ATU welcomed 169 participants to SciFest in Donegal

Students from post-primary schools across the North-West region elevated science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) learnings to new heights during the 2024 SciFest Regional STEM fair held recently at the ATU Donegal, Letterkenny campus. 

Samaire Fern, of Ms. Donna Furey’s class in Abbey Vocational School, Donegal Town, was awarded the SciFest Best Project Winner with a project titled, “An investigation into the effects of videogames and team sports on the understanding of concepts of game theory and problem-solving in students”. 

Best Project Runner up was won by Ethan Dewhirst, of Mrs Ruth McPolins’s class in St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties with a project titled, “A comparative study into the physicochemical characteristics and health-promoting properties of Donegal Heather honey vs Manuka Honey”.

ABOVE: L-R: George Porter, Chief Financial Officer, SciFest presents Ethan Dewhirst, student of St. Columba’s Comprehensive School, Glenties with "Runner-Up Best Project Award

Thomas Dowling, Head of Faculty of Engineering and Technology at ATU Donegal said: “The Faculty of Engineering and Technology was delighted to host SciFest @ ATU Donegal. This year 169 students took part from schools all across the region. The projects presented were truly inspiring, with several demonstrating remarkable innovation and originality, leaving our judges utterly impressed. We wish Samaire the best of luck in the National Final in November!”

SciFest, founded in 2006 is a true celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) education. Spanning all of Ireland it has grown in the 18 years to become Ireland’s largest second-level STEM fair programme. SciFest fairs provide a platform for students to showcase their projects, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow enthusiasts and experts alike. Participation is an exciting opportunity for them to explore, innovate, and share their passion for STEM subjects.

SciFest operates throughout the school year and, being locally and regionally based and free-to-enter, is highly inclusive and accessible. Winners from each regional STEM fair go on to compete at a national final in November. Winners from the national final compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in America and attend the Long Night of Science in Berlin. The SciFest programme is funded primarily by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific and EirGrid.

For further information on this event, contact the ATU Donegal, Head of Faculty of Engineering and Technology; thomas.dowling@atu.ie or visit www.scifest.ie

This was one of three events held across ATU's campuses in Galway, Sligo and Donegal.