The Main Awards
 |
BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year 2008
If the title BT Young Scientist of the Year is awarded to an Individual, a Best Group Award will also be made. If the title BT Young Scientist of the Year is awarded to a Group, a Best Individual Award will be made. |
Individual or Group
• BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €5,000/£3,500
• The chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists
Best Individual or Best Group
• BT Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €2,400/£1,680
Runner-up Individual and Runners-up Group
• BT Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €1,200/£840
Category Awards
There are 36 prizes for Individuals and 36 prizes for Group projects. The prizes take the form of 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections of
each of the four categories:
1. Biological and Ecological Sciences
2. Chemical Physical and Mathematical Sciences
3. Social and Behavioural Sciences
4. Technology
The prizes are as follows:
• 1st prize of €300/£210 for both Individual and Group projects
• 2nd prize of €225/£157.50 for both Individual and Group projects
• 3rd prize of €150/£105 for both Individual and Group projects
In the event of a tie in any category, the prize money will be split equally.
A number of Highly Commended and Display awards will be awarded in each category by the panel of judges. |
Travel Awards
Student Awards
 |
Intel Student Award
This award is presented to the best placed project, either Group or Individual, in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist of the Year winner.
The prize is an all expenses paid trip to USA to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia in May 2008. The teacher/mentor
of the winner(s) of this award will also receive an all expenses paid trip to ISEF in Atlanta. |
 |
Analog Devices Student Award
This award is presented to an Individual or Group for outstanding work exhibited in the Technology category.
The prize consists of a trophy plus an all expenses paid trip to America as the guest(s) of Analog Devices, visiting Boston and San Francisco. In addition, Analog Devices will donate €2,500 to the school of the winning student(s) as a contribution towards its science laboratory equipment fund. |
Educator of Excellence Awards
These awards will be presented to the teachers whose commitment and encouragement has consistently enabled their students to participate successfully in
the following subject areas: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Computing at the Exhibition.
|
Intel Educator of Excellence Award
The winner will receive the Intel Trophy plus an all-expenses paid trip to USA to attend the Intel Educators’ Academy. This is run in conjunction with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, Georgia in May 2008.
|
|
Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award
The winner will receive the Analog Devices Trophy plus an all expenses paid trip to America visiting Boston and San Francisco.
|
Special Awards
 |
Ash Ireland Award
Ash Ireland is focused on reducing the impact of tobacco use in Irish society. Just under 7,000 Irish citizens die each year from the effects of tobacco related disease and ASH Ireland is determined to reduce this staggering statistic. The organisation uses its independence to focus on “the issue” and ensures it is never compromised.
Criteria
ASH Ireland will present an award to the project in either the category of Biological and Ecological Sciences or Social and Behavioural Sciences for the project that best showcases ASH Ireland’s Mission Statement.
Category
General
Age Group
ALL |
 |
The Comhar award
Comhar mission statement is to enhance the national agenda for sustainable development, to assist in devising suitable mechanisms and advising on
their implementation and to contribute to the formation of a national consensus in these regards. To raise awareness of Comhar and its purposes and
to encourage greater involvement/interest by young students in sustainable development issues e.g. efficient use of resources, respect for ecological
integrity, and respect for natural heritage and diversity.
Criteria
The Comhar award should be presented to the project, which best demonstrates sustainable development taking into account Comhar's principles of sustainable development. This award to be made in the Social and Behavioural Category and it is open to all age groups.
Category
Social & Behavioura
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Eli Lilly 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 award will be presented for the project with the best Chemistry content.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Environmental Protection Agency 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
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
ALL
|
 |
ERP Award
ERP is a Pan-European Waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) compliance scheme that provides compliance support for producers of electronic and electrical equipment. It also provides an information forum to its members on the environmental benefits of WEEE recycling and is committed to raising awareness of this topic to the European Public.
Criteria
ERP Ireland would therefore be pleased to sponsor an award that will encourage and improve recycling. The project should demonstrate a sound understanding of recycling/reuse and its benefits. The award will be given to the project that best displays these characteristics and will take into account the creativity of the project. The focus of the project can be on any aspect of recycling/reuse in any product category and the award is open to all age groups in all categories.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology
and Social & Behavioural Sciences.
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Foras Na Gaeilge Award
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 Irish, 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
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
ALL
|
 |
Forensic Science Laboratory Award
The mission of the laboratory is to assist in the investigation of crime and to serve the administration of justice in an effective manner by a highly trained and dedicated staff providing scientific analysis and objective expert evidence to international standards.
Criteria
Given that forensic science is a practical science the award should go to the project that shows the best practical use of science in solving crime, especially if it involves a novel approach. It is open to all categories (except social and behavioural sciences) and to all age groups.
Category
Biological & Ecological and Technology and Chemical, Physical & Mathematical
Age Group
ALL |
 |
The Health Research Board Award
Health Research Board is the lead agency funding and supporting health research in Ireland. We also maintain health information systems and conduct research linked to national health priorities such as mental health, alcohol and drug use disability. We believe that today's health research is tomorrow's 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. It is essential that young scientists recognise the importance of health research, the stimulating opportunities and the career potential. Health researchers may have a background in nursing, social science, maths, medicine, computers, chemistry, physics or biology. We would encourage students to think about a project linked to health research in any of the categories highlighted in the criteria section.More information about the HRB can be found at our website www.hrb.ie.
Criteria
This award is to be presented to the best project that a) Social sciences - examines aspects of a healthy lifestyle (e.g. impact of smoking ban)
OR b) basic sciences - e.g. exercise and the effects on muscles or heart OR c) Technology - e.g. using technology to monitor health trends.
This award is open to senior level students only.
Category
Social & Behavioural Sciences and Technology
Age Group
Senior |
 |
Institute of Physics in Ireland 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 |
 |
Irish Blood Transfusion Service Award
The IBTS is committed to excellence in meeting patients' needs through the professionalism of our staff and generosity of our donors. With one in four people needing a blood transfusion at some stage in their lives, the IBTS faces the ongoing challenge of recruiting and retaining new blood donors. Information is the key to recruitment and for this reason the BT Young Scientist Exhibition is an ideal opportunity to allow both students and members of the public to enquire about the blood donation process; after all, they are the blood donors of the future. Furthermore, it is a chance for the IBTS to foster an interest in blood and blood products among students who may be interested in pursuing various scientific courses at third level.
Criteria
This award will be issued to the project that best details one of the following: a) new research and analysis on blood donors, including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service b) new research and analysis of blood donation collection methods (i.e. analysis of successful and unsuccessful collection techniques), including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service c) new research and analysis on the efficiency of blood transfusion for patients, including recommendations on how the IBTS could use this information to improve their service d) identify potential threats to the blood supply and alternative solutions to blood, blood products and blood transfusion
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Marie Keating Foundation 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
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group ALL |
 |
The Marine Institute Award
The Marine Institute is Ireland's national agency for marine research, technology, development & innovation. Our vision is “a thriving maritime economy in harmony with the ecosystem and supported by the delivery of excellence in our services.” To promote a sustainable marine economy, the Institute provides such scientific services as: Marine Environment & Food Safety, Aquaculture & Catchment Management, Fisheries Science, Ocean Science, Strategic Planning The Marine Institute sees the future of Irish marine science and technology belonging to young scientists who can rise to the challenge of developing our marine resources in harmony with the environment. We view the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition as a unique way of fostering interest in marine sciences of all kinds and introducing students to Ireland's 220 million acre marine resource.
Criteria
The Marine Institute Award will be presented to the project which best demonstrates the potential and real benefits of science and / or technology to society within the marine sector. Past awards include: An adaptation of a commercially available “Crew Saver Lifejacket” to only inflate when immersed in one metre or more of water. An investigation of the calcification dynamics of reef aquaria. An examination of the production of histamine in fish with reference to histamine poisoning in humans. The feeding behaviour of freshwater shrimp (Gammarus) How mussels can be used to detect pollution in water. For more information on the Marine Institute Award visit: www.marine.ie/home/aboutus/news
Category
Biological & Ecological
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Patents Office Award
The 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 Patent 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 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 |
 |
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) Award
The RPII is responsible for the protection of people from the harmful effects of ionising radiation, both natural and man-made, through regulation,
monitoring of the environment and the provision of advice. As the national body responsible for matters relating to ionising radiation, the RPII in
association with the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, would like to raise awareness, and stimulate interest in the following topics: The sources of radioactivity in the environment - man-made and naturally occurring; The beneficial uses and potential hazards of ionising radiation Protection against the harmful effects of ionising radiation. The award will be made in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences and/or the Social and Behavioural Sciences category. The award will be made to the best project of any age group on ionising radiation. The project must demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of the topic with an original approach to the project undertaken.
Criteria
Projects relating to the energy debate on nuclear power will not be considered.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Social & Behavioural
Age Group
All |
 |
Road Safety Authority 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 Scientist & Technology Exhibition in any category that covers a road safety topic or related topic that has the potential to reduce Irish road fatalities.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Award
Building on our heritage in surgery we will enhance human health through endeavour, innovation & collaboration in education, research & service. As one of Ireland’s premier health research facilities, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is keen to inform young researchers of the important role played by a range of subjects from physical and social sciences to mathematics and computing in medical research.
Criteria
The RCIS Award will be for the best project which contributes to research in medical, biomedical, or health related causes.
Category
General
Age Group
ALL |
 |
Safefood Award
Safefood is an all-island agency set up to improve food safety and nutrition by fostering and maintaining confidence in the food supply. Food safety and nutrition are extremely important for the health of our population. With over 8,000 new cases of gastroenteritis daily across the island of Ireland and over 60% of the population overweight or obese, it is crucial that young people learn about good lifestyle and behaviour. Safefood is committed to supporting health and wellbeing issues at school level.
Criteria
The Safefood award will be presented to the projects that investigates all or any of the 4 C's of safety i.e. Cooking, Cleaning, Chilling & Cross - Contamination or to projects that look at nutritional topics for e.g. Obesity, promotion of healthy eating, adolescent dietary beliefs, food diaries etc.
Category
Biological & Ecological and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
All |
 |
Science Foundation Ireland Award
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 wants to support the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in order to promote the benefits investing in
scientific and engineering research to young people and the general public and to encourage young people to consider undertaken research careers in science and engineering. On behalf of the Irish government, SFI is investing in scientific and engineering research underpinning the Biotechnology (BIO) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectors in the third level institutions in Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the national foundation for excellence in scientific research. In 2000, Ireland initiated the largest investment in scientific and engineering research in its history by founding SFI.
Criteria
SFI would like this award to be made to the project that most advances ICT research under the Technology category.
Category
Technology
Age Group
ALL |
|
Science Foundation Ireland Award
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 wants to support the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in order to promote the benefits
investing in scientific and engineering research to young people and the
general public and to encourage young people to consider undertaken research careers in science and engineering. On behalf of the Irish
government, SFI is investing in scientific and engineering research
underpinning the Biotechnology (BIO) and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectors in the third level institutions in Ireland. Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the national foundation for excellence in scientific research. In 2000, Ireland initiated the largest investment in scientific and engineering research in its history by founding SFI.
Criteria
SFI would like this award to be made to the project that most advances Biotechnology research under the Biological & Ecological Sciences.
Category
Biological & Ecological Sciences
Age Group
ALL |
|
Self Help in collaboration with Irish Aid Award
Irish Aid The 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 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 '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. Age group: Senior
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. 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.
Category
Chemical, Physical & Mathematical and Biological & Ecological and Technology and Social & Behavioural Sciences
Age Group
Intermediate and Senior
|
|
