Education Minister John O’Dowd has
congratulated local students who have been successful in the final of the BT
Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin.
Kyle Clarke and Conan Mulraine, students
from South East Regional College, Bangor Campus, lifted the award for best
entry from the north of Ireland with their project ‘Renewable production of
ethanol bio fuel’.
Pupils from St Mary’s College, Derry;
Ballyclare High School; St Mary’s, Limavady; Wellington College, Belfast;
Portora Royal School, Enniskillen; St Fanchea’s College, Fermanagh; St Mary’s
Grammar, Magherafelt; and Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School, Newry, also
picked up awards on the night.
The overall BT Young Scientist trophy,
designed by Jowita Rogalska, a student from the Southern Regional College in
Lurgan, was picked up by Paul Clarke of St Paul’s College, Dublin.
Congratulating the prize winners, Mr O’Dowd
said: “All students who made it to the finals should be proud of their
achievements. For those who have made it
this far, this week’s exhibition is the culmination of many months of hard work
at home and in school.
“I
was impressed with the standard of entries and enjoyed meeting and chatting
with pupils from local schools. The
enthusiasm they showed in their work was evident and is an encouraging sign as
we seek to attract more young people to study STEM subjects.
“The
pupils who made it here today are being recognised for their hard work; however
I would also like to pay tribute to the school staff who have supported them
over recent months. These individuals
have spent time to help and encourage their pupils and to instil a passion for learning
which will stand them in good stead as they continue their studies.
“As
it reaches its milestone of 50 years, the BT Young Scientist Event goes from
strength to strength, helping encourage and challenge the innovators of
tomorrow. This is an important event that
I hope will continue to grow in the coming years.”
