Three students from Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair have secured their place in the SciFest National Finals in Dublin, following their impressive scientific research on renewable energy.
Fourth year students, Kerry Magner, Muireann Haicéid and Áine Ní Fhearraigh impressed judges with their project focused on demonstrating how much electricity can a simple waterwheel generate and if it would be enough to power lights.
The project has already secured the students the prestigious EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award following the regional finals in ATU Donegal earlier this year.
They will now compete against sixty other students from thirty-one schools nationwide in the national finals for a chance to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
Now in its 19th year, the SciFest programme is open to second-level students, with the aim of promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) education and providing a platform for students to present and display their scientific projects.
EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, partnered with SciFest to develop the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award which celebrates second level students who research and design projects to address challenges posed by climate or energy focused issues.
Wishing the students the best of luck for the national finals Claire Wallace, Interim Head of Strategy and Sustainability with EirGrid, said, “As future leaders and innovators, students bring fresh ideas and drive to create change for a more sustainable future. The future of energy production will rely heavily on innovative approaches to renewable sources, and it is students like this who are driving that change.
“I wish the very best of luck to Kerry, Muireann and Áine at the finals. Through our partnership with SciFest, EirGrid is proud to support the promotion of STEM subjects and encourage young people to let their voices be heard.”
The SciFest National Final 2024 will take place on Friday 29 November at the Marino Conference Centre on Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.
