Leitrim students urged not to miss out as applications close soon for the 2024 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) is an opportunity for the Leitrim students to represent their county and to become Ireland's next generation of inventors, researchers and game-changers developing ideas that will contribute positively to society. 

BTYSTE is designed to raise schools' engagement in the critical subjects of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). 

The exhibition calls upon students aged 12-19 years from all over the island of Ireland to showcase innovative science and technology projects.

This year's deadline is Monday, October 2, at 5pm. Qualified entries will be announced at the end of October and will be showcased at BTYSTE 2024 in January.   

In Ireland, almost two-thirds of secondary school students (64%) do not believe the public celebrates the nation's achievements in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) enough. That's according to a study of 500 secondary school students in Ireland conducted by BT Ireland to examine their attitudes towards STEM. 

People from Ireland have changed the world with their inventions, be it the submarine, the binaural stethoscope, or the hypodermic needle. 

There are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of €50,000 for BTYSTE 2024, which includes the overall award worth €7,500. 

Taking place from January 10 to 13, 2024, the winners of the BT Young Scientist and Technologist of the Year Award 2024 will go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS). 

Ireland has a strong record of taking home the prize for first place at the EUCYS, with 17 wins over the past 34 years.  

The prizes are awarded across the five categories of Technology, Social and Behavioural Science, Biological and Ecological Science, Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Science, and in a brand-new category being introduced for the 60th BTYSTE, Health and Wellbeing. 

The BTYSTE's Health and Wellbeing category aims to promote research and innovation in human health, medical advancements, nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.  

Speaking ahead of the BTYSTE 2024 deadline, Mari Cahalane, head of the BTYSTE at BT Ireland, said, "Secondary school students who have participated in the BTYSTE have generated very innovative ideas, and after their experience at the exhibition, they have gone on to have successful careers in a range of different fields. 

"The exhibition is a great way for anyone who is interested in learning or gaining more exposure to STEM to do so, and we're encouraging students to not miss out on being a part of history as we celebrate 60 years of the BTYSTE in 2024", she added