Taoiseach Simon Harris visited the 61st BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition last week and paid tribute to the vision of its founders who had given “an incredible gift” to the young people and schools of Ireland.
Given its expansion since the 1960s, and the consistent ability of students to incorporate advances in research, often producing projects for the public good, that view is justified. It has also played a fundamental role in fostering scientific curiosity. Co-founder Dr Tony Scott has been a constant presence, seeking in the first instance “good science” with the hope it would rise to brilliance – as many winners have achieved.
A visit to the event at Dublin’s RDS this year was , as ever, a feel-good outing as the ingenuity of entrants, their compelling interpretations of the world around them and communication skills stand out. Amid geopolitical uncertainty and rampant misinformation promulgated by social media, this is especially important this year.
2025 is also a significant year for BT Ireland as it marks the 25th anniversary of its role as custodian, organiser and sponsor. It should be commended for constantly building the BTYSTE platform as its standing reaches far beyond the event itself. When it first got involved 670 projects entered; today that has risen to more than 2,000. The event itself was attended by 15,000 people; today it is capped at 40,000. It has added a technology category from which remarkable output has emerged and launched the Primary School Fair. Critically, it has ensured better diversity, incorporating more DEIS schools, while reaching a 60:40 per cent ratio between female and male participants.
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The BTYSTE has played a key role in ensuring the quality of Irish Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths ) graduates with tangible benefits for the commercial and academic worlds. In turn this has enhanced the attractiveness of Ireland for foreign direct investment. That flow of talent will be essential in the coming years as Ireland faces AI challenges and economic headwinds. The incoming government should ensure it is nurtured and developed.