BTYSTE encourages innovation outside the classroom with Google’s support
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) was founded back in 1965 by two university physicists after they attended a science fair in America. In its inaugural year, the event had 230 entries. Now in its 53rd year, this number has increased to 2,048. The ethos of the exhibition, which remains true to this day, is to bring science and learning outside the four walls of the classroom. The BTYSTE provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students whose projects are shortlisted. As well as the possibility of winning and representing Ireland on an international stage, it is an opportunity to develop their creative skills in a different environment. Emer Hickey, winner of the BTYSTE explains, “To me, the BT Young Scientist is so much more than just a competition. It gave me a unique opportunity to experience research projects – how to communicate findings and most importantly, how to think independently and ‘outside the box’ while developing my ideas.” Google has been a partner of the exhibition since 2009 and provides funding for prizes to students whose projects demonstrate the greatest innovation and creativity in their use of Internet and computing technology. Google also provides judging expertise to the BTYSTE and helps to coach and mentor the prize winners.
To me, the BT Young Scientist is so much more than just a competition. It gave me a unique opportunity to experience research projects – how to communicate findings and most importantly, how to think independently and ‘outside the box’ while developing my ideas.