Awards
SPECIAL AWARDS
C2K SPECIAL AWARD
The C2k Award is for the project that makes the most innovative use of any technology for learning, knowledge gathering or cooperation in the research, development or implementation, such as:
- File and data collection or sharing
- Communication, e.g. SMS, Email, Blogs, Social Networking, Websites, Wikis
- Use of collaboration tools e.g. Video Conferencing, Instant Messaging, Portals or Intranets (e.g. Sharepoint) or Online Learning Environments, such as LearningNI
COMREG SPECIAL AWARD
ComReg is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sector. We are the national regulatory authority for these sectors in accordance with EU law which is subsequently transposed into Irish legislation. Our remit covers all kinds of transmission networks including:
Traditional telephone wire
Traditional television and radio
Radio Communications including fixed wireless
Radio Communications including fixed wireless
Mobile operators providing voice and data services
Licensing Framework for Satellite Services in Ireland
Postal delivery network
ComReg enables competition in the communications sector by facilitating market entry through a general authorisation to provide networks and services and by regulating access to networks so as to develop effective choice for consumers both business and residential. In a rapidly evolving sector, both in technological and commercial terms, ComReg provides the framework for the introduction of new services such as 3G. The focus of regulation for the postal service in the partly liberalised market is the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) and in ensuring that An Post prices are geared to cost. Our activities are geared to operators and business & residential users of communications services.
Criteria
The ComReg award will be presented to the project which provides the most innovative application of technology in radiocommunications.
Category
Technology
Age Group
All
ELI LILLY SPECIAL AWARD
Eli Lilly and Company is a leading, innovation-driven corporation committed to developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class and first-in class pharmaceutical products that help people live longer, healthier and more active lives. Lilly products treat depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, osteoporosis and many other conditions. We are committed to providing answers that matter -through medicines and information -for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.
Criteria
The Eli Lilly prize will be awarded for the project with the best Chemistry content.
Category
CP&M
Age Group
All
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY SPECIAL AWARD
The EPA protects the environment for everyone in the country. We regulate and police activities that might otherwise cause pollution. We ensure there is solid information on environmental trends so that necessary actions are taken. Our priorities are protecting the Irish environment and ensuring that development is sustainable. We employ 290 people who work in ten locations throughout the country.
Criteria
The EPA is delighted to sponsor an Award that will encourage and reward thought, investigation, debate and action on Ireland's environment. The award is for the best environmental project. The project's results should demonstrate a contribution to the protection and improvement of the natural environment, for present and future generations. This award can be made across all age groups and all categories.
Category
General
Age Group
All
FORAS NA GAEILGE SPECIAL AWARD
Facilitating and encouraging the speaking and writing of Irish in the public and private arena in the Republic of Ireland, and in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand, in the context of part three of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages Foras Na Gaeilge promote the use of Irish as a living language, not just for the classroom. This award gives students an opportunity to use their Irish outside of the Irish class and in a field not usually associated with the Irish language.
Criteria
The Foras Na Gaeilge award is to be presented to the best Irish Language project and can be presented across any category and any age group.
Category
General
Age Group
All
THE HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD SPECIAL AWARD
Health Research Board is the lead agency funding and supporting health research in Ireland. We also manage health information systems and conduct research linked to mental health, alcohol and drug use, disability and child health. Better health research means better health care. More than 100,000 highly trained and skilled people work in our health services. Many of these people are involved, directly or indirectly, in research every day.
Young scientists will recognise the importance of health research, but they may not know about the stimulating opportunities and the career potential. Health researchers can have a background in nursing, social science, maths, medicine, computers, chemistry, physics or biology and their work has a direct impact on patient care. We would encourage students to think about a health research project that will improve our health. More information about the HRB can be found at our website www.hrb.ie
Criteria
The HRB want to award a Young scientist who conducts research that is innovative and can have a direct impact on people’s health or increase our understanding of human health.
This could be: -
- a new device or technology
- an advance in our medical understanding
- new evidence about how certain behaviours (e.g. lack of exercise) impact our health
- a new approach to patient care
Category
General
Age Group
Intermediate & Senior
GOOGLE SPECIAL AWARD
Google opened its doors in the centre of Dublin in 2003. Since then, we’ve grown rapidly and already there are nearly 2000 people working here, helping millions of users and customers to get the best out of Google. Our software engineers work on a variety of products including the search engine that we are most known for, plus things like Gmail and Calendar, as well as advertising and business products.
Google’s focus is on excellence while having fun, so while we do work hard (and Googlers are living proof of the value of a science and engineering education!), we also make sure we love coming to work everyday (we have games rooms, massages and free food in the office. And we can brings our dogs to work!).
Now we're spreading the love! The love of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), to be specific. Our STEM educations have given us creative, exciting and rewarding opportunities. That’s why we’re so enthusiastic about supporting it for all students. The future leaders of computer science are waiting to be discovered - and inspired.
Criteria
Google believes in ground-breaking projects and unconventional technology. Our 'Technology Trailblazer' Award recognises the best individual male, best individual female and best group that have completed their project using an innovative computing approach.
Category
Technology
Age
All
IBM SPECIAL AWARD
IBM is the longest established IT multinational in Ireland. Over 3,500 are employed in Dublin, Cork and Galway. IBM has a diverse portfolio of businesses in Ireland including sales and services, hardware and software manufacturing, software development, telesales and marketing, an International Financial Services Solutions Centre and a Corporate Treasury Centre. From IBM's inception almost a century ago, we have been in the business of engaging with forward-thinkers across business, science and society to make the world work better. We believe that when people think about how the world should work, they will be driven to challenge the status quo and change it. The benefits will flow not just to them but to their communities and global society.Today, around the world, we see the infusion of intelligence into companies, entire industries and natural ecosystems, which is why you may have been hearing about "smart power grids," "smart healthcare,""smart education," "smart supply chains,""smart bays" and the like. Building a smarter planet isn't simply a recipe for economic growth; it's also a recipe for radically expanded economic and societal
opportunity. It's not just a way to make the planet more efficient, but also to make it more sustainable.
Criteria
Smarter Planet Award - for the project that best exemplifies making intelligent use of data collected from the real world. Our world is becoming increasingly instrumented and interconnected, with the result that we can collect data from sources never before possible. But all this information only truly becomes interesting as it is used to unlock creative insights, make decisions, or automate processes, and when it is made available through open standards for further use by other systems. This award recognises the project, from any category, which best exemplifies collecting data from some aspect of the physical world and using technology to turn that data into intelligence that can be actioned - making some aspect of our world "smarter". To learn more visit:
www.ibm.com/smarterplanet
Category
General
Age Group
All
INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS IN IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
The Institute of Physics in Ireland is the learned society and professional body for the advancement of physics and physics education on the island of Ireland. It has over 1700 members. The Institute of Physics in Ireland aims to promote the role of physics in education, health, the environment, technology and scientific literacy. To these ends, the membership is wide- ranging and multidisciplinary, including the educational, industrial, medical, and general public sectors. The Institute will seek common purpose with other learned societies to promote science and science-based learning and to influence science policy in the two jurisdictions on the island. Special emphasis is placed on supporting physics teachers by promoting, in our schools, the value, joy and benefits of knowledge of physics and its applications. The Institute of Physics in Ireland is one of thirteen regional branches of the Institute of Physics which has headquarters based in London.
Criteria
The Institute of physics Award is to be presented to the project with the best physics content which can be in areas as diverse as energy, astronomy, environment, atmospheric science and materials.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group
All
INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
IOTI is the representative body for 13 of Ireland’s Institutes of Technology, which are recognised as a major success story in Irish education.
The Institutes of Technology operate a unique system in that they allow students to progress from two year (associate degree programmes) through primary degree to Masters and PhD.
Institutes of Technology awards are integrated with the highest award levels of the Irish National Qualification Framework which in turn is aligned to the Bologna Framework.They are to the forefront in ensuring that Ireland’s modern economy continues to have the requisite array of leading-edge skills demanded by our knowledge-based industries.
The Institutes provide programmes that reflect current and emerging knowledge and practices and promote self-management, critical analysis, decision making and entrepreneurship. They foster graduates ready to undertake roles, responsibilities and challenges in business, industry, the professions, public services and society.
Criteria
Award for the project that best illustrates how science impacts all our lives for the better, with particular emphasis on how this message can be translated to the classroom.
Evaluation criteria will be:
1. Effectiveness with which the project demonstrates how science applies in real life situations.
2. Effectiveness with which the project translates scientific theory into practice
3. Clarity with which the scientific basis and/or value of the project is communicated.
Category
Special Awards across all categories,
Age Group
All
IRISH AID IN COLLABORATION WITH SELF HELP AFRICA SPECIAL AWARD
Irish Aid
The Government of Ireland’s official programme of assistance to developing countries is managed by Irish Aid: a division within the Department of Foreign Affairs. The overarching objective of Irish Aid is the reduction of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries.
Self Help Africa
To promote long-term sustainable development for rural communities in East Africa. This is achieved through projects which are ‘bottom-up’ & community led, staffed by local expertise and focus on sustainable development – food security, access to clean water, access to education
Criteria
The winning project of the Irish Aid and Self Help Africa ‘Science for Development’ award should:
1. Show a clear understanding of the causes of the issue in a Developing World context and a willingness to learn more. [Issues could include: Food and livelihood security; the environment (e.g. deforestation, clean water and sanitation, fertile soil, soil erosion, fishery, energy, air quality, pollution, global warming); gender equality; appropriate technology; access to education; Health issues e.g. HIV/Aids, TB, etc]
2. Use appropriate and sustainable technology or solutions that can be adopted and implemented at local community level in African or other developing countries.
3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of partnership approach to development.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the local (Ireland) and the global level in relation to the chosen development issue.
Examples of Elegible Projects
The winning project in 2007 outlined the physical requirements, in terms of space and cost, of an economically viable low tech agricultural desalination plant that could be re-produced by local people in developing countries using available resources that would allow for sufficient production of water for their own use and also for agricultural purposes. A prototype solar powered desalination plant was developed.
The 2008 winning project was a prototype tubular hybrid pressure stove. The winning student researched the key cooking methods used in developing countries and incorporated this information as well as other factors such as the problem of access to clean water and fuel for cooking and indoor air pollution into her design.
As part of her prize the winning student visited Ethiopia where she had an opportunity to test her prototype stove. An accompanying TV crew produced a documentary on her trip entitled 'The Big Idea' which was screened on RTE in May 2008
Category
All
Age Group
Intermediate & Senior
IRISH BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE SPECIAL AWARD
The IBTS is committed to excellence in meeting patients’ needs through the professionalism of our staff and generosity of our donors. With one in four people needing a blood transfusion at some stage in their lives, the IBTS faces the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining new blood donors. Information is the key to recruitment and for this reason the BT Young Scientist Exhibition is an ideal opportunity to allow both students and members of the public to enquire about the blood donation process; after all, they are the blood donors of the future. Furthermore, it is a chance for the IBTS to foster an interest in blood and blood products among students who may be interested in pursuing various scientific courses at third level.
Criteria
This award will be issued to the project that best details one of the following:
a) new research and analysis on blood donors, including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service
b) new research and analysis of blood donation collection methods (i.e. analysis of successful and unsuccessful collection techniques), including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service
c) new research and analysis on the efficiency of blood transfusion for patients, including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service
d) identify potential threats to the blood supply and alternative solutions to blood, blood products and blood transfusion
Category
General
Age Group
All
IRISH MEDICINES BOARD SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Medicines Board’s role is to protect and enhance public and animal health through the regulation of medicines, medical devices and healthcare products. As the regulatory authority, the IMB monitors the safety of medicines available in Ireland. It aims to ensure that all medicines which can be purchased here are safe, effective and of high quality. The IMB identifies and addresses safety issues so that medicines do not compromise the health of patients.
Criteria
The IMB Award is to be presented to a project that best assists an increase in understanding by people of the safe use of, or access to, medicines and/or medical devices. The project can employ research, analysis, or investigation as required, to support its objective of generating a greater understanding of the correct use of medicines and medical devices to benefit human health.
Category
All
Age Group
All
IRISH PATENTS OFFICE SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Patents office provides an efficient and effective system of industrial property protection that will encourage technological progress and promote enterprise through the implementation by the Office of the relevant legislation. The patent system has evolved to promote and reward innovation and invention. The Irish Patents Office is particularly interested in providing information to young technology innovators to stimulate technological advancement and to ensure that they are aware of how to protect their intellectual property rights.
Criteria
The Irish Patents Office Award will be made to the student or group of students whose project best demonstrates the use of technology in new or improved applications, enhanced efficiencies and novel innovations.
Category
Technology
Age Group
All
ISTA SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Science Teacher's Association is the largest subject association in the country. It was founded in 1961 and has 1200 members from all sectors of education. The ISTA functions as a body dedicated to the professional development of its members and the advancement of science teaching. The ISTA maintains links with other bodies involved in science education in Ireland and associations for science education in other countries.
Criteria
A project that best stimulates scientific interest or awareness within the school community.
Category
General
Age Group
All
JACK RESTAN DISPLAYS SPECIAL AWARD
Jack Restan Displays was founded in 1955 and has had a long association providing display services to the Young Scientists Exhibition
JRD design and build exhibition stands, special exhibits and interiors in Ireland and across the globe using the most innovative techniques.
We are pleased to present a special award this year to recognise our long standing relationship with this incredible project.
Criteria
This Award is for the project which presents the concepts, details, images and research findings etc in the clearest, interesting and most professional manner. Presentation method whether printed, screen based or other will be considered equally.
Category
General
Age Group
All
MARIE KEATING FOUNDATION SPECIAL AWARD
The Marie Keating Foundation has been established primarily to provide Breast Cancer Information and Awareness free of charge to the general public throughout the Republic of Ireland through three Mobile Cancer Information Units based in the Eastern, Western and Southern regions of Ireland. Through our involvement with the Young Scientist of the Year competition we wish to highlight our dedication and commitment to school going students. We value the significant part research plays in bringing about cancer awareness. We wish to acknowledge the integral part young scientists are playing in making this happen and value their contribution to cancer awareness in leading to early detection and ultimately cancer prevention.
Criteria
The Marie Keating award is to be presented to the best project that is most relevant to improving cancer awareness in all categories and all age groups of the competition.
Category
General
Age Group
All
NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
This new special award will be presented to the project that is deemed the best by the judges from all the Northern Ireland entries across all categories and age groups.
Category
All
Age Group
All
ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY SPECIAL AWARD
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is tasked with improving safety on our roads in order to reduce death and injury resulting from road collisions. The RSA formally came into existence on the 1st September 2006. An objective of the RSA is to bring Ireland’s Road Safety record into line with “best practice” countries throughout the world. The achievement of this objective will involve co-operation with many stakeholders working in the area of road safety. The RSA will work closely with the Education Sector because learning about road safety at an early age, has the power to change the behaviour of our young people. In changing road safety behaviour the RSA will reduce the number of road fatalities annually. The RSA will be continually investing in education and we will work with the Department of Education and Science to put Road Safety on the curriculum.
Criteria
The RSA Special Award project winner will have demonstrated that they have researched their project thoroughly and that they have shown that their invention/research initiative can be shown to make a difference and also that it could have the potential to reduce road fatalities on Irish roads. Any entry to the BT Young Scientists Exhibition in any category that covers a road safety topic or related topic that has the potential to reduce Irish road fatalities.
Category
General
Age Group
All
SAFEFOOD SPECIAL AWARD
Safefood is an all-island agency set up to improve food safety and nutrition by fostering and maintaining confidence in the food supply.
Food safety and nutrition are extremely important for the health of our population. With over 8,000 new cases of gastroenteritis daily across the island of Ireland and over 60% of the population overweight or obese, it is crucial that young people learn about good lifestyle and behaviour. Safefood is committed to supporting health and wellbeing issues at school level.
Criteria
The Safefood award will be presented to the projects that investigates all or any of the 4 C's of safety i.e. Cooking, Cleaning, Chilling & Cross – Contamination or to projects that look at nutritional topics for e.g. Obesity, promotion of healthy eating, adolescent dietary beliefs, food diaries etc.
Category
Social & Behavioural
Biological & Ecological
Age Group
All
SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is investing in scientific and engineering research underpinning the Biotechnology (BIO), Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Sustainable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies sectors in the third level institutions in Ireland. SFI will build and strengthen scientific and engineering research and its infrastructure in the areas of greatest strategic value to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness and development. SFI supports the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in order to promote the benefits of investing in scientific and engineering research to young people and the general public and to encourage young people to consider undertaking research careers in science and engineering.
Criteria
Science Foundation Ireland would like this award to be made to the project that most advances research in the areas of science and/or engineering supporting sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies.
Category
Biological & Ecological
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Technology
Age Group
All
SMART SPECIAL AWARD
SMART Technologies is both the industry pioneer and market-segment leader in easy-to use interactive whiteboards and other group collaboration tools. Using SMART products, groups can access and share the information they need to meet, teach, train and present regardless of distance
Criteria
The Smart Technologies special award will be awarded to the project that demonstrates the best use of technology in performing the research as well in communicating the results of the project during the competition. In performing the research, aspects which will be considered will be the use of the technology to research the background information, to gather data by performing experiments or surveys and to analyse the data. In the communication of the results, the aspects which will be considered will include the production of the students’ workbook, the display at the student(s) stand and the ability of the student(s) to convey the results in a clear fashion.
Category
B&E/CP&M/Tech/S&B
Age Group
All
TRIL SPECIAL AWARD
The Technology Research for Independent Living (TRIL) Centre
Did you know?
-
The global population of people aged 60 or over will almost quadruple to over 2 billion within the next forty years
-
One in every two girls born in Ireland today will live to be 100
-
In EU-27 the number of older people aged 80 years or older will almost triple by 2060
-
Currently there are around 4 working age people for every older person in Europe. By 2050 this ratio is likely to be less than 2:1
We have to invent new ways to care for our ageing populations. Current health and social care systems are not equipped to face the epidemic of age related illnesses and injuries. Information and communication technologies can help with the early detection of problems such as cognitive decline, an impending fall, or growing social isolation. It can also help older people better manage their own health conditions at home, promote social connection, and personalise care to their unique needs and preferences.
The TRIL centre was established to help tackle these challenges. Demographic ageing is one of our planet’s most pressing social and economic issues; it deserves and demands our attention, our investment, and all of the technology innovation that we can imagine.
Criteria
The TRIL Centre would like to award a Young Scientist who has conducted an innovative project that sheds light or has a direct impact on the problems faced by older people. This might range from a new technology or device to new ideas about how to improve the physical, cognitive or social health of our older population.
Category
All
Age Group
All
