St Mary’s pupils to probe COVID-19 issues at BT Young Scientist finals

BT Ireland has revealed that the students working on the four investigations will be among 550 finalists who will represent their schools and communities from across the island of Ireland at the first-ever virtual BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in January 2021.

Selected from over 1,300 entries, the finalists represent 213 schools across 29 counties and will showcase their projects on the BTYSTE virtual platform to a national - and increasingly international - audience.

St Mary’s College is the only school in the city and one of only two in County Derry to be selected, the other being Coleraine Grammar, which has one project in the final.

The four St Mary’s girls’ projects involve Investigating the Effectiveness of Face Masks; Investigating if there’s a link between lack of Vitamin D and the severity of COVID-19 among Black and Ethnic Minorities; A comparative investigation of the efficacy of proprietary and home made hand sanitisers; and Investigating the amount of plastic in face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser bottles used for protection against COVID-19.

BTYSTE said the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a driving force behind a large number of entries this year across all four project categories - Social & Behavioural Science; Technology; Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences; and Biological & Ecological Sciences.

St Mary’s has three projects in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category and the fourth in the Biological & Ecological Sciences category.

Students that enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition explore and analyse both national and global social issues which are important to them. The organisers said this year many projects touch on direct provision, gender studies, race, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and socioeconomic challenges. The ongoing prevalence of social media and technology in everyday lives also features strongly in this year’s project trends alongside a growing trend of safety, personal safety and the safety of others. Qualified projects also demonstrate a continued interest in the science behind sports with projects investigating protective sportswear as well as the effects of nutrition on performance.

Over the coming weeks, students will focus on preparing to exhibit their projects and meet the judges at the 57th annual Exhibition.

Mari Cahalane, Head of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said: “For the first time in its history, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be turned into a virtual exhibition. We are excited to unveil the new interactive BTYSTE platform in January which will also bring the exhibition to new audiences, far and wide. We are looking forward to showcasing the amazing projects from some of the brightest young minds in the country.

“We have a full schedule of events suitable for all ages to look forward to, including special acts, the Primary Science Fair, and business events, all taking place alongside the showcase of student projects.”

The Republic’s Minister for Education, Norma Foley said, “The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is the highlight of the school calendar every year. It gives our students a unique opportunity to explore and investigate their own interests in STEM subjects, and this year is no exception.

“The projects this year demonstrate the great ambition of our students who continue to push boundaries by exploring solutions to the issues of the day such as the global pandemic, climate change, mental health and many others.

“I wish to congratulate every student who worked so hard to prepare and present their projects,all of the teachers who supported them, and parents who have also provided huge support. I wish all of the students the very best and hope that you all enjoy the exhibition in January.”

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be delivered across a virtual platform from January 6 – 8, 2021. For participants, the Exhibition offers a chance to win one of the most coveted awards with a substantial prize fund and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy, as well as over 200 prizes for individuals, groups, and teachers.

For more information, visit www.btyoungscientist.com, or follow @BTYSTE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube or Snapchat (username: BTYSTE).