The impact of skorts on the camogie pitch, AI glasses for people with dementia and an app to translate Irish Sign Language (ISL) are among the 550 entries that have gone on display at this year's Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
The event showcases projects from secondary school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Last year, financial technology company Stripe was announced as the title sponsor of the competition, taking over from BT.
President Catherine Connolly officially opened the exhibition at a ceremony this afternoon.
The 550 projects on display were selected from 1,974 entries and span five categories: Technology, Biological and Ecological Sciences; Social and Behavioural Sciences; Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences; and Health and Wellbeing.
What's new at this year's Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition?
A judging panel of experts from science, technology, and business will select over 200 prize winners, including the overall winner, who will take home €7,500 in prize money and represent Ireland in the EU Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS).
Nearly a quarter of projects use or examine AI, covering areas such as the future of education and work, predicting crop health and the properties of dark matter.
Environment and climate-related projects make up 22% of those on display, covering climate action, biodiversity, and renewable energy.
Health also remains a key focus, with projects exploring disease detection and modelling, new treatments for cancer and diabetes, as well as mental well-being.
William Brosnan from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk, Co Cork entered 'Dementia Sheild', a pair of glasses that combines artificial intelligence and augmented reality to support people with early dementia.
"The glasses have different AI applications on them such as facial recognition, reminders and an AI assistant designed to help reduce stress for dementia patients," he said.
Dana Carney from Mount St Michael Secondary School in Co Mayo has developed an app to translate Irish Sign Language (ISL) for the emergency services.
"It's an app that uses that a machine learning model to interpret ISL into English or Irish
Alice Brosnan and Isla Conlon from Mount Anville Secondary School in Dublin investigated how the switch from skorts to shorts affects girls' confidence on the camogie pitch.
"Our survey showed that senior girls preferred shorts and juniors preferred skorts but they all wanted the choice, that was very important to everyone," they said.
Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison had to appear virtually at the opening ceremony after his flight was delayed due to heavy snow in France.
Mr Collison was planning to attend in person and organisers said he will visit the event once he has arrived in Ireland.
He is a former winner of the Young Scientist competition.
Chief Revenue Officer at Stripe Eileen O'Mara described the array of projects as "incredible".
"It’s been 21 years since our co-founders Patrick and John Collison took part, and we couldn’t be more excited to help shape this national treasure for the next generation," Ms O'Mara said.
Dr Tony Scott, co-founder of the competition said that since the beginning their mission has been to help inquisitive young people to reach their potential.
"Having a globally successful company, founded by one of our alumni, now holding the title sponsorship is the ultimate testament to the exhibition's enduring impact," Dr Scott said.
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