Dundalk schools scoop awards at BT Young Scientist 2023

Students from Louth have taken home five prizes from the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023.

Organised by BT Ireland, the exhibition has become one of the leading school STEM exhibitions in Europe, attracting over 100,000 student participants since the first event in 1965.

Second-level students from Louth demonstrated their ingenuity in tackling science, engineering and technology challenges alongside over 1,700 projects entered in this year’s competition.

Solomon Doyle from Dundalk Grammar School received a Senior Individual Award and an Analog Technologies Award for his project: 'DermAI- Deep Neural Network Based Detection Tool for the Classification of Benign and Malignant Skin Lesions in Aid of Early Prognosis.

April Conroy, Jessica Fergus and Kathleen Campbell from St Vincent's Secondary School received the National Disability Authority Award and a Highly Commended Award for their project on the effect of ageing on balance in the Biological & Ecological Category.

Conall Mullins Shortt and TJ McDonnell from Colaiste Ris were awarded the 2nd Place Senior Group Award for their project Investigating the Immunosurveillant properties of erythrocyte-bound toll-like receptors.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Education, Norma Foley TD said:

“With the BTYSTE back in person for the first time since before the pandemic, I have had the pleasure to witness first-hand the level of innovation and creativity demonstrated by this year’s entrants, across a range of important and relevant topics.

“To every participant – you have been an excellent representative of yourself, your family and your school, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements.

“The calibre of each entry is a testament to the tenacity and talent of the students behind them, and it is this constant high standard that makes BT Young Scientist one of the longest running, and most successful STEM events in Europe.

“From my time in the classroom, I am aware of the enormous work and support required to participate in competitions like this, and I wish to acknowledge your teachers and school communities who have also generously given their time and expertise to support you on your journey.”

Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland said:

"On behalf of the entire team at BT Ireland, I wish to thank each and every student who took part in this year’s exhibition for sharing your ideas with us. After a long three years, it has been a pleasure to welcome you all back to the event in person. The past week has been truly inspiring, and I am in awe of your unique and individual talents.

“The level of creativity, innovation and research displayed over the last number of days has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of it.

“I would also like to extend my congratulations to all our winners, who join a special group of some of Ireland’s brightest minds. I have no doubt this is only the beginning of all the brilliant work you will go on to do.”