Secondary school students from all over Kerry take science to the next level with over ninety-one projects at SciFest@IT Tralee 2018

Of the over ninety-oneprojects exhibited at SciFest@IT Tralee 2018, the top prize on the day went to Darragh Fleming, Ethan O’Neill & Colm Looney for their project, Deer Watch which won the SFI Best Project Award.

As one of the sixteen regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@IT Traleesaw more than two hundred students from schools from the county exhibit projects at the Institute on Tuesday May 9thand put their knowledge of science to the test.

Brid Mc Elligott, Vice President for Research, Development and External Engagement at IT Tralee commenting on the event said: “Congratulations goes to all of this year’s entrants to SciFest@IT Tralee. The projects submitted were engaging and thought-provoking with clear evidence demonstrated by students of their passion and interest for science, technology, engineering and maths. SciFest is a competition that aims to encourage students to develop an interest in STEM, while prioritising inclusivity and inquiry-based learning. We are proud to support such a valuable programme which is now in its 11^th year nationally.” 

SciFest is funded primarily by Science Foundation Ireland, Boston Scientific, Intel and Abbott. In total twelve awards were given on the day to students representing Killarney Community College, Mercy Mounthawk, Tralee and Coláiste Bhréanainn, Killarney.

Sheila Porter, SciFest CEO, who was also in attendance on the day stated: “2018 was another hugely successful year for SciFest with a record number of students taking part. SciFest gives students an excellent opportunity to develop their interest in STEM and inquiry-based approaches to learning, while developing their creative and problem-solving skills and learning to work in a team. My thanks to all of the students and their teachers who have embraced SciFest over the years and we look forward to the continued growth and development of this initiative”.

SciFest 2018 will be the fourth year of the prestigious Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award, which is presented at each of the sixteen regional science fairs. The Kerry recipients of this award, representing Mercy Mounthawk Tralee, were Jessica Murphy, Diana Meriakri and Isabelle Lynch.