Three Laois students qualify for the BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2025

2025 marks the 25th anniversary of BT’s custodianship of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), and sees three Laois students take to the RDS to present their scientific studies.

Staff of of Portlaoise College, Heywood Community School and St. Mary's CBS Portlaoise have given well wishes to their young scientists.

"Seán Cheah, a third year student in Portlaoise College, has successfully got through to the BT Young Scientists exhibition for a second year in a row," Portlaoise College teacher Fiona Kelly praised.

His project 'A study of the Post-Covid working environment' investigated how employees felt about the different types of working environments, remote, in office and hybrid.

"He has worked tirelessly over the past number of months carrying out interviews and surveys to gather all his data for the project," Ms Kelly finished. 

Pictured: Portlaoise College student Seán Cheah.

Ilana Holohan, A TY student in Heywood Community School, will be competing in the Social and Behavioural Sciences section as an individual intermediate project. 

The project is entitled 'How does the amount of sleep you get affect your appetite, mood and focus'. This is Ilana's first time entering and participating in the competition.

"We are very proud of Ilana's achievement in qualifying for the BT Young Scientist competition," said Heywood Community School Principal Mr Eamon Jackman.

"To be shortlisted to the event is an incredible and one Ilana can be very proud of. We are extremely grateful of the work Ms. Joyce Byren has put in to facilitate Ilana's entry since September," he said. 

Pictured: Heywood Community School student Ilana Holohan.

"The project itself is very relevant to young people today and the growing trend of lack of sleep due to the many electronic distractions in their lives.

"We have witnessed its impact on students wellbeing over the past number of years and must applaud Ilana for choosing a project so topical to the wellbeing of people of all ages today.

"I hope Ilana can enjoy the experience and showcasing all the effort she has put into the project," Mr Jackman finished.

St Mary's CBS Portlaoise wished their student Joshua Corbett the best of luck in his participation.

"Joshua is accompanied by his teacher Ms. Barrett, we wish them a safe journey home in these hazardous conditions," the school said.

Pictured: St Mary's CBS Portlaoise student Joshua Corbett

Joshua’s project is entitled ‘Breaking Barriers: Revolutionising the Treatment of Brain Diseases’ and focuses on the Development of a novel nano-QSAR model to predict drug delivery of nanoparticles to the brain.

"Once again, the very best of luck Joshua!" St Mary's CBS finished.

For more updates, keep an eye on the Leinster Express / Laois Live website.