Some "mildly probing questions" usually do the trick. They separate the young scientist who may be a winner from those adept at transmitting information dripfed from an over-enthusiastic teacher, pushy parent or overworked personal computer.
This is just one of the secrets of judging entries at the Esat Telecom Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition revealed by food microbiologist Dr Mary Upton of UCD. After 10 years of judging, she looks for innovation, scientific thinking and an ability to defend an argument. "What differentiates a winner are things like a good idea, good methodology and understanding, and an ability to put up a defence to what they present to us," she explained.
Winning aside, participation is "enormously beneficial; academically and in getting a feel for science", she said. At their first attempt entrants may be a little light on those essential requirements. "But I notice some come back year after year. You see a dramatic improvement. If keen and enthusiastic, they will learn from a winning project around them."
Nobody can know all the science - judges included - noted Dr Tony Scott of the department of physics at UCD, a judge since the first exhibition in 1965. Many leading scientists and technologists are among the 60-strong judging panel, but even they may seek outside assistance in a particular field to confirm a hunch if the entry is a little outside their speciality, particularly with possible winners. Each entry is evaluated by three judges.
Another judge, physicist Father Thomas Burke O.Carm., said entrants tended to be genuine. "That is my experience. Teachers support and encourage them but they are not doing it for them."
Ms Sinead O Marcaigh, chairwoman of the judging panel, said the standard this year was exceptionally high. "We were very impressed with the widespread use of the Internet to research projects, and the use of computers to demonstrate programmes and collate information. Students are certainly making the most of the `information superhighway' which Ireland is now embracing."
The prize fund this year amounts to £25,000 and includes travel to international science fairs in Europe and the US for some main category winners.
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, will announce the Young Scientist(s) of the Year, which is awarded to the best entry by an individual or group, this evening in a ceremony to be broadcast on Network 2 at 6.30 p.m. The exhibition is open to the public from 10 a.m. daily until Sunday.
