Mary Immaculate Secondary School Shines at BT Young Scientist Competition 2025
Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna has once again demonstrated its commitment to scientific excellence at the BT Young Scientist Competition 2025, which will run from January 8th to 11th at the RDS in Dublin. With Nine students, showcasing eight projects among the winning finalists, our school alone represented almost 40% of the total entries from County Clare.
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, commonly known as the Young Scientist Exhibition, is an annual science competition for school students in Ireland. It was founded in 1965 by Rev. Dr. Tom Burke and Dr. Tony Scott. The competition has been held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Dublin every January since its inception. Over the years, it has grown significantly, attracting thousands of entries and becoming a prestigious event in the Irish educational calendar.
For the past 35 years, since 1990, Mary Immaculate Secondary School has consistently participated in this prestigious competition, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of Mr. John Sims. His dedication has been instrumental in encouraging our students to explore and excel in scientific research. This year, Mr. Sims is joined by fellow mentoring Science teachers Ms. Molly Crilly, Ms. Nicole Downes, and Mr. Cathal Finucane. Together, they are continuing to inspire a culture of curiosity and excellence within our school. Our school's efforts over the past 35 years have led to numerous awards and recognitions, making Mary Immaculate Secondary School a beacon of scientific achievement.
Participation in the BT Young Scientist Competition has had a profound impact on our students' careers. The competition fosters scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, which are invaluable in both academic and professional settings. Students gain hands-on experience in STEM fields, enhance their presentation and communication skills, and build confidence through presenting their projects to judges and the public. Additionally, the exposure to industry professionals and networking opportunities can open doors to internships, mentorships, and future career opportunities.
Congratulations to our talented students
The following 9 students from Mary Immaculate Secondary School were among the winning finalists:
- Alisha Brody and Aine Kelly - Project Title: Is there a way to improve traffic flow in the Burren?
- Category: Social & Behavioural
- Mentor Teacher: John Sims
- Michaela Kelly - Project Title: Is the teabag method a more sustainable way of water testing?
- Category: Biological & Ecological
- Mentor Teacher: Nicole Downes
- Oisin Jackson - Project Title: An investigation into the feasibility of using Ulva lactuca as a method in the removal of nitrates and phosphates from sea water.
- Category: Biological & Ecological
- Mentor Teacher: John Sims
- Beibhinn O'Loughlin - Project Title: Looking for tiny fossils hidden in the Burren limestone.
- Category: Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences
- Mentor Teacher: John Sims
- Katie O'Kane - Project Title: Fashion over Function: Do Polo Wraps cause more harm than good?
- Category: Biological & Ecological
- Mentor Teacher: John Sims
- Grace Whelan - Project Title: Are dog whelks (Nucella lapillus) selective in relation to the size of their prey (Mytelus edulis)
- Category: Biological & Ecological
- Mentor Teacher: John Sims
- Liam Hynes - Project Title: Investigating the effect of light and temperature on the bleaching of Corallina officinalis
- Category: Biological & Ecological
- Mentor Teacher: Cathal Finucane
- Grace McNamara - Project Title: Investigation into the Possible Improvement of Student and Teacher Wellbeing within the Irish Education System
- Category: Health & Wellbeing
- Mentor Teacher: Molly Crilly
This report showcases the outstanding achievements of Mary Immaculate Secondary School's students and their dedication to scientific excellence. Congratulations to all the winning finalists for their hard work and innovation!