Kildare student Zack O’Leary wins SciFest National Final 2025

Zack O’Leary from Co. Kildare representing Clongowes Wood College, has won the overall title of SciFest STEM Champion 2025 for his project M.A.N.T.I.S “Muon Analysis for Non-Invasive Tomography and Image Simulation”.  

Zack will go on to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona next May. SciFest is Ireland’s largest, most-inclusive all-island STEM fair programme for second-level students.

The SciFest National Final, held in Marino Conference Centre in Dublin today, was attended by students from every corner of Ireland with 51 students from 31 schools qualifying to participate this year. Students secured their place at the National Final by winning one of the top awards at the 15 regional SciFest fairs earlier in the year.

This year’s programme also featured five international projects from students in Sri Lanka and South Africa, further extending the global network of SciFest.

Since 2006, the programme continues to grow and expand, reporting an increase in student participation year on year. This growth has been made possible by the continued support of the Department of Education and Youth, Research Ireland and our industry partners, Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Keenova. 

As SciFest prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, the programme’s mission remains the same - to encourage students’ participation in STEM in an enjoyable and interactive way. SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, no matter their background or circumstance.

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Speaking today at this year’s National Final, CEO and Founder of SciFest, Sheila Porter commented: "On behalf of everyone here at SciFest, I would like to extend a warm congratulations to all the participants, and in particular to Zack O’Leary for winning the title of SciFest STEM Champion 2025. We saw a significant increase in technology projects this year focusing on artificial intelligence and medical devices – it is great to see students take a strong interest in solving real world problems.”

“SciFest’s purpose remains to inspire and empower the next generation to engage with the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It has been a pleasure to watch SciFest continue to grow and to meet with all the immensely talented and bright students that participate every year. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been involved – from our students, teachers, parents and judges to our wonderful sponsors – all of whom have contributed to this extraordinary event."