Leitrim school projects qualify for BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Diversity and Inclusion and Mental Health are three emerging trends that the 2024 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) entrants want to learn more about.

Five hundred fifty project ideas were qualified for BTYSTE 2024; among them, 1,431 are group and 611 are individual entries. Two projects from two schools were selected. 

Of all the submissions for the 2024 exhibition, the most common project titles are focused on health (16%); mental, menstrual, sleep, medicine, ageing, and behaviour. Mental health project entries covered many topics, such as beauty standards, sports performance, exercise and sleep. 

2% of all entries specifically investigated the health and environmental implications of vaping, which suggests the awareness and concerns of young people around vaping.

AI accounted for 4% of all entries, with projects looking at how programmes such as Chat GPT can be used effectively in education and health. Diversity and Inclusion was another topic of interest for students this year.

Of all entries, 3% focus on developing apps and technology to help improve the daily lives of those with physical disabilities. Neurodiversity (autism, in particular) was another emerging theme, suggesting growing interest from young people in the ways that technology can improve the lives of neurodivergent people.

Similar to previous years, the environment continues to be a strong trend within entries, with 11% of all projects covering the topic, from ways to become more sustainable, to environmentally friendly farming practices, microplastics, natural fertilisers and even fast fashion.

Young peoples’ interest in sports remains high, with 9% of projects investigating topics ranging from sports injuries to performance, as well as the use of technology within sports, gender, and mental health. 

Furthermore, 6% of all projects also delve into education, investigating areas from mental health to academic success, innovation, and the use of apps and devices within classrooms and learning environments.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said: “It is fantastic to see the level of engagement by students in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2024. 

“It is an absolute highlight of the school calendar each year. The interest from students in health-related topics demonstrates young people’s interest in that area, and it’s great to see that the BTYSTE has created a new category for the 60th exhibition next year, ‘Health and Wellbeing’, that will enable secondary school students to explore that interest further,” she said. 

Shay Walsh, Managing Director at BT Ireland, commented, “Each year, we continue to be amazed at the calibre of ideas and innovations that are submitted for consideration to the BTYSTE. 

“We are looking forward to recognising and nurturing new talent in the sector in the new year,” Shay said. 

Mari Cahalane, Head of the BTYSTE, concluded: “As one of the largest STEM school exhibitions in Europe, our alumni have been recognised globally and with the standard of entries for 2024 just as high as years before, we’re very confident that trend will continue.”

The 60th BTYSTE will take place from January 10-13, 2024. For the BTYSTE 2024, there are over 200 prizes to be won and a prize fund of €50,000.  

Tickets for the BTYSTE 2024 will be available for purchase later this month. For more information on the BTYSTE, please visit @BTYSTE on X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.