Three Laois schools qualify for BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2025

Three Laois secondary schools have qualified to present their projects at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin’s RDS.

From January 9 to 11, students at St. Mary’s CBS Portlaoise, Portlaoise College and Heywood Community School will present their projects at the exhibition.

This is the 25th anniversary of BT’s custodianship of the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE),

The organisation has today announced a wide lineup of special acts that will join the 550 projects that young scientists will exhibit at the RDS.

Students at St. Mary's C.B.S Portlaoise will take part in the technology category of the senior age group, and have undertaken a study on the development of a novel nano-QSAR model to predict drug delivery of nanoparticles to the brain.

Students will apply machine learning to predict and optimise nanoparticle permeation through the blood-brain barrier for improved drug delivery in central nervous system disorders.

Pictured:  Erin Hayes and Hollie Servis Thorpe at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition 2024. Fennell Photography

Portlaoise College students will undertake a study of the post-Covid work environment, where they will study three demographics; those that work from home, in office, and hybrid. 

Heywood Community School will take part in the Social & Behavioural Sciences category, in the intermediate age group. They will be comparing them on metrics pre vs post Covid.

Students will study how the amount of sleep affects your appetite, mood and focus, in the hopes that the project will allow an insight into how sleep affects our day to day lives.

The students will take part in the intermediate age group, under the Social & Behavioural Sciences category.

This year’s lineup of acts will cap off a day to remember at the BTYSTE for attendees.

From thrilling circus acts, to achieving a peak performance on and off a playing field, the programme will delve deep into many different areas of STEM, with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy.

“In just four weeks’ time, we will once again stage one of Europe’s leading STEM school exhibitions, and not only that, but the 2025 BTYSTE will also mark 25 years since BT became a custodian of such a special event," said Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming thousands of students from across Ireland to the RDS Dublin, where they’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the exhibition’s project entries, as well as witness a terrific programme of unforgettable shows.

"With this year’s line-up now announced, we are expecting many sessions to sell out again, so I would strongly encourage people to book tickets and not miss out on a brilliant day," Ms Cahalane finished.

Here are some of the thrilling events expected at the 2025 exhibition:

Extreme Adventures - Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’)

Scientist, broadcaster and BTYSTE favourite, Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’) returns to next year’s exhibition with a brand-new show. During Extreme Adventures, Mark will take families beyond limits, on an incredible scientific expedition to learn more about our planet and what drives people to extremes in search of the truth. This show will fuel many spectators to be a changemaker, by showing how our bodies can be pushed to the limits in this exhilarating show.

Sports Tech and Peak Performance – Mark Langtry (‘Mark the Science Guy’)

Mark is going to be busy at the 2025 BTYSTE as he will deliver several performances of not one, but two brand new shows! Before Mark began performing mind blowing and brilliant science shows, he played professional football, and this show will fuse those two worlds together. Mark’s show will focus on the key role STEM can play in achieving peak performance both on and off the field, and the power people’s minds can play in helping them reach their full potential.

What Stuff Does from Circus 360

When circus acts and science come together, it’s a lot of fun, and this show is no different, revealing the mechanics and mysteries behind the art of juggling. Packing a punch when it comes to fusing incredible circus acts with impeccable comedic timing, research scientist Robin Dale will juggle many different objects in his performance. Spectators will witness Robin attempt to juggle flying ping pong bats, tackle disobedient buckets of water and engage in a wrestling match with a flipchart, to not give too many spoilers away! This utterly hilarious, and educational one-man show is not to be missed.

3D Cinema- Through the Cosmos

Have you ever wondered what space is really like? This 3D cinema adventure will give audiences a taste of just that, bringing them on a voyage of cosmic discovery. The experience will bring people on a remarkable journey through the solar system, and out to the very edge of the known universe, exploring how the very first galaxies were formed.

Global Goals Drumming Workshop

This interactive experience with help from the team at Irish Aid, will inspire audiences to find their rhythm on the West African djembe drums, giving them the opportunity to compose an unforgettable drumbeat! The team at Irish Aid, the Irish Government’s development cooperation programme, will also give an overview of its work to bring about positive change in the lives of people around the world and provide humanitarian support to those who need it for fifty years.

Interactive stands

Dive into a world of discovery at the exhibition’s interactive area, where BTYSTE partner organisations will showcase fun and engaging STEM experiences. At the area, attendees can learn more about cutting edge technology and find out more about careers in STEM.