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BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Attracts Record Number of Projects and Schools for 2012

1,743 entries across 32 counties shows unprecedented interest

24th October, 2012

BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Attracts Record Number of Projects and Schools for 2012

BT has today announced that it has received a record number of entries to the 2012 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. With 1,743 ideas entered by 3,842 students from 32 counties, never has the appetite from young people to drive growth and sustainability been as strong.

Over the past 12 years, since BT took over as organiser and sponsor of the event, the quality and quantity of entries received from secondary school students have surpassed all expectations, and have garnered both national and international interest and acclaim. Competition to make it to the RDS in January is particularly high, with judges remarking on the impressive nature of entries this year, based on preliminary reviews. For 2012, BT has extended the space at the exhibition to allow more students to take part. There are now 550 places available, an increase of 30 on last year, allowing up to 90 additional students to take part in January.

Through its investment in the exhibition, BT aims to engage students in science, technology, engineering, and commercialisation, thus driving skills and innovation for the benefit of Ireland Inc. Fostering this sense of participation in second-level education helps students have the interest and ability to progress to higher education institutions and enter the workforce as part of a well-equipped, resourceful talent pool. By focusing on skills, entrepreneurship and fresh thinking, these students can improve their future career prospects. The exhibition is an ideal platform from which to start on that road.

The 2012 entries at a glance:

  • 1,743 entries received spanning 32 counties
  • 354 schools represented
  • 1,354 entries are from groups and 389 entries are from individuals
  • Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences has received 326 entries; Biological & Ecological Sciences 509 entries; Social & Behavioural Sciences 618 entries and Technology 290 entries
  • There are 2,235 girls and 1,608 boys represented in the entries

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, said,

In its 48th year, it is great to see the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continue to break new records for both the number of projects entered and schools competing. It is hugely uplifting to see 1,743 ideas generated in classrooms across Ireland, thought up by curious young minds who are eager to positively impact the world around them. Research and innovation are critically important to our economy, and I commend everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for providing a platform to stimulate and showcase Ireland's talent both nationally and internationally.
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Colm O’Neill, Chief Executive Officer, BT Ireland commented,

There is a major challenge to create sustainable jobs in Ireland. The talent, drive and entrepreneurship are there, evident from the superior level of this year's entries to the exhibition. We need to protect our industries and ensure growth for the future so these young talented people have career choices available to them. We are hugely encouraged that the numbers of exhibition entries has increased again this year. 48 years and growing, this exhibition is a brilliant showcase of Ireland's potential.

The 2012 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from January 11th — 14th. For more information, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com, check out http://www.facebook.com/BTYSTE, follow on twitter at http://twitter.com/btyste or call 1800 924 362 or from Northern Ireland 0800 917 1297.