Tag: scifest

Tegan Timmons from Coláiste Bríde wins two awards at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition

A secondary school student from Coláiste Bríde, Dublin, has won two major awards at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, recognising her innovative project focused on improving young people’s relationship with food and nutrition.

Tegan Timmons was named winner of the SuperValu “Food for the Future” Award and also received third place in the Senior Individual category for her project, Nutritrack: Rethinking healthy eating.

The project impressed judges with its alternative approach to healthy eating apps, shifting the focus away from calorie counting and towards nutritional understanding. Nutritrack was designed in response to growing concerns about the impact of diet culture and calorie-focused apps on teenagers’ relationship with food.

Speaking about her motivation, Tegan said she wanted to challenge how existing apps frame food and eating. “I’ve noticed how calorie-counting and diet culture affect people my age, including people very close to me,” she said” “I wanted to explore whether there was a healthier, more supportive way to help teenagers understand food and nutrients.”

Through surveys and research carried out as part of the project, Tegan found that many young people reported skipping meals or feeling anxious about eating based on feedback from calorie-tracking apps. These findings informed the design of Nutritrack, which seeks to support healthier habits without reinforcing restrictive behaviours.

The project was developed through Teen-Turn’s Project Squad programme, with Tegan spending hours refining her research and technical approach alongside her mentor Leona Egan at The Digital Hub in Dublin. As part of Project Squad, Tegan also presented her work at SciFest@Teen-Turn, where the project received recognition before going on to achieve success at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Reflecting on Tegan’s progress, Leona praised her commitment and growth over the course of the programme. “Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and a completely self-directed project was a real challenge,” she said. “Over time, Tegan developed strong organisational skills, confidence in her own thinking and a real sense of ownership over her work. By the time she presented at Stripe, she could clearly articulate her research, technical approach and the impact of her project.”

Commenting on the value of the experience Leona said: “Teen-Turn Programmes like Project Squad give students the time, support and confidence to take ownership of their ideas, develop resilience, and see that their work has real value beyond the classroom.”

Teen-Turn is a non-profit organisation that supports teenage girls to explore STEM through free after-school programmes, mentoring and hands-on projects. For ten years, through initiatives such as Project Squad, PLUS Club, Technovation, and Work Experience, students gain confidence, practical skills and insight into future education and career pathways in science and technology.

Zack O’Leary wins SciFest National Final 2025

Zack O’Leary from Co. Kildare representing Clongowes Wood College, has won the overall title of SciFest STEM Champion 2025 for his project M.A.N.T.I.S “Muon Analysis for Non-Invasive Tomography and Image Simulation”.  Zack will go on to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona next May. SciFest is Ireland’s largest, most-inclusive all-island STEM fair programme for second-level students.

The SciFest National Final, held in Marino Conference Centre in Dublin today, was attended by students from every corner of Ireland with 51 students from 31 schools qualifying to participate this year. Students secured their place at the National Final by winning one of the top awards at the 15 regional SciFest fairs earlier in the year.

This year’s programme also featured five international projects from students in Sri Lanka and South Africa, further extending the global network of SciFest.

Since 2006, the programme continues to grow and expand, reporting an increase in student participation year on year. This growth has been made possible by the continued support of the Department of Education and Youth, Research Ireland and our industry partners, Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Keenova.

As SciFest prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary next year, the programme’s mission remains the same – to encourage students’ participation in STEM in an enjoyable and interactive way. SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, no matter their background or circumstance.

Speaking today at this year’s National Final, CEO and Founder of SciFest, Sheila Porter commented: “On behalf of everyone here at SciFest, I would like to extend a warm congratulations to all the participants, and in particular to Zack O’Leary for winning the title of SciFest STEM Champion 2025. We saw a significant increase in technology projects this year focusing on artificial intelligence and medical devices – it is great to see students take a strong interest in solving real world problems.”

“SciFest’s purpose remains to inspire and empower the next generation to engage with the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It has been a pleasure to watch SciFest continue to grow and to meet with all the immensely talented and bright students that participate every year. I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who has been involved – from our students, teachers, parents and judges to our wonderful sponsors – all of whom have contributed to this extraordinary event. “

SciFest competition kicks-off ahead of its 20th anniversary

SciFest, Ireland’s largest and most inclusive STEM fair programme for second-level students has announced its return ahead of its 20th anniversary with a call for entrants to the SciFest regional fairs, taking place across the country. The SciFest programme is funded by grants from the Department of Education and Research Ireland and by private sector sponsorship, primarily by Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and new partner Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

SciFest organisers kicked off the launch of the 2025 competition in Explorium with students from Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School in Co. Dublin, and announced the theme for 2025 as ’STEM is for All.’

Project entries are accepted across a range of scientific disciplines including physical and life sciences and technology. Students wishing to participate should log on to the SciFest website (www.scifest.ie) and enter online. Completed entry forms must be submitted by 12 March 2025.

The regional fairs take place across the months of April and May, with selected winners going on to compete at the SciFest National Final in November 2025. Here, they will have the opportunity to take home the overall prize and represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States next year.

Speaking ahead of the competition’s 20th year, Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO said:

‘SciFest is back for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited. I would urge all students to get involved and enter, no matter your background or circumstance, to explore the wonderful world of STEM and all it has to offer. Previous winners of the competition are thriving and have gone on to achieve incredible things, from launching their own start-ups to studying at prestigious institutions like Oxford University. SciFest opens the door to an array of opportunities.

As we plan for our 20-year celebrations, we look forward to an exciting year ahead in which the competition will grow to even greater heights. I want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support, without which none of this would be possible. We can’t wait to see the fantastic and innovative projects that lie ahead, so don’t miss out! Sign up today and be part of this exciting journey.’

The competition has grown rapidly since its inception in 2006 and drew over 15,000 student participants last year. SciFest aims to support students in research development, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all the while fostering an interest in STEM. It is free to enter and is open to students of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Dublin student’s design for the vision impaired wins SciFest National Final 2024

5th year student, Maura Moore-McCune representing The King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown in Co. Dublin has won the title of SciFest STEM Champion 2024 with her project ‘VIPMOD: Vision Impaired Person’s Moving Object Detector’. Maura Moore-McCune will represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Now in its 19th year, SciFest is Ireland’s largest, most-inclusive all-island STEM fair programme for second-level students. The National Final, held in Marino Conference Centre in Dublin today, was attended by students from every corner of the island, with 62 students qualifying to participate this year. Since 2006, the programme has continued to evolve and expand, reporting an average increase of over 20% year on year. This has been helped by the tremendous support offered by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Maura Moore-McCune, who is vision impaired, developed an app to detect fast moving objects, so that vision impaired people can live safer and more independent lives.

This project evolved through six prototypes. The first three prototypes used Micro:bits. Prototype 4 uses GPS technology. Prototype 5 is an app which uses TensorFlow.js Image Classification model to detect oncoming vehicles and other objects. The app displays the object’s name, vibrates and issues a text-to-speech warning. Finally, Prototype 6 is an application that estimates the speed of oncoming objects. It uses a YOLOv8 model to analyse input footage.  Prototype 5 was tested in a controlled setting, with 95% accuracy (316 trials).  Vision Ireland will be testing VIPMOD in the WayFinding Centre – an indoor environment replicating the real-world experience of using public transport for vision impaired people.

Maura was presented with the SciFest STEM Champion 2024 Award by Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO. Maura rose to win the top prize, following her success at the regional final in SciFest@TU Dublin Tallaght.

Founded in 2006, the programme’s primary aim is to encourage students’ participation in STEM in an enjoyable and interactive way. SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, no matter their background or circumstance.

Speaking today at this year’s National Final, CEO and Founder of SciFest, Sheila Porter commented: “On behalf of everyone here at SciFest, I would like to extend a warm congratulations to all the winners, particularly to Maura for winning the title of SciFest STEM Champion 2024. SciFest has been providing opportunities in STEM for students for nearly two decades, and I am proud to have watched it evolve during that time. And while every year, we continue to grow, our core mission remains the same: to inspire and empower the next generation to engage with and explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

This year saw a big uptake in projects focusing on the environment and sustainability – critical areas for shaping a better future. I want to sincerely thank everybody who has been involved – from our students, teachers, and parents to our wonderful sponsors – all of whom have contributed to this extraordinary event. Together, we continue to drive progress and spark the creativity that will lead us into the future.”

Other award winners at the SciFest 2024 National Final were:

  • Lily Cahill who won the SciFest STEM Champion 2024 Runner-up Award for her project on ‘Investigating Whether Childhood Imaginary Companions Impact Social Competence and Coping Skills in Teenage Years’
  • Fionn Campbell who won the Berlin Long Night of Science Award for his project on ‘A Crystal-Clear Way to Slow Down Ireland’s Energy Crisis’
  • Maura Moore-McCune who won the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Grand Award for her project on ‘VIPMOD: Vision Impaired Person’s Moving Object Detector’
  • Gráinne Ní Chrónín who won the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Grand Award Runner Up for her project on ‘No More Ice, Ice Baby!’
  • Matthew Daly and Rory Maguire who won the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Grand Award for their project on ‘How “Green” are the Local GAA Clubs? Comparing the Carbon Footprints of our Rural GAA Clubs’
  • Lillie Li and Miles Bueno who won the Intel Technology Award for their project on ‘Finding Habitable Exoplanets on the NASA database with the Help of AI’
  • Orlaith Connors who won the Mallinckrodt STEM Excellence Award for her project on ‘MITES BEE GONE! An Investigation of Irish Honeybees and Their Natural’
  • Micheala Gillooly who won the STEM Outreach Video Award for her project on ‘Own your Cycle, Own Your Game’
  • Áine Ní Fhearraigh, Muireann Haicéid and Kerry Magner who won the SciFest Social Sciences Award for their project on ‘Cé Mhéad Leictreachais is Féidir le Roth Uisce Simplí a Ghiniúint, agus an Leor é Chun Roinnt Soilse a Lasadh?’
  • Emmalise O’Boyle and Cara Mullen who won the SciFest Life Sciences Award for their project on ‘Investigating the Effect of Microplastic Concentrations on Plant Growth and Nutrition’
  • Megan Bohan and Ríona O’Farrell who won the THEA Award for their project on ‘Feathered Frequencies: The Invention of a Bird Deterrent Sound System to Eliminate the Threat of Bird Strikes Involving Jet Engines and Turbine Blades’
  • Séana Dunne, Miriam Senior and David Fitzpatrick who won the ISTA Award for their project on ‘Extracting Latex from Dandelions and Using it to Make a Glue to Find a Sustainable Alternative Source for Latex’
  • Robyn O’Hanlon, Emilia Aherne and Elodie Wallace who won the SciFest Junior Scientist of the Future Award for their project on ‘Mushrooms vs Normal Building Material’
  • Addison Carey who won the SciFest Junior Technologist of the Future Award for her project on ‘Enhancing Data Security in AI Training using Zero-Knowledge Proofs for Secure Methodology Development’

Irish students win awards at international science and technology fair!

Two SciFest projects represented Ireland at the virtual Hong Kong Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl (GYSTB) 2022 at the weekend and claimed an overall Grand Prize – Silver Award and a first-place category award.

The Grand Award was claimed by Hari Pranavam from Saint Eunan’s College, Letterkenny for his project, Building an Automatic Weather Satellite Ground Station with Data Analytics Forecast. Hari will now have the opportunity to have his project published in the STEM Fellowship Journal (SFJ), an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published by Canadian Science Publishing. Grace Ní Ifearnáin from Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee won her first-place award for her project, Nature Takes on Nature: Investigating the Effects of Juglone on Japanese Knotweed. Grace recently represented Ireland and SciFest on the Broadcom MASTERS International programme in Atlanta, Georgia.

GYSTB is organised by The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Judging took place online and the awards ceremony was broadcasted live globally on 12 June. The competition attracted 84 project entries from 16 countries or regions all competing for prizes.

Speaking about his award, Hari Pranavam said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive a Grand Prize-Silver Award. It is such a great honour to get to compete on a global stage against people from all over the world. This is a fantastic reward for my work on the project and it is great to see it acknowledged by international experts. I would like to thank my parents and my teacher Mr Michael Harkin for their support and encouragement throughout. I’m also very grateful to SciFest who gave me the opportunity to compete in this international competition and achieve this award.”

Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO commented: “We are all immensely proud of the two SciFest students who represented Ireland at the Hong Kong Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl this year. Their great success in this prestigious international competition is testament, not only their ingenuity, commitment and hard work, but to the standard of Irish STEM education. We are delighted that the two students have had the opportunity to bring their projects to an international audience. Well done to both of them on their awards and we wish them every success for the future.”

SciFest is the largest, most inclusive STEM fair programme for second level students in Ireland. SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, no matter their geographical location, school or scientific ability. The most important thing for SciFest is the participation of students and encouraging their interest in STEM in a fun and engaging way. The SciFest 2022 National Final will take place on 25 November 2022.

SciFest is funded primarily by Intel and Boston Scientific who have recently been joined by Smurfit Kappa, Regeneron and Eirgrid in a growing community of supporters.

SciFest launches 2022 programme with a call for entrants to regional competition #STEM

SciFest, Ireland’s largest and most inclusive STEM fair programme for second-level students has announced its return for the 17th consecutive year. The competition attracts 10,000 student participants annually and organisers have kicked off the 2022 competition with a call for entrants to the 16 SciFest@College regional fairs.

SciFest is free to enter and open to everyone across the island of Ireland, no matter their background or circumstances. The goal of SciFest is to help students develop research, problem solving, critical thinking, and presentation skills while fostering an interest in STEM fields.  Project entries will be accepted across a range of scientific disciplines. The deadline for completed entry forms for SciFest@College 2022 is 11 March. The competition is eyeing a return to in-person fairs having successfully hosted the previous two years’ programmes online due to COVID-19 restrictions.

SciFest is local, regional and national with international opportunities for winning projects. Overall winners from each regional STEM fair will go on to compete at a national final in November 2022. The winner(s) of the SciFest National Final 2022 will be presented with a trophy and will represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2023 in the USA.

Speaking at the launch of SciFest 2022, Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO said: “I’m always so pleased to launch SciFest, and this year is no different. We are now entering the 17th year of SciFest, and I continue to be staggered by the high standard of submissions we receive each year. We’re immensely proud of this competition and the opportunities it offers students. These kids are the doctors, scientists and innovators of tomorrow and we are calling on all students, regardless of their circumstance or current STEM abilities to join us for SciFest 2022.”

At last year’s national final Clare Reidy, a sixth-year student from Our Lady’s Bower school in Athlone, Co. Westmeath was named SciFest STEM Champion 2021, for her innovative research project which explored Cosmic Radiation Protection, investigating effective building materials for future exploration of Mars. Clare will represent Ireland at Regeneron ISEF in Atlanta, Georgia, USA this May.

Speaking about her award, Clare said: “I loved every minute of the SciFest experience last year and winning the competition was a source of great pride for me and my family. SciFest enabled me to research something that intrigued me, and it helped sharpen the skills I needed to investigate it. Winning SciFest means I get to travel to Regeneron ISEF in the United States and I’m really looking forward to representing Ireland. I’d encourage students with an interest in STEM subjects to give SciFest a go because it will give you the tools to come up with ideas and solutions for real problems and existing issues.”

For more information on SciFest visit www.scifest.ie.