Laois students qualify for prestigious Young Scientist Exhibition at RDS

Four Laois students have qualified for the prestigious Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition, formerly managed by BT.

Portlaoise’s Dunamase College students will travel to the RDS in Dublin, from January 7 to 10.

In a remarkable achievement, this is only the second year Dunamase College has entered the competition, yet students have already progressed to the national stage.

Pictured: Dunamase College / Coláiste Dhún Mhásc

The school have stated that they believe this reflects their ‘rapidly developing’ culture of scientific inquiry and innovation.

Three Transition Year students, Melissa Barcoe, Leo Bennett and Cian Bonnie, will present a project investigating whether the mineral content of mains and well water affects taste to such an extent that families spend between €800 and €3,000 annually on bottled water.

Their research explores the relationship between water quality, taste perception and consumer behaviour, raising important economic and environmental considerations.

Fifth-year student Angela Babikanga has also been selected for the exhibition with her project examining the mentality behind overconsumption among young people, which will be showcased and judged at the RDS this January.

Teachers Aisling McAuley and Grace Fanning praised the students for the exceptionally high standard of their work, noting that the success of these projects in only the school’s second year entering the competition is a testament to the students’ commitment, curiosity and scientific thinking.

This achievement further strengthens Dunamase College’s reputation as a school with a strong STEAM focus, building on recent successes as winners of the LOETB STEAM Competition for innovative work in Minecraft Education and Podcasting, as well as strong performances in the Laois County Council LEGO League Competition.

These initiatives, alongside strong uptake and outcomes in science subjects, highlight the school’s commitment to excellence in science and future-focused education.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and staff,” principal Dympna Kelly praised.

“To reach the national stage of the STRIPE Young Scientist Exhibition in only our second year of participation is a significant milestone for Dunamase College.

“It reflects our strong emphasis on STEAM education, critical thinking and innovation, and our belief that students learn best when they are curious, creative and challenged,” the principal told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“These successes demonstrate the quality of teaching and learning in science across the school and our commitment to excellence for every student.

“The entire Dunamase College community has expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements and wishes them every success as they prepare to represent their school on the national stage,” Ms Kelly finished.

The STRIPE Young Scientist Exhibition is a highly competitive national event celebrating innovation and scientific inquiry among secondary school students across Ireland.

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