Young Scientist exhibition retains core values despite digital shift

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) may be going virtual for a second year in a row, but the key question remains: does research from some of Ireland's brightest young minds, which looks good on paper, translate into really good science?

Finding that answer, according to co-founder of the event Dr Tony Scott, "is the beauty of the young scientist exhibition": sitting down with students and interacting with them on their endeavours.

Covid-19 has interfered with that engagement, he acknowledged at a briefing on Tuesday in Dublin’s Mansion House, where the first contest was held in 1965, adding that at one point he feared it would be impossible to stage such an event online.

More than 1,000 students from throughout the island of Ireland have reached the final stages of BTYSTE 2022 with 550 projects. Online judging begins on Wednesday morning with a small army of 92 judges, including Dr Scott, pitching searching questions. The public has free access to the exhibition and a wide range of linked science and technology events over coming days.

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Dr Scott saluted BT for its “amazing achievement in 2021 in pulling it [the event] off; we could have lost everything, but they rose to the task”, with the feat repeated this year.

“Having said that, let’s get back to the RDS next year,” he added. For him, nothing matches the frenzy of interaction at the event’s traditional Dublin venue.

He admitted he and co-founder Fr Tom Burke thought the contest would only last for a few years. "I'm amazed it has lasted so long . . . If Covid can't stop it – nothing can stop it."

Pressing issues

A scan of this year’s projects confirms that entrants continue to tackle big scientific questions and pressing issues of the day, while also building on previous research and pushing the boundaries of technology.

Eighteen-year-old Greg Tarr won the 2021 contest by building software to detect deepfake content using artificial intelligence (AI). Eight months later, after completing his Leaving Cert in Bandon Grammar School in Co Cork, he set up his own business Inferex – a play on "inference" and the mathematical variable X.

After just two months, he had raised more than $1.25 million in seed funding from a combination of Irish, European and American investor funds and so-called angels. His business employs five people full-time and up to 10 part-time. It is fully remote because, Mr Tarr said, “the quality of life is an order of magnitude higher”.

What came after his win was “truly spectacular”, he added. Inferex’s unique calling card is the use of automated AI in the form of software tools so companies can focus on their core business.

STEM ability

Speaking ahead of this year’s competition, Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to participating students, who “never fail to impress year on year”, especially with their ability in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

“As Taoiseach, I am proud to say that people working in STEM in Ireland are changing the face of the world we live in every day. As a Government, we want to further strengthen and deepen the role and profile of STEM learning,” he said.

"By simply creating their project idea, researching and posing a conclusion, they have all earned the titles of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists," BT Ireland managing director Shay Walsh said of participants.

“The creative spirit has not been diminished because it’s virtual and that is great to see,” he added. Nonetheless, he has his fingers crossed that Omicron wipes out other Covid variants, society opens up again, and the event is back at the RDS in 2023.

BTYSTE organiser Mari Cahalane said the 2021 contest had a worldwide audience from 77 countries. "Hopefully, that will be equalled if not surpassed this year. Most significantly, it is shining a light on brilliant young talent in Ireland," she said.

Registration for the public is open at https://portal.btyoungscientist.com
Further details are available at btyoungscientist.com