The annual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition begins later this week in Dublin, the largest exhibition yet held, with 500 student research projects on display at the Royal Dublin Society. Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor, reports.
Now in its 43rd year, the event is one of the longest-running science fairs in the world and one of the biggest in Europe. The 500 projects were selected from an entry of 1,273 projects, representing the work of more than 2,500 students from across the State.
Participation is open to students aged from 12 to 18 years and the projects are submitted within four categories: physics, chemistry and maths; the biological and ecological sciences; social and behavioural sciences; and technology.
The students spend months, and in some cases years, putting together research projects in these four categories. The goal is to claim the title as the 2007 Young Scientist of the Year and with it a cheque for €5,000 and a chance to participate in the EU's young scientist competition, taking place this year in Valencia, Spain.
The work involves a high level of discipline as the students apply rigorous scientific methods, but also exceptional creativity. Their efforts show just how creative one must be to conduct research.
A good example is seen in the development of an "electromagnetic glove" by Gort Community School students Robin Flake, Michael Sell and Fionn Croke.
They developed a heat-resistant glove fitted with electromagnets and connected to a rechargeable battery pack. A simple flick of a switch allows the wearer to grasp and hold metal objects with ease.
The gloves would be useful in the construction industry, car manufacture, precision work and other sectors, they believe, but would also improve the lives of disabled people and those with Parkinson's disease.
Aoife McKeon, Aoife Doyle and Bronagh McCue, of St Joseph's College, Lucan, were also thinking creatively when they decided to measure acrylamide levels in school canteen cookies, chips and sausage rolls.
Acrylamide is a carcinogen that forms when foods are browned in the oven or when fried, particularly at temperatures above 140 degrees.
The students decided to conduct a series of experiments on foods from their own canteen, measuring protein and sugar levels and attempting to gauge the acrylamide risk in the food items.
The exhibition is about research but also about fun, and the event includes a wide range of activities for all ages. The World of Robots stand will be back, with "robots of destruction" battling it out, including the current champion, Behemoth.
New attractions include a show by the Creature Feature Gorillas to highlight the plight of the highly endangered African mountain gorillas.
Also new is a show entitled the Physics of Break Dancing.
Another event that will attract attention is Bogglevision, a three-dimensional interactive presentation that allows the viewer to watch as an e-mail is routed from sender to recipient.
Naturally Wild is also back, with bush tucker trials that challenge students to gobble up bugs and worms in a competition that pits guys against girls and school against school.
The opening and closing ceremonies will be hosted by radio presenter Ray Darcy and former Rose of Tralee Aoibheann Ní Shuilleabháin.