THE GIRLS have it when it comes to an interest in things scientific. Almost 50 per cent more girls than boys have entered projects in the 2012 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition taking place next January.
More records have been broken as preparations for the event get under way in earnest. There are more schools represented, more projects entered, more students than ever before and a record number of entries will be accepted for the exhibition.
Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn noted these tumbling records when commenting yesterday on participation in January’s exhibition.
It was “uplifting” to see so many entries from every county in Ireland “thought up by curious young minds who are eager to positively impact the world around them”, Mr Quinn said.
He commended BT and everyone involved in the event, describing student engagement with science and research as “critically important to our economy”.
The annual launch of entry statistics showed that 1,743 projects in four categories were entered, at least one from each of the 32 counties. These involved 2,235 girls and 1,608 boys, with entries from 354 schools.
The social and behavioural sciences category led the way with 618 entries; biological and ecological accounted for 509; there were 326 chemical, physical and mathematical sciences entries; and 290 in the technology division.
The 1,743 entries will now be reduced to a final 550 going forward for the exhibition, also a record with 30 more than last year.
Now in its 48th year, the 2012 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition takes place in the RDS, Dublin, from January 11th until the 14th. For more information log on to btyoungscientist.com, visit facebook.com/BTYSTE or follow the event’s Twitter feed at twitter.com/btyste
Those interested may phone 1800-924362 in the Republic or 0800-9171297 in Northern Ireland.