Record year for Young Scientist exhibition

THE annual BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition has attracted its highest number of entries in its 47-year history.

A record-breaking 3,943 second-level pupils across the 32 counties have entered the contest, with a total of 1,753 projects. BT put on a big push in schools to consider technology projects this year -- leading to a 35pc increase.

The exhibition, which will take place in the RDS, Dublin, in January, will feature a pared-down 520 projects from 346 schools, with female pupils accounting for 56pc of the participants.

BT Ireland CEO Graham Sutherland said it was inspiring to see the exhibition breaking records, adding that there there was a need to "build a sustainable future and innovation, skills and export will play key roles".

BT has created a bursary to support schools from outside Dublin with accommodation and travel costs to attend the event.

- Katherine Donnelly

Irish Independent