Young Filmmakers Shine at ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards 2025

The 13th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards celebrated the creativity and scientific curiosity of young filmmakers across Ireland. Held at the University of Galway on March 10, 2025, this event was part of Science Week 2025 and the 27th Galway Science and Technology Festival. Over 200 short science films were submitted by approximately 1,800 young science enthusiasts from 86 schools and youth groups throughout the island.

A panel of esteemed judges, including science communicator Mark Langtry, Amy Hassett from University College Dublin, and Ciara, Saoirse, and Laoise Murphy, winners of the 2025 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, evaluated the submissions. Their task was to identify outstanding works that effectively communicated scientific concepts.

Primary School Winners Recognized

The top prize in the primary school category went to Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co Galway, where 23 sixth-class students and their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin created the animated video titled ‘An Fharraige Dhomhain’, exploring the mysteries of the deep sea. Their exceptional work earned them a prize of €1,000.

Runners-up included the sixth-class students from Sooey National School in Sligo, whose humorous video ‘Small or Far Away?’ explained the workings of the eye, inspired by an episode of Fr. Ted. The third prize went to fifth-class students from Killorglin National School in Kerry for their science music video ‘Why do Cats Always Land on their Feet’.

Other notable entries included Abbey Primary School in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, which placed fourth for their video ‘Machine Made Possible’, exploring levers and pulleys.

Post-Primary School Achievements

In the post-primary category, Coláiste Ghobnait on Inis Óirr secured the first prize with their video ‘Céard is cúis le ailléirgí?’, which examined the causes of allergies. This group of seven first and second-year students, mentored by science teacher Rebecca Ní Chríocháin, also received €1,000 for their efforts.

The second-place award went to sixth-year students Shaun Irimpan and Gabriel McCrystal from Coláiste Na Mí in Navan, Co. Meath, who highlighted the drawbacks of artificial intelligence in their video ‘What Happens When Everyone Uses AI?’. Transition Year students from Alexandra College in Dublin took 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 organization category saw a group of twelve young people from Athlone, Co Westmeath, win the first prize for their video ‘Why is the Sky Blue’. This project was part of the My Life Online workshops, facilitated by Midlands Science and Foróige.

Runners-up in this category included Brogan O’Donnell from Trident Swim Club in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim, who explored ‘The Science of Swimming’. Third place went to Eddie Sweeney and Brooklyn Conroy from Ballybane Foróige for their science experiments video ‘My Life as… a Scientist’.

Special Awards and Future Impact

Several special category awards were also presented. Carrigallen National School in Leitrim received the Agricultural Science Award, while Bunclody Community College in Wexford won the Best Acting Award. Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca in Mayo was recognized for Best Animation, and Royal School Cavan earned the How Things Work Award.

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE initiative, launched in 2013 by Dr. Enda O’Connell and a dedicated team from University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, has encouraged over 30,000 young people to engage with science and technology through the medium of film, supported by teachers and youth leaders in 825 schools and groups.

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

All winning videos from the awards can be viewed on the ReelLIFE SCIENCE YouTube channel. This programme continues to foster a passion for science among young filmmakers, ensuring that educational content reaches a broader audience.