Ireland’s growing population of young scientists are becoming more ambitious and environmentally conscious according to research presented a tthe launch of the 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
The study – drawn from a sample of 3,000 qualified entries from 2007 to 2012 – revealed that participating students have dramatically evolved their ideas to reflect the constantly shifting economic, environmental and social landscapes in Ireland.
In the 2012 exhibition, 15% of students presented projects with commercial potential, compared with only 2% in 2007. This trend resulted in a call from BT for the Patents Office to be present at the exhibition to help participating students protect and grow their ideas.
Other findings in the report showed a four-fold increase in agri-business projects; a five-fold increase in the number of projects investigating renewable energy; and a five-fold increase in the number of projects geared towards conservation of the environment.
The number of projects relating to mental health issues has dramatically increased. In 2007, just two projects referenced the topic, compared with over 20 in 2012.
In terms of the number of entries over the past five years, a number of counties have grown their presence. In 2007 Co. Mayo submitted only one entry to the exhibition versus 11 in 2012; Co. Galway has gone from five to 14 entries; while Kerry grew from two to 15 projects.
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS, Dublin from 9-12 January. There are over 120 awards including the overall BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year. In addition, BT offers over 30 participating students the opportunity to take part in the BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp – an intensive innovation skills camp that BT runs after the exhibition to give students commercialisation skills.
Closing date for entries is 1 October.
TechCentral Reporters
Subscribers 0
Fans 0
Followers 0
Followers