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BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 Launches with Emphasis on Developing Northern Ireland’s Knowledge Economy
18th May 2009
Belfast, Wednesday 6th May 2009: The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 launches its search for innovative projects today. BT, organiser and sponsor of the exhibition, is encouraging students across Northern Ireland to use the summer break to put their thinking caps on and be in with a chance to win one of 100 awards at the exhibition in January.
Innovation is essential to the future of Northern Ireland. The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition can play a key role in enhancing the Northern Ireland Assembly’s directive to encourage and facilitate students, the economy’s most natural resource, in the areas of technological and scientific development. The exhibition aims to germinate an interest in the key skills of science, technology, engineering and maths and provide a platform for Northern Ireland students and schools to showcase their ingenious ideas and inventions.
Chris Clark, CEO, BT commented, “This exhibition is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when the private and public sectors work together in pursuit of a common purpose – to nurture our young students interest in the sciences and technology, the skills that we require to secure a prosperous future. We believe there is a strong link between innovation and entrepreneurship, science and business generation, and in these challenging times we want to be at the forefront in supporting that growth. We are particularly delighted to have the support of the Department of Education in taking the event forward.”
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said, "It is amazing that we are now entering the 46th year of this Exhibition which is now a national institution in the north and south and is recognised worldwide. Last year we had a total of 50 projects entered by schools in the north and I would encourage each school and student in the north of Ireland to think seriously about entering the Exhibition."
BT has organised and sponsored this event for 10 years, bringing the financial support that allows this exhibition to thrive, as well as providing over 100 employees to work on the competition. The 2010 event is a huge celebration for everyone at BT as well as the students, schools, judges, partners and everyone that helps make it such a success.
“Through our 10 years of organising this exhibition, and £4.5 million investment, we are very proud of the growth of the competition. 2009 was a memorable year for a number of reasons: record number of entries from 32 counties; support from governments North and South as well as key gold partners; over 70 judges from academia and business; and a great overall winning project that has real commercial viability. BT is delighted to continue its investment in 2010, particularly in challenging economic times, because we believe the skills agenda is vital to regaining Ireland’s competitiveness,” added Chris Clark.
Over 10 winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition have gone on to win prizes at the EU Contest for Young Scientists over the past 20 years. There have also been numerous other accolades over the entire 45 year history and the majority of winners have gone on to pursue careers in science, technology, maths and engineering.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 will take place in the RDS, Dublin 4 from 12th – 16th January 2010. For more information on the exhibition and how to enter please visit www.btyoungscientist.com or call 0800 917 1297.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Joan Higgins, Aiken PR on 028 9066 3000 or 07501 2288 15 / Lyn Sheridan, Aiken PR on 028 9066 3000 or 07770 584 157
Or
Priscilla O’Regan, Head of PR, BT, 003531 4325162 or 0035386 6335398
01 6593100 
