The EUCYS judging panel singled out former Abbey School, Co. Tipperary students Shane O'Connor and Liam Carew for their BTYSTE-winning initiative.

The project's title is "Assessing the Impact of Second-Level Education on Key Aspects of Adolescents' Life and Development."

In order to learn more about how their education experiences affected their social, physical, and emotional well-being, Shane and Liam conducted a poll of 2,000 12–19-year-old students across Ireland.

They fought against approximately 130 young scientists, ranging in age from 14 to 20, from 36 nations, including the USA, Canada, South Korea, and EU member states.

"It was an honour to represent Ireland in Brussels and share our work with the international STEM community," Shane said.

"With the level of competition so high, we cannot believe our work has been recognised as one of Europe’s best today," he added.

Liam Carew said it was fantastic to end EUCYS on such a high.

"We are heading straight into our first year at University College Cork on Monday, and we can safely say that the skills we have developed at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and here at EUCYS have been crucial in preparing us for university life," he said.

The 60th BTYSTE, which will be held in Dublin from January 10 to 13, is currently accepting applications.

Students between the ages of 12 and 19 are encouraged to submit creative project entries.


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A passionate Irish journalist with a love for cycling, politics and of course Portugal especially their sausage rolls.

Rory Mc Ginn