds. I have no doubt this is only the beginning of all the brilliant work you will go on to do. 

"To all the teachers, parents, guardians and everyone who supported the students who entered on their journeys, I express my sincere thanks. We are hugely grateful also to our panel of esteemed judges, our sponsors and partners, and of course, our own BT team, without whom this magnificent Exhibition would not be possible."

The 2023 BT Young Scientist & Technology winners receive the BTYSTE perpetual trophy and the top prize of €7,500. 

The winners will also represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists, which takes place in Brussels, Belgium in September 2023. 

They’ll also get to attend the 64th Annual London International Youth Science Forum this summer.

Speaking at the awards ceremony this evening, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said: “I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Shane and Liam on winning this truly prestigious trophy and award, in what has been another inspiring year of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. 

"With the BTYSTE back in person for the first time since before the pandemic, I have had the pleasure to witness first-hand the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by this year’s entrants, across a range of important and relevant topics. 

"To every participant – you have been an excellent representative of yourself, your family and your school, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. 

"The calibre of each entry is a testament to the tenacity and talent of the students behind them, and it is this constant high standard that makes BT Young Scientist one of the longest running, and most successful STEM events in Europe. 

"From my time in the classroom, I am aware of the enormous work and support required to participate in competitions like this, and I wish to acknowledge your teachers and school communities who have also generously given their time and expertise to support you on your journey. 

"A special thank you also to the parents and families of students for their constant encouragement and outstanding support.”