A record number of students have submitted entries for this year's Esat BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition which began at the RDS in Dublin today.
More than 1,000 students have entered the competition - 22% more than last year.
Over the next two days, 480 projects will be displayed by students from all over Ireland.
It is the 41st year of the competition, which is the most high-profile public awareness science event in the country.
This year's entries include studies on nail biting, the hazards of microwave cooking and a look at the injuries associated with playing musical instruments.
The exhibition opens to the public on Thursday.
On Friday, the judges will decide who this year's winners are, and which entrant gets the coveted title of Young Scientist of the Year 2005.
