- Judging began today at day one of the 2024 BTYSTE, which saw over 1,100 student finalists present their project entries to over 85 expert judges
- The 2024 BTYSTE is open to the public from tomorrow, January 11 until Saturday, January 13, and limited tickets are still available to visit on all three days at https://www.ticketing.btyoungscientist.com
- A full selection of pictures from today will be shared by Fennells Photography with the photo desk
- Video highlights are available to watch on the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition YouTube channel @BTYoungScientists
January 10, 2024: President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins was at the RDS Dublin today to officially open the 2024 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) and celebrate an incredibly special occasion for the event.
This week, the exhibition celebrates its 60th anniversary, and over the last six decades, it has inspired generations of young people to put their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) into action to find ways to improve the world.
Today, over 1,100 secondary school student finalists and Ireland’s future innovators, descended upon the RDS to set up and present their STEM-focused projects to a panel of 85 judges, as the first round of judging began. After officially opening the ceremony, President Michael D. Higgins toured the exhibition and heard from the participating students about their incredible projects.
Speaking to Ireland’s young scientists at today’s opening ceremony, President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins said: “Science is a subject grounded in the betterment of society, in sustaining not only humanity’s progress in addressing challenges, but in opening opportunities for a shared fulfilment. We must all remember that good science is critical to the ongoing pursuit of a more just, peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable world.
As a young scientist, you will achieve the greatest impact when you locate your contribution within a commitment as a concerned and contributing global citizen.
It is through the sharing of scientific ideas that we may share the joy of scientific discoveries that co-operation facilitates and ensure that the fruits of science can contribute solutions to the great global, social, economic and ecological challenges we face on our planet.”
Also today, the Executive Leaders Forum was held at the exhibition to raise awareness among businesses and organisations of one of the most pressing issues of our time – sustainability. Held in conjunction with Business in the Community Ireland, the event encouraged business leaders to accelerate their adoption of sustainable business practices and assess their investments in ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) initiatives. Business leaders also visited participating students stands, with many projects focused on environmental issues and climate change.
Managing Director of BT Ireland, Shay Walsh, who also spoke at today’s opening ceremony said:
“It is an honour to raise the curtain on the 60th exhibition with an inspirational Opening Address by President Michael D Higgins for our brilliant participants. Not only has the co-founders’ vision for the exhibition stood the test of time, but the exhibition has also expanded over the decades with additional elements such as the Primary Science Fair, Business Bootcamp, and bursaries for students.
We are proud to have played an organising role for 24 years, and excited to have signed a new partnership for 2024-2026.”
Tomorrow, the 2024 exhibition officially opens its doors to visitors, judging will continue, and the Primary Science Fair, which runs alongside the BTYSTE and is an integral part of the event, will officially open with 55 primary schools showcasing their projects. A line-up of fantastic performances will also be taking place throughout the event, including a new show from Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’), ‘Limitless.’ Europe’s leading clown performer Juanita will also perform, and a fully interactive 3D theatre show is among the programme’s highlights. As well as all this, 50 stands from the BTYSTE’s amazing partners will be set up around the RDS Dublin, including the Department of Education, Analog Devices, Amgen, Stripe, and RTÉ.
Tickets to the BTYSTE can be purchased at https://ticketing.btyoungscientist.com or at the venue. Tickets are sold out for tomorrow morning, Thursday January 11, but are still available to visit in the afternoon, and on Friday January 12 as well as Saturday January 13. Visitors can plan their visit to the RDS Dublin in advance by downloading the free BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition app, available on Android and Apple devices. Full of helpful information, the app includes an exhibition map, a search tool for student projects and exhibitors, a schedule of events, as well as links to the BTYSTE social networks for live updates throughout the event.
For more information on the exhibition, please visit the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition website or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube or Snapchat.