Laois students praised for BT Young Scientist entry

Mountrath Community School students who were exhibiting at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition were praised by local Minister of State Seán Fleming.

Sarah Phelan and Doireann O’Connor presented their project on aquaculture at the four-day science and technology fair held in the RDS in Dublin. Theirs was among the 550 projects selected to go on display out of over 1,700 entries from all over Ireland.

The project investigated the impact of crude protein supplementation on dairy cow production and the effect nitrogen excretion has on Irish waterways. Minister Fleming visited the Mountrath Community School project this week. 

“I was hugely impressed by Sarah and Doireann’s work under the guidance of their wonderful teacher Kelly Walsh. Sarah and Doireann’s project is a fantastic example of the scientific skills that exist in schools in Laois. I would encourage principals in primary schools and particularly in secondary schools to do what they can to encourage their students to enter into the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition next year,” Minister Fleming said. 

Minister Fleming, who was recently appointed Minister for International Development and Diaspora, presented the Science for Development Award, which is sponsored by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Self-Help Africa. 

The Science for Development Award was won by Vedh Kannan and Will Carkner, students at Sutton Park School in Dublin, for a project that developed a tool for testing for malaria and other diseases.

“The Science for Development Award encourages young people to use science to help create a better and more sustainable world. Science and technology has a huge role to play in addressing some of the big challenges facing the world today,” said Minister Fleming. 

“The standard of entry was incredibly high and I would like to pay tribute to all the students who developed projects aimed at tackling global issues. It is heartening to see so many young people in Ireland determined to use their scientific skills and interest to help the lives of people around the world,” he added.