Local students compete in problem solving competition

Two Co Cavan students competed at the All-Island Linguistic Problem Solving Final in DCU recently.

Run by ADAPT, the world-leading SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology, the contest challenges secondary school students to apply logic and reasoning skills to solve complex puzzles in unfamiliar languages.

Greta Sarolta Finna from Breifne College and Sheena Ledwich from Loreto College in Cavan Town competed at the national finals of the 16th All Ireland Linguistics Olympiad (AILO).

The 104 national finalists, from 45 schools across 20 counties, came through preliminary rounds held in schools last January.

More than 3,500 students registered for this year’s contest. Competing in individual and team rounds, the finalists are faced with everything from deciphering ancient Norse scripts about Thor to working out unusual counting systems such as Bukiyip where there are two counting systems.

“The AILO finals see teenagers solve puzzles that require lateral thinking skills and the ability to think outside the box,” said a spokesperson.

“Students must analyse the language data they are given to work out the ‘rules’ of the new language.

These transferable skills are critical in preparing young people for a wide range of careers in computing, linguistics and language.”

Four winners from the event will go on to represent Ireland at the International Linguistics Olympiad held in Brazil in July. The results of the national final will be released shortly.