Science for Development Award at BTYSTE

Science and Global Development – What is the link?

Science and technology are some of the most important drivers of development worldwide. As Minister Cannon said on his recent visit to Tanzania at the launch of Africa Code Week, “Technology is a powerful tool for individual empowerment, for development and for economic growth”. That is why, every year at BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, the Science for Development Award is presented to the best development-related project.

What is the Science for Development Award?

The award encourages teachers and students to develop ideas, using appropriate scientific technology, which address challenges and reduce poverty at community level in the Global South. It is organised by Gorta-Self Help Africa, and sponsored by Irish Aid. The Award is open to any entrant who has been accepted in the Intermediate or Senior sections of the BT Young Scientist Exhibition and whose project addresses issues faced by people in the Global South. The winners of the award are granted a €5,000 travel bursary for a fact-finding/field testing visit to a country in Africa, accompanied by the local Gorta/Self Help Africa team. This allows the winning student(s) to test their project or invention in a developing country context and see first-hand the impact that their project could have on people’s lives.

2008 winner Tara McGrath, Presentation School, Kilkenny, demonstrates her fuel-efficient pressure stove in Ethiopia

What makes a winning project?

The winning project of the Science for Development Award should clearly address a specific issue in a Global South context and show a willingness to learn more. Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of a partnership approach to development, and demonstrate an understanding of the connections between the local (Ireland) and global context for tackling the chosen development issue. Topics that could be addressed include:

• Hunger eradication and food productionThe environment (e.g. deforestation, clean water & sanitation, soil fertility, soil erosion, pollution)
• Climate change
• Appropriate and sustainable technologies
• Health care, HIV/AIDS, TB eradication.

2016 winners Ruaidhrí Jordan and Ben Conlon: 2016 winners Ruaidhrí Jordan and Ben Conlon, Salesian College, Celbridge give a presentation to students at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural resources in Malawi

Where can I learn more?

For further information and to view past winners of the award please visit the Gorta-Self Help Africa website.

Or visit our dedicated page on the Irish Aid website.