Offaly student scoops top award at SciFest TUS Athlone
Professor Vincent Cunnane TUS President, Gosia Poplawska of Regeneron, Lillian Murray, Tullamore College, and Sheila Porter, SciFest TUS Athlone Campus. Photo by Nathan Cafolla
An Offaly student has won a top prize at the SciFest at TUS Athlone, one of Ireland’s largest regional science fairs for second-level students, held this week at the Technology University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone Campus.
The prestigious ‘Regeneron Life Sciences Award’ went to Lillian Murray of Tullamore College in Offaly. This award is presented to the project that best demonstrates a passion for using science for good, an exceptional understanding of life sciences concepts, perseverance and flexibility.
Lillian, who was mentored by teacher Elaine Howlin, looked at the addition of salicylic acid to grass plants as a method to prevent them from rotting in waterlogged soil.
The Tullamore College student, whose school scooped an impressive six awards in total, also took home the silver in the Senior Life Sciences – Individual category, narrowly losing out in the category to overall SciFest at TUS Athlone winner Michaela Gillooly of Glenamaddy Community School, Galway.
Congratulating Lillian and the other winners on their success, SciFest co-ordinator Dr Noreen Morris said, “Every year, I am continually impressed by the remarkable standard of research displayed in the entries, and this year is certainly no exception. The quality of research conducted by second-level students at SciFest at TUS Athlone truly showcases their unwavering passion for STEM.
“It fills us with immense pride to participate in SciFest, an event that not only encourages students to delve deeper into STEM subjects but also fosters inclusivity and collaboration. As we celebrate the 18th anniversary of hosting SciFest TUS Athlone, we reflect on the profound impact it has had in nurturing young minds and igniting their curiosity for scientific inquiry,” added Ms Morris.
Sheila Porter, SciFest founder and CEO, added, “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 20pc, 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."
A total of 380 students competed in this year’s SciFest at TUS Athlone, showcasing their passion for and knowledge of science, engineering, technology, and maths. More than 200 projects were on display, covering an array of scientific topics, including neuroplasticity, climate change, and sustainable packaging.
