Thrilling line up of Science, Technology and Inspiration unveiled for the first ever virtual BTYSTE

BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has today unveiled the line-up for the first-ever online version of the exhibition giving free access to guests, from around the world, to the very best of science and technology in a virtual setting.

The public will be able to access students whose projects aim to explore diverse topics ranging from COVID-19, the prevalence of social media and technology in our daily lives, ethnicity, gender studies, domestic abuse, sexual assault, sports science, and socio-economic challenges. Free registration is open at https://portal.btyoungscientist.com/

The virtual exhibition will showcase 550 qualified projects from over 1,300 entries, representing all corners of the island of Ireland from Wednesday 6th January to Friday 8th January from 9 am to 5.30 pm. The virtual opening ceremony will start at 1 pm on Wednesday 6th January, and the awards ceremony will be held at 1 pm on Friday 8th January.

This year, BT has waived fees for the public to access the unique exhibition portal for the 2021 exhibition, where they can view the 550 projects, enjoy STEM-focused shows and talks, visit exhibitor stands, and watch the opening and awards ceremonies live, for free on the BTYSTE website and on Facebook live.

During the three-day exhibition, guests will learn about the students’ projects, hear from some very special guests, and watch live entertainment acts including the Science of Sport, How to Become an Astronaut, ‘Our Amazing Universe: A journey of discovery’ and teachers will have access to a myriad of workshops at the dedicated Teachers’ Area.

Also featuring at the exhibition will be break out star Danielle Wilcox, winner of the first ever BTYSTE ‘Irish Scientists Have Talent’ competition held by BTYSTE earlier this year. Danielle, a telescope operator, and resident astronomer at the Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork, will showcase the different types of telescopes used at Blackrock Castle including “Big Bertha” a large telescope used for imaging supermassive black holes.

Speaking today Mari Cahalane, Head of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said: “After months of hard work and commitment to ensuring the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition could happen in 2021 we are delighted to reveal the first look at our exciting line up which will be housed on our amazing portal.

The virtual exhibition will be free to guests from all around the world, allowing attendees of all ages to immerse themselves in the inspiring work of our students and hear from an array of exciting guest speakers – all from the comfort of their home or classroom, wherever in the world that may be!”.

This is a new experience for all involved and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to it when the exhibition begins in a little over three weeks’ time.”

BT will host a number of fringe events in 2021, including the Connecting Women in Technology TechStarter event, to encourage more young people to pursue an education and career in technology, and Nextipedia, for businesses audiences will feature Aron Ralston, whose harrowing experience trapped in a southeast Utah canyon was made into the 2010 movie “127 Hours, a true-life story of innovating during a crisis.

BT and the Young Scientist charitable trust is delighted to have many organisations supporting this 2021 exhibition, including the Department of Education & Skills, Analog Devices, Cisco, Perrigo, and RTE.