Young Scientists Showcase Innovation at Technology Exhibition

Students from across Ireland are showcasing their innovative projects at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, held in January 2023. Among the entries, a notable project by Ailbhe de Blácam and her classmates from Coláiste Naomh Eoin on Inis Meain highlights the sustainability of clothing made from natural fibres compared to fast fashion.

Ailbhe presented an Aran jumper that her uncle wore on his First Communion day, emphasizing its durability. “It’s almost perfect,” Ailbhe noted, pointing out how the jumper has maintained its shape and colour over 35 years of wear. In contrast, she critiqued modern fast fashion items, stating, “That’ll barely last a year – and in 35 years, it could still be in a landfill, not decomposing because it’s made of plastic fibres.”

The project revealed that the Aran jumper, alongside a pair of 50-year-old woollen trousers, scored significantly higher in sustainability tests than their synthetic counterparts. Ailbhe, Laylabelle Ní Chléirigh, and Michelle Ní Fhátharta, all connected to the local knitting company, discovered that investing in quality, natural fibre items could be economically beneficial. “Even financially, you’re better off buying a few good items of wool or natural fibres,” Laylabelle said, reflecting on their findings.

Exploring Environmental Issues Through Innovation

The exhibition features 550 finalist entries, with a strong focus on topical issues. Students are tackling various subjects, including the competitive advantages of different clothing styles, the psychological effects of water quality, and the potential of AI-powered early flood-warning systems.

Emma Harmon, along with classmates Keelynn Keogh and Aimee O’Reilly from Scoil Chonglais in Co Wicklow, took inspiration from everyday waste. They observed that while compostable items like apple cores decompose, the plastic labels attached to them do not. In response, they developed biodegradable stickers using cornflour, glycerol, vinegar, and water, combined with a glue made from porridge and biodegradable ink.

Additionally, they replaced nylon string bags traditionally used for fruits and vegetables with alternatives made from nettle fibres. “The EU is banning single-use plastics in packaging on fruit and vegetables in 2030, so there’s only four years to find alternatives. Well, we have them here,” Aimee stated confidently.

Student Innovations in Science and Technology

Other students, like Jarlath Wruck from Meán Scoil Nua an Leith-Triuigh in Co Kerry, are pushing boundaries further. After constructing his own radio telescope last year, Jarlath is now using AI to profile dark matter halos from galaxy rotation curves, which he describes as “mapping the invisible.” He explained that his research aims to identify the forces shaping galaxies, satisfying humanity’s innate curiosity about the universe.

“There’s a psychological element to it,” he elaborated. “Humankind always wants to know how the Earth was formed and how the universe works. Hopefully, I can help accelerate understanding and feed that hunger for knowledge.”

As the exhibition continues, the projects on display reflect a commitment to addressing environmental challenges and advancing scientific understanding. The creativity and dedication shown by these young scientists underscore the potential for innovation in tackling pressing global issues.