Shortlist of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022 announced

Students across Cavan will be logging on today to see if they are among the 550 student projects shortlisted for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022. Today BT Ireland announce details of the 550 shortlisted projects to be showcased at the annual student expo this January.

Over 1,000 students will represent 219 schools from 29 counties at the virtual exhibition which runs from Wednesday, January 12 to Friday january 14 2022.

Entries were received from over 2,700 students, with 1,440 brilliant project ideas. Following the success of the first ever virtual BTYSTE in January, which reached more than 77 countries around the world; this year’s finalists will once again compete on a virtual stage to both a national and international audience.

This year, new and adapted technologies featured in a fifth (110) of all project entries across the four project categories – Social and Behavioural Science, Technology; Chemical, Physical and Mathematics Science; and Ecological Science. In an ever-increasing digital world, students demonstrated their curiosity and imagination for new technologies and how they can assist in our daily lives, with projects ranging from assisted living devices to apps that help us live more sustainably.

Climate change and the environment were featured in over 150 projects, indicating how our young students have their finger on the pulse of one of the most critical issues dominating our planet today. Students continue to ask questions and investigate the impact, causes and solutions to this global crisis.

Other areas with a strong focus in finalist projects this year include health, where students investigate the longer-term impact of Covid on our lives, along with the ways we look after our mental and physical health. Over 140 projects examined either Covid-19 or other health-related issues.

Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said, “Following an incredibly challenging 18 months for schools, teachers and wider communities, I am delighted to see the volume and the quality of entries coming through for this year’s exhibition. The ideas are excellent and the ambition is strong, a testament to the dedication and resilience of schools and students across Ireland.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be delivered across a virtual platform. The finalists will be interviewed by an eminent panel of over 90 judges. This national celebration of science and technology is one of the country’s best attended events every year. For participants, the Exhibition offers a chance to win one of the most coveted awards with a substantial prize fund and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy, as well as over 200 prizes for individuals, groups, and teachers.