Science for


Development


Special Award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition



Self Help Africa and Irish Aid run the ‘Science for Development’ award which is presented annually at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. The award-winner and their teacher receive a travel bursary for a study visit to Africa, and short-listed entrants are invited to attend a student project showcase.

Our programme is funded by Irish Aid.

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Award




Since 2006, the ‘Science for Development’ special award encourages students to develop projects for BTYSTE that could address challenges, such as environmental and social justice issues, affecting communities in poorer countries of the world.

A travel bursary, sponsored by Irish Aid, is awarded to the winning project. In 2024 a new perpetual trophy was created using recycled bronze and aluminium. The design was devised by design competition winner Noemi Karska from Loreto High School, Beaufort, who worked with Wicklow artist Fiona Coffey to create the finished trophy.



Showcase




An annual event showcasing projects from the Young Scientist hosted at Iveagh House in collaboration with Irish Aid.

The exhibition includes contributions from students on their projects, guest speakers, and the opportunity for students to discuss their projects with their peers, science educators, technical experts and development practitioners.



2023 showcase video


Student scientists from Irish schools took part in this year's Science for Development Showcase, hosted by Self Help Africa and Irish Aid.



Watch

BTYSE Brochure



Find out more about our 'Science for Development Award'.


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Past Winners


Find the full list of past winners here, along with interviews with a selection of winners about their projects, study visits to Africa, further education and careers.


I really enjoyed the first time we visited a primary school near Lilongwe. They wanted to play football and show us their games and dances.


INTERVIEW WITH BEN CONLON

We owe it to society to encourage young people with ideas because they are going to be the people driving this change.


INTERVIEW WITH RICHIE O’SHEA

The judges really do appreciate you having a well-rounded view of your research, and that will make your project stand out.


INTERVIEW WITH RUAIDHRI JORDAN

There are so many things that they could do, so try lots of them… And you can always change your mind!


INTERVIEW WITH TARA McGRATH

BT gives a great chance to get experience… through my projects I had a great opportunity to experiment on what I really wanted to pursue.


INTERVIEW WITH TIMOTHY McGRATH

Webinars


Following two years of the novel Science for Development webinars, in 2023 our Development Education team is presenting a new series.

The events will include contributions from post-primary students who exhibited at the Young Scientist, along with input from an expert in the field who will highlight connections between those projects and their work with communities in rural Africa.

Each event features student scientists presenting their research around a certain theme, and the potential application of their ideas will be explored by an expert in that field to highlight the global issues that could be tackled.

Watch Webinar Playlist