ETB Community Colleges Excel Again at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board marked a significantly successful year for its Community Colleges and their participating students at the 60^th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024. All the students, teachers and mentors have been commended for their dedication, creativity, and passion for science and technology, which were evident in their outstanding projects.

Over 550 projects from 219 schools were on display at this year’s exhibition, with Limerick and Clare ETB Community Colleges represented by a record-breaking number of students who showcased a wide range of innovative and thought-provoking projects. Their participation in this highly competitive competition reflects the strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education within ETB schools.

Among the most notable achievements for Limerick and Clare ETB students was the performance of Coláiste Chiaráin, which emerged as ‘Best School Republic of Ireland’. The school’s students and staff also received awards including 1st in the Senior Group Technology Category, ATU Award Technology, and Highly Commended Technology.

BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year, Seán O’Sullivan from Coláiste Chiaráin.

Seán O’Sullivan from Coláiste Chiaráin was deemed the overall winner of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2024 for his ground-breaking project VerifyMe: A new approach to authorship attribution in the post-ChatGPT era. Seán’s significant achievement is a source of immense pride for the entire Limerick and Clare ETB community and has been commended by ETB Chief Executive, George O’Callaghan. This is the second occasion a Limerick and Clare ETB Community College has won first prize in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Patrick Collison came first in 2005 when he was a student in Castletroy College.

Students from Kilkee Community College also attracted considerable national media interest at the exhibition this year with their project and presentation exploring the potential of seaweed to reduce the pungent odour of slurry, a common agricultural waste product. Their innovative solution involves transforming locally-sourced seaweed into biochar, a material that effectively neutralizes odours and enhances nutrient release, promoting healthier soil and grass.

Norma Foley, Minister for Education, pictured with Caragh, Cian and Conor, Miss Egan and Miss Burke from Kilkee Community College who won a special award and came third in the Senior Category.

Commenting on the success of Limerick and Clare ETB Community Colleges at this year’s exhibition, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools, said: “Our schools have an excellent success record in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and a significant number of them feature prominently every year. I would like to extend my congratulations to all our students, teachers, and mentors who have contributed to these outstanding successes. Their efforts in nurturing STEM education and fostering a culture of innovation are truly inspiring. We are confident that our talented students will continue to excel in STEM fields and make significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology in Ireland and beyond.”

Salva and Orla from Castletroy College who were highly commended at BTYSTE.