Donegal students were highly commended for the hard work they put into their entries into the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin this weekend.

Over twenty students from Donegal took part in the final at the RDS; which is no mean feat considering only a quarter of all projects submitted are hand-picked to attend the final.

The national competition encourages students to pursue their interests in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and awards are given out for the most innovative ideas.

Andrea McGlynn, Katie Slevin, and Ana Keon from Choláiste Cholmcille were highly commended for their project within the Biological and Ecological category which explored if mirror therapy can improve basketball skills.

Magh Ene College students Tara Dolan and Chloe Kilkenny were also highly commended for their research into parental attitudes in the North-West towards the HPV vaccine in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category.

Teacher Siobhan Uí Shearcaigh from Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair was one of four teachers in Ireland to receive the Intel Educator of Excellence award.

Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh TD was honoured to award the Irish Aid-sponsored ‘Science for Development’ prize to pupils from Limerick.

Minister McHugh said; “I was really inspired meeting students on my visit around the exhibition today. It is wonderful to see young people using their time and scientific expertise to question, explore and examine how to improve the lives of the most vulnerable.”

“I am delighted to support an award which encourages teachers and students to develop ideas to reduce poverty and promote social justice in the Global South.”