Young Filmmakers Shine at Ireland’s 13th ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards

Young filmmakers from across Ireland showcased their creativity and scientific understanding during the 13th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards held at the University of Galway. Celebrated as part of Science Week 2025, the event recognized more than 200 short science videos produced by 1,800 young science enthusiasts representing 86 schools and youth groups throughout the island.

The winning films were evaluated by a distinguished panel of judges, including science communicators such as Mark Langtry, also known as The Science Guy, and representatives from University College Dublin, along with the winners of the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, Ciara, Saoirse, and Laoise Murphy, from Presentation Secondary School in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Primary School Winners

In the primary category, the first prize of €1,000 was awarded to Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co Galway. A team of 23 sixth class students, guided by their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, created the animated video titled ‘An Fharraige Dhomhain,’ which delves into the mysteries of the deep sea.

The runners-up included sixth class students from Sooey National School in Sligo. Under the direction of Thomas Egan, they produced a humorous video entitled ‘Small or Far Away?’ explaining the workings of the eye. Third place was claimed by fifth class students from Killorglin National School in Kerry, who created a science music video titled ‘Why do Cats Always Land on their Feet?’ led by teacher Tommy Buckley.

Additionally, Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co Roscommon, secured fourth place with their project ‘Machine Made Possible’ focusing on levers and pulleys, guided by teacher Clíodhna O’Donnell.

Post-primary and Youth Organisation Winners

In the post-primary category, the first prize was awarded to seven students from Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Óirr, Co na Gaillimhe. Their video ‘Céard is cúis le ailléirgí?’ explained the causes of allergies in Irish and earned them €1,000 under the mentorship of science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin.

The second prize went to sixth year students Shaun Irimpan and Gabriel McCrystal from Coláiste Na Mí in Navan, Co. Meath, for their critical exploration of artificial intelligence in the video ‘What Happens When Everyone Uses AI?’ Transition year students from Alexandra College in Dublin secured third place with their informative video ‘Everything we need to know about Dopamine.’

Fourth place was awarded to students from Tullow Community School in Carlow for their engaging science music video ‘Why do we Hiccup?’.

The youth organisation category saw a group of 12 young individuals from Athlone, Co Westmeath, win the first prize for their video ‘Why is the Sky Blue?’ The project emerged from workshops facilitated by Midlands Science and Foróige, supported by the Rethink Ireland TikTok Digital Future Fund.

Runners-up in this category included Brogan O’Donnell from the Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, who created an underwater exploration video titled ‘The Science of Swimming.’

Other notable entries included a science experiments video from Eddie Sweeney and Brooklyn Conroy of Ballybane Foróige in Galway, and a project from six young people from the Ballyphehane and Greenmount Foróige group in Cork that examined ‘The Science of Coke and Mentos.’

Special awards were also presented in various categories, including the Agricultural Science Award to Carrigallen National School, and the Best Animation Award to Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca in Mayo.

All winning videos are available for viewing on the ReelLIFE SCIENCE YouTube channel.

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme, established in 2013 by Dr. Enda O’Connell and a team from the University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, aims to engage young individuals in science and technology while enhancing their communication and digital skills. Since its inception, over 30,000 young people have participated, supported by educators in 825 schools and youth groups.

“Every year, we’re amazed by the imagination, creativity, and curiosity shown by young people across Ireland,” stated Dr. O’Connell. “Through ReelLIFE SCIENCE, they bring science to life in ways that are funny, thought-provoking, and inspiring, making it accessible to everyone.”

The programme continues to receive backing from the Research Ireland Discover Programme, the CÚRAM – the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, and the Cell EXPLORERS programme.