Students from post-primary schools across the North-West region elevated science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) learnings to new heights during the 2024 SciFest Regional STEM fair held at the ATU Donegal, Letterkenny campus recently.
Samaire Fern, of Ms. Donna Furey’s class in Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, was awarded the SciFest Best Project Winner with a project titled, “An investigation into the effects of videogames and team sports on the understanding of concepts of game theory and problem-solving in students”.
(Pictured above is Ms. Caoimhe Page, Abbey Vocational School along with Samaire Fern, student of Abbey Vocational School, who received the “Best Project Award”, presented by George Porter, Chief Financial Officer, SciFest)
The Best Project Runner up was won by Ethan Dewhirst, of Mrs Ruth McPolins’s class in St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties with a project titled, “A comparative study into the physicochemical characteristics and health-promoting properties of Donegal Heather honey vs Manuka Honey”.
Thomas Dowling, Head of Faculty of Engineering and Technology at ATU Donegal said the Faculty of Engineering and Technology was delighted to host SciFest at ATU Donegal.
He said “This year 169 students took part from schools all across the region. The projects presented were truly inspiring, with several demonstrating remarkable innovation and originality, leaving our judges utterly impressed. We wish Samaire the best of luck in the National Final in November!”
L-R: George Porter, Chief Financial Officer, SciFest presents Ethan Dewhirst, student of St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties with “Runner-Up Best Project Award”
SciFest, founded in 2006 is a true celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education. Spanning all of Ireland it has grown in the 18 years to become Ireland’s largest second-level STEM fair programme.
SciFest fairs provide a platform for students to showcase their projects, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow enthusiasts and experts alike. Participation is an exciting opportunity for them to explore, innovate, and share their passion for STEM subjects.
SciFest operates throughout the school year and, being locally and regionally based and free-to-enter, is highly inclusive and accessible.
Winners from each regional STEM fair go on to compete at a national final in November. Winners from the national final compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in America and attend the Long Night of Science in Berlin. The SciFest programme is funded primarily by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific and EirGrid.
Commenting on the SciFest@ ATU Donegal regional STEM fair Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO said: “SciFest is more than just an event: it is a platform where students not only showcase their STEM projects but also embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through hands-on exploration, engaging discussions, and connections with mentors, role models and peers, SciFest inspires a generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
“With over 12,000 students participating annually and experiencing a remarkable growth rate of around 20%, SciFest is paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for all. The increasing participation is thanks to the dedication of teachers, mentors, parents, coordinators in the third level colleges and our partners and sponsors, who continue to support us in inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers. We deeply appreciate their commitment.”
This was one of three events held across ATU’s campuses in Galway, Sligo and Donegal. For further information on this event, contact the ATU Donegal, Head of Faculty of Engineering and Technology; thomas.dowling@atu.ie or visit www.scifest.ie
