Awards
SPECIAL AWARDS
(These are the Special Award details for BTYS&TE11 - the 2012 ones will be loaded soon)
GOOGLE TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Google believes in ground-breaking projects and unconventional technology. Our Trailblazer Award recognises the best individual male, best individual female and best group who have made an innovative use of computing technology in their project.
The winners (plus a guardian if necessary) will have the opportunity to visit one of the Google research sites in Europe (the choice of site will be determined by the students' interests) where they will be able to take part in tours, workshops and get involved in some hands-on work!
Criteria - A good project will demonstrate:
1. Innovation - The project represents a genuinely new approach or a significantly improved solution to an existing problem.
2. High performance - the creator has thought about speed, efficiency and stability
3. Focus on the user (for user-facing products)
- - the needs of the user have been assessed
- - the project is usable
- - the creator has thought about user experience: the intended user finds it enjoyable, useful and intuitive
Category - All
Age Group - All
Awards - Best Female, Best Male and Best Group
EPA SPECIAL AWARD
The EPA protects the environment for everyone in the country. We regulate and police activities that might otherwise cause pollution. We ensure there is solid information on environmental trends so that necessary actions are taken. Our priorities are protecting the Irish environment and ensuring that development is sustainable. We employ 290 people who work in ten locations throughout the country.
Criteria - The EPA is delighted to sponsor an award that will encourage and reward thought, investigation, debate and action on Ireland's environment. The award is for the best environmental project. The project's results should demonstrate a contribution to the protection and improvement of the natural environment, for present and future generations. This award can be made across all age groups and all categories.
Category - All
Age Group - All
HEANet Special Award
HEAnet is Ireland's National Education and Research Network - providing high quality Internet and associated ICT services to over 180,000 students and staff in Irish Universities, Institutes of Technology and the research and education community, including all primary and post-primary schools, bringing total end-user number up to approximately 1 million.
Criteria - The project which shows the most practical and innovative use of network technology in performing background research for the project and/or collaborating with other team members, teachers etc.
Category - All
Age Group - All
HP Special Award
HP "Innovation4Good" Award
HP is the world's leading technology company and the largest IT and Services provider in Ireland, employing about 4,000 people in Dublin, Kildare, Galway and Belfast. HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society.
Powerful forces are transforming how the world lives and works, placing unprecedented demands on everything from our healthcare and education systems to our energy grid. We need bold thinking, new solutions, a fresh approach. Technology holds the key. By using resources more efficiently, harnessing the power of information and sparking wider innovation, we can use technology to meet rising social and environmental needs and change the equation for generations to come.
HP's commitment to Social Innovation and education stretches back more than six decades. HP focuses on programs and organizations that help educators build skills and use technology to enhance lessons and re-imagine their approach to teaching. We help educators combine excellent instruction with the unique capabilities of technology to transform the learning experience. Part of our emphasis on education is cultivating tomorrow's entrepreneurs. HP works with organizations to help young people acquire the IT skills and knowledge required to succeed in the workforce, launch new businesses and help their local communities prosper."
Criteria - To identify a specific societal / community need in health, education, the environment or other sectors and either adapt an existing commercial solution or create an entirely new solution to address the societal challenge. Be able to demonstrate how technology is part of the solution.
Category - All
Age Group - All
IBM SPECIAL AWARD
IBM is the longest established IT multinational in Ireland. Over 3,500 are employed in Dublin, Cork and Galway. IBM has a diverse portfolio of businesses in Ireland including sales and services, hardware and software manufacturing, software development, telesales and marketing, an International Financial Services Solutions Centre and a Corporate Treasury Centre. From IBM's inception almost a century ago, we have been in the business of engaging with forward-thinkers across business, science and society to make the world work better. We believe that when people think about how the world should work, they will be driven to challenge the status quo and change it. The benefits will flow not just to them but to their communities and global society.Today, around the world, we see the infusion of intelligence into companies, entire industries and natural ecosystems, which is why you may have been hearing about "smart power grids," "smart healthcare,""smart education," "smart supply chains,""smart bays" and the like. Building a smarter planet isn't simply a recipe for economic growth; it's also a recipe for radically expanded economic and societal
opportunity. It's not just a way to make the planet more efficient, but also to make it more sustainable.
Criteria - Smarter Planet Award - for the project that best exemplifies making intelligent use of data collected from the real world. Our world is becoming increasingly instrumented and interconnected, with the result that we can collect data from sources never before possible. But all this information only truly becomes interesting as it is used to unlock creative insights, make decisions, or automate processes, and when it is made available through open standards for further use by other systems. This award recognises the project, from any category, which best exemplifies collecting data from some aspect of the physical world and using technology to turn that data into intelligence that can be actioned - making some aspect of our world "smarter". To learn more visit: www.ibm.com/smarterplanet
Category - All
Age Group - All
INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
IOTI is the representative body for 13 of Ireland's Institutes of Technology, which are recognised as a major success story in Irish education.
The Institutes of Technology operate a unique system in that they allow students to progress from two year (associate degree programmes) through primary degree to Masters and PhD. Institutes of Technology awards are integrated with the highest award levels of the Irish National Qualification Framework which in turn is aligned to the Bologna Framework. They are to the forefront in ensuring that Ireland's modern economy continues to have the requisite array of leading-edge skills demanded by our knowledge-based industries.
The Institutes provide programmes that reflect current and emerging knowledge and practices and promote self-management, critical analysis, decision making and entrepreneurship. They foster graduates ready to undertake roles, responsibilities and challenges in business, industry, the professions, public services and society.
Criteria - Award for the project that best illustrates how science impacts all our lives for the better, with particular emphasis on how this message can be translated to the classroom.
Evaluation criteria will be:
- Effectiveness with which the project demonstrates how science applies in real life situations.
- Effectiveness with which the project translates scientific theory into practice
- Clarity with which the scientific basis and/or value of the project is communicated.
Category - Special Awards across all categories,
Age Group - All
IRISH MEDICINES BOARD SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Medicines Board's role is to protect and enhance public and animal health through the regulation of medicines, medical devices and healthcare products. As the regulatory authority, the IMB aims to ensure that all medicines which can be purchased here are safe, effective and of high quality. It identifies and addresses safety issues so that medicines and medical devices do not compromise the health of those who use them.
Criteria - The IMB award will be presented to the project that most effectively promotes the safe and correct use of medicines and/or medical devices to the benefit of human or animal health.
The project can employ research, analysis, or investigation as required, to support the goal of increased public awareness and understanding of the need to use and access healthcare products safely and appropriately.
Category - All
Age Group - All
ISTA SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Science Teachers' Association is the largest subject association in the country. It was founded in 1961 and has 1200 members from all sectors of education. The ISTA functions as a body dedicated to the professional development of its members and the advancement of science teaching. The ISTA maintains links with other bodies involved in science education in Ireland and associations for science education in other countries. ISTA representatives on each of the NCCA subject course committees are involved in the development of new curricula.
Members may join the association online via its website at www.ista.ie. The website provides members with details of local branch meetings and national events as well as allowing communication between members via the forum facility. All members receive three issues of the ISTA journal Science during the year.
Pharmachemical Ireland sponsors the ISTA annual science quiz for senior science students, which is held during science week. Further details of ISTA activities may be obtained from the ISTA desk or at www.ista.ie
Criteria - A project that best stimulates scientific interest or awareness within the school community.
Category - All
Age Group - All
JACK RESTAN DISPLAYS SPECIAL AWARD
Jack Restan Displays was founded in 1955 and has had a long association providing display services to the Young Scientists Exhibition
JRD design and build exhibition stands, special exhibits and interiors in Ireland and across the globe using the most innovative techniques.
We are pleased to present a special award this year to recognise our long standing relationship with this incredible project.
Criteria - This Award is for the project which presents the concepts, details, images and research findings etc in the clearest, interesting and most professional manner. Presentation method whether printed, screen based or other will be considered equally.
Category - All
Age Group - All
MARIE KEATING FOUNDATION SPECIAL AWARD
The Marie Keating Foundation has been established primarily to provide Breast Cancer Information and Awareness free of charge to the general public throughout the Republic of Ireland through three Mobile Cancer Information Units based in the Eastern, Western and Southern regions of Ireland. Through our involvement with the Young Scientist of the Year competition we wish to highlight our dedication and commitment to school going students. We value the significant part research plays in bringing about cancer awareness. We wish to acknowledge the integral part young scientists are playing in making this happen and value their contribution to cancer awareness in leading to early detection and ultimately cancer prevention.
Criteria - The Marie Keating award is to be presented to the best project that is most relevant to improving cancer awareness in all categories and all age groups of the competition.
Category - All
Age Group - All
FORAS NA GAEILGE
Facilitating and encouraging the speaking and writing of Irish in the public and private arena in the Republic of Ireland, and in Northern Ireland where there is appropriate demand, in the context of part three of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages Foras Na Gaeilge promote the use of Irish as a living language, not just for the classroom. This award gives students an opportunity to use their Irish outside of the Irish class and in a field not usually associated with the Irish language.
Criteria - The Foras Na Gaeilge award is to be presented to the best Irish Language project and can be presented across any category and any age group.
Category - All
Age Group - All
UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER - NORTHERN IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
This new special award will be presented to the project that is deemed the best by the judges from all the Northern Ireland entries across all categories and age groups.
Criteria - Best Project from a Northern Ireland School - awarded by the Faculty of Computing and Engineering, University of Ulster
The Faculty of Computing and Engineering, University of Ulster, is delighted to award the project that best demonstrates excellence through thorough investigation of the initial problem, innovative and creative problem solving, that best shows potential to impact positively on the local economy in terms of commercial viability, and yet has been developed with respect for its environmental impact.
Category - All
Age Group - All
ROAD SAFETY AUTHORITY SPECIAL AWARD
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is tasked with improving safety on our roads in order to reduce death and injury resulting from road collisions. The RSA formally came into existence on the 1st September 2006. An objective of the RSA is to bring Ireland's Road Safety record into line with “best practice” countries throughout the world. The achievement of this objective will involve co-operation with many stakeholders working in the area of road safety. The RSA will work closely with the Education Sector because learning about road safety at an early age, has the power to change the behaviour of our young people. In changing road safety behaviour the RSA will reduce the number of road fatalities annually. The RSA will be continually investing in education and we will work with the Department of Education and Science to put Road Safety on the curriculum.
Criteria - The RSA Special Award project winner will have demonstrated that they have researched their project thoroughly and that they have shown that their invention/research initiative can be shown to make a difference and also that it could have the potential to reduce road fatalities on Irish roads. Any entry to the BT Young Scientists Exhibition in any category that covers a road safety topic or related topic that has the potential to reduce Irish road fatalities.
Category - All
Age Group - All
ELI LILLY SPECIAL AWARD
Eli Lilly and Company is a leading, innovation-driven corporation committed to developing a growing portfolio of best-in-class and first-in class pharmaceutical products that help people live longer, healthier and more active lives. Lilly products treat depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, osteoporosis and many other conditions. We are committed to providing answers that matter -through medicines and information -for some of the world's most urgent medical needs.
Criteria - The Eli Lilly prize will be awarded for the project with the best Chemistry content.
Category - Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group - All
INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS IN IRELAND SPECIAL AWARD
The Institute of Physics in Ireland is the learned society and professional body for the advancement of physics and physics education on the island of Ireland. It has over 1700 members. The Institute of Physics in Ireland aims to promote the role of physics in education, health, the environment, technology and scientific literacy. To these ends, the membership is wide- ranging and multidisciplinary, including the educational, industrial, medical, and general public sectors. The Institute will seek common purpose with other learned societies to promote science and science-based learning and to influence science policy in the two jurisdictions on the island. Special emphasis is placed on supporting physics teachers by promoting, in our schools, the value, joy and benefits of knowledge of physics and its applications. The Institute of Physics in Ireland is one of thirteen regional branches of the Institute of Physics which has headquarters based in London.
Criteria - The Institute of physics Award is to be presented to the project with the best physics content which can be in areas as diverse as energy, astronomy, environment, atmospheric science and materials.
Category - Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group - All
THE HEALTH RESEARCH BOARD
Health Research Board is the lead agency funding and supporting health research in
Ireland. We also manage health information systems linked to alcohol and drug use, mental
health and disability.
Better health research means better health care. More than 100,000 highly trained and skilled
people work in our health services. Many of these people are involved, directly or indirectly,
in research every day.
Young scientists will recognise the importance of health research, but they may not know
about the stimulating opportunities and the career potential. Health researchers can have a
background in nursing, social science, maths, medicine, computers, chemistry, physics or
biology and their work has a direct impact on patient care. We would encourage students to
think about a health research project that will improve our health.
Criteria - The HRB would like to award a Young Scientist who has conducted research that is
innovative and can have a direct impact on people's health or increase our understanding of
human health.
This could be:
- a new device or technology - an advance in our medical understanding
- new evidence about how certain behaviours (e.g. lack of exercise) impact on our health
- a new approach to patient care
Category - All
Age Group - Intermediate/Senior
IRISH AID IN COLLABORATION WITH SELF HELP AFRICA SPECIAL
Irish Aid - he Government of Ireland's official programme of assistance to developing countries is managed by Irish Aid: a division within the Department of Foreign Affairs. The overarching objective of Irish Aid is the reduction of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries.
Self Help Africa - To promote long-term sustainable development for rural communities in East Africa. This is achieved through projects which are ‘bottom-up' & community led, staffed by local expertise and focus on sustainable development – food security, access to clean water, access to education
Criteria - The winning project of the Irish Aid and Self Help Africa ‘Science for Development' award should:
1. Show a clear understanding of the causes of the issue in a Developing World context and a willingness to learn more. [Issues could include: Food and livelihood security; the environment (e.g. deforestation, clean water and sanitation, fertile soil, soil erosion, fishery, energy, air quality, pollution, global warming); gender equality; appropriate technology; access to education; Health issues e.g. HIV/Aids, TB, etc]
2. Use appropriate and sustainable technology or solutions that can be adopted and implemented at local community level in African or other developing countries.
3. Demonstrate a clear understanding of partnership approach to development.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the local (Ireland) and the global level in relation to the chosen development issue.
Examples of Elegible Projects
The winning project in 2007 outlined the physical requirements, in terms of space and cost, of an economically viable low tech agricultural desalination plant that could be re-produced by local people in developing countries using available resources that would allow for sufficient production of water for their own use and also for agricultural purposes. A prototype solar powered desalination plant was developed.
The 2008 winning project was a prototype tubular hybrid pressure stove. The winning student researched the key cooking methods used in developing countries and incorporated this information as well as other factors such as the problem of access to clean water and fuel for cooking and indoor air pollution into her design.
As part of her prize the winning student visited Ethiopia where she had an opportunity to test her prototype stove. An accompanying TV crew produced a documentary on her trip entitled 'The Big Idea' which was screened on RTE in May 2008
Category - All
Age Group - Intermediate & Senior
IRISH PATENTS OFFICE SPECIAL AWARD
The Irish Patents office provides an efficient and effective system of industrial property protection that will encourage technological progress and promote enterprise through the implementation by the Office of the relevant legislation. The patent system has evolved to promote and reward innovation and invention. The Irish Patents Office is particularly interested in providing information to young technology innovators to stimulate technological advancement and to ensure that they are aware of how to protect their intellectual property rights.
Criteria - The Irish Patents Office Award will be made to the student or group of students whose project best demonstrates the use of technology in new or improved applications, enhanced efficiencies and novel innovations.
Category - Technology
Age Group - All
COMREG SPECIAL AWARD
The Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the statutory body responsible for the regulation of the electronic communications sector (telecommunications, radiocommunications and broadcasting transmission) and the postal sector. We are the national regulatory authority for these sectors in accordance with EU law which is subsequently transposed into Irish legislation.
Our remit covers all kinds of transmission networks including
- Traditional telephone wire
- Traditional television and radio
- Radio communications including fixed wireless
- MMDS and deflector operators providing TV services
- Mobile operators providing voice and data services
- Licensing framework for satellite services in Ireland
- Postal delivery network
- Premium Rate Services
Criteria - The ComReg award will be presented to the project which provides the most innovative application of technology in radiocommunications.
Category - Technology
Age Group - All
SFI SPECIAL AWARD
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is investing in scientific and engineering research underpinning the Biotechnology (BIO), Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Sustainable Energy and Energy Efficient Technologies sectors in the third level institutions in Ireland. SFI will build and strengthen scientific and engineering research and its infrastructure in the areas of greatest strategic value to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness and development. SFI supports the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in order to promote the benefits of investing in scientific and engineering research to young people and the general public and to encourage young people to consider undertaking research careers in science and engineering.
Criteria - Science Foundation Ireland would like this award to be made to the project that most advances research in the areas of science and/or engineering supporting sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies.
Category - Biological & Ecological, Technology, Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group - All
NAPD
NAPD represents Principals and Deputy Principals at post-primary level. The Association aims to provide a united voice nationally for Principals and Deputy Principals on issues of common concern.
Criteria - This year NAPD are sponsoring an award for the best school overall - this is calculated on a points system based on the numbers and types of awards an individual school wins.
Category - All
Age Group - All
IEDR
The IE Domain Registry (IEDR) manages Ireland's domain name - all Internet addresses ending in .ie. When the Internet began addresses consisted of a string of numbers. Domain names simplified these numbers into easy to remember names such as www.why.ie. .ie is Ireland's identity on the Internet.
The IE Domain Registry Award will be presented to the project that has provided insight into an area of key importance to the Irish Online Community. These areas include topics such as search engines, on-line privacy issues, social media or on-line education.
Category - All
Age Group - All
EMC Data Hero Award
At EMC, we know the Power of Data because it’s at the heart of everything we do.
We know that data will grow exponentially in the future and the ability to capture, manage and process this data in a timely, cost efficient manor will be critical to every successful decision, business or endeavor. Better, faster data collection and analysis will help in many ways, from predicting earthquakes or forecasting extreme weather conditions, to making leaps in medical and scientific research. EMC’s Young Data Hero Award will recognize the group or individual who best illustrates fresh thinking or originality in the collection, use or display of data in a project.
EMC established a presence in Ireland in 1988 with its first manufacturing facility outside of North America in Ovens, Cork, followed by sales offices in Dublin (1990) and Belfast (2005). The Cork facility comprises of 28 business functions and in 2010 became an EMC Centre of Excellence (COE) incorporating research and training. It is the largest manufacturing site of EMC outside of the US and EMC now employs over 2,500 people in Ireland between all EMC sites, including VMware, RSA, and Mozy.
Criteria - An award for excellence in the clever use of data within a project, illustrating a novel or innovative approach to the collection, analysis and/or use of data.
Category - All
Age Group - All
Ei Electronics
Ei Electronics is truly a success story.
A 100% Irish owned company and the acknowledged European leader in Fire + Gas Detection products.
The Shannon based operation is uniquely vertically integrated with all business functions, R&D, Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing in the same location. This makes for a dynamic business environment, featuring cross-function involvement and speedy decision making. Product Development is the life blood of the Company and Ei Electronics has consistently been to the forefront of technological innovation in microprocessor based Fire + Gas Detection, battery technology and wireless (RF) connectivity.
The Company has achieved continuous growth through the development of a stream of innovative new products, manufactured on state of the art process technology, delivered to the highest customer service standards.
- Established in 1988
- One of Ireland’s largest indigenous electronics companies
- Located in Shannon Free Zone in 12,000 sq metre facility
- 400 employees – 350 in Shannon, 50 overseas
- R&D, Manufacturing and Marketing co-located in Shannon
- 100% Manufacturing in Ireland
- Lean Manufacturing in Kaizen based cells
- Market Leader in Electronic Fire + Gas Detection Products
- Technology leader in microprocessor based Fire + Gas detection, primary and rechargeable batteries, wireless (RF) connectivity and remote control
- World Class Management Systems
- World-wide sales
Criteria - The project which investigates or show the most practical and innovative use of safety technology.
Category - All
Age Group - All
MATRIX sponsorship of a BT Young Scientist Award
Award - best Northern Ireland School overall
This new award will be presented to the school from Northern Ireland that is deemed the best from all the Northern Ireland entrants across all categories and all age groups. MATRIX: the Northern Ireland Science Industry Panel is a business led panel formed to advise government and provide industry leadership on the commercial exploitation of science, technology and innovation in Northern Ireland.
MATRIX is key to the development of Northern Ireland’s future knowledge-based economy. It is collaborating with BT Young Scientist to promote the benefits of investing in STEM activities for young people to help increase STEM awareness in the general public and promote the innovators of tomorrow. MATRIX particularly welcomes the opportunity to encourage more young people to consider careers founded in STEM.
Criteria - This year MATRIX are sponsoring an award for the best Northern Ireland school overall - this is calculated on a points system based on the numbers and types of awards an individual school wins.
Category - All
Age Group - All
RTE TV50 Special Award
RTÉ, as a Public Service Media Organisation, knows the importance of connecting with its audiences and all the people of Ireland through a range of diverse media platforms, whether on Radio, Television, Online, Aertel or the RTÉ Guide.
The RTÉ TV50 Award, celebrating 50 years of television in Ireland, will be awarded to the project that best demonstrates effective communication of complex scientific information to wider society.
As the public’s understanding of science and technology is becoming increasingly important, it is vital that advances and developments in these areas are clearly communicated. Prize:
The winner will receive a SAORVIEW approved television for their school and a second SAORVIEW television for a nominated local community group of their choice. Award Criteria:
- 1. The project must be of a high scientific and technological standard
- 2. Student(s) should communicate their project and findings using a variety of communications tools
- 3. Presentation of student(s) project should be clear and aim to increase the public’s understanding of their topic
- 4. Student(s) should demonstrate a deeper understanding of the link between science and the wider public. The project should have a practical relevance to everyday life
Category - All
Age Group - All
