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BT Young Scientist 2009 winners take First Prize at EU Young Scientist Contest in Paris

16th September 2009

Tuesday, 15^th September 2009: John D. O’Callaghan and Liam McCarthy, winners of the

BT Young Scientist & Technology

Exhibition 2009, have tonight won First Prize at the EU Young Scientist Contest and walk away with €7,000*. The awards ceremony took place this evening in Paris, France.

John D. and Liam’s project entitled “The Development of a Convenient Test Method for Somatic Cell Count and its Importance in Milk Production” was given high praise when it won in January, most notably for its simplicity and commercial viability. Since then the boys have worked hard developing the project further in preparation for the EU contest.

Commenting on the award, Chris Clark, CEO, BT said, “This is fantastic news and we are very proud of John D. and Liam’s latest achievement. As farmers’ sons, they were acutely aware of the challenges all farmers face. In developing this test method farmers may very soon have a practical and affordable way of dealing with milk souring. John D. and Liam are an inspiration to others so I hope the news of this win inspires students throughout the island to enter the 2010 exhibition.”

As part of their prize for winning the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition last January, John D. and Liam won the right to compete alongside other young scientists and technologists from throughout Europe.  In the past 21 years of the EU contest, Irish entrants have taken home 11 awards in total.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2010 will take place in the RDS, Dublin 4 from 12^th – 16^th January 2010. The closing date for entries is Monday, 5^th October 2009. For more information on the exhibition and how to enter visit www.btyoungscientist.com or call 1800 924 362.

 

*three first prizes were awarded overall. Entrants range in age from 14 – 21 years.

 

ENDS

For further information please contact

Gill Madden, Fleishman-Hillard, 01 6188414 or 086 2309070 Or Priscilla O’Regan, Head of PR, BT Ireland, 01 4325162 or 086 6335398

Submitted by: FH

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