Shading the future

Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

Twin sisters Caoimhe and Hannah Quinn from Castleblayney College had a joint project at YSTE 2026 entitled ‘Shading the Future.’ Hannah explained: “Our project focuses on the development of cellulose biodegradable UV sunscreen, UV protective sunscreen and UV protective lenses; paired with a UV awareness mobile application.

Their efforts saw them come first in their category (see page 12).

“Every year 14 tonnes of normal sunscreen - ie chemical sunscreen - is deposited in the ocean. This harms marine organisms, harms wildlife and bleaches the coral,” Hannah continued of their motivation for the study.

“This is very dangerous and not sustainable in any way. Our project created re-safe biodegradable sunscreen and UV protective lenses that are biodegradable and protect users more than that actually outperforms conventional sunscreens and UV lenses.”