Three Kerry Sisters Win Top Prize at BT Young Scientist 2025 with Groundbreaking Emergency App
In a historic moment for the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), three sisters from Co Kerry have taken home the overall prize for their innovative emergency response app. Ciara (17), Saoirse (15), and Laoise (12) Murphy, students at Presentation Secondary School in Tralee, were awarded the top honor at the 61st edition of the competition, held at the RDS in Dublin. Their project, ACT (Aid, Care, Treat), is a smartphone app designed to revolutionize how health services respond to emergencies.The sisters were presented with their €7,500 prize by Minister for Education norma Foley during a ceremony on Friday evening.Their app, which integrates personal and medical details with precise geolocation coordinates, aims to provide swift and effective aid during critical situations. “It maximises available information to emergency services,” explained Ciara, the eldest of the trio.This win marks the first time three siblings have claimed the top prize in the competition’s history. Ciara and Saoirse had previously won the group runner-up prize in 2024, but with Laoise joining the team this year, thay achieved the ultimate accolade.
A Game-Changer for Emergency Response
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The ACT app is designed to improve outcomes in emergencies by leveraging a repository of advice and assessment tools. As an example, if someone collapses, the app can guide users through immediate steps while simultaneously alerting emergency services with critical information. Over the past year, the sisters have developed a fully functional app that is compatible with existing communication systems.
“It has been successfully tested, and we have expanded our stakeholder collaborators,” Ciara shared. These collaborators include An Garda Síochána, the Department of Health, the HSE, and the National Ambulance Service. The sisters have even presented the app’s benefits to Oireachtas members in the Dáil, hoping it will be adopted by the National Emergency Operations Center and rolled out nationwide.
A Family affair
The addition of Laoise to the team proved pivotal. “Having a third sister join the team has helped spread the workload,” Saoirse noted. “We played to our strengths.” The result is an app that is “way more user-pleasant and simpler to use,” especially for individuals of any age in high-stress situations.
When asked how they collaborate on the project, Laoise simply replied, “Amazingly.”
Recognition and Future Opportunities
the Murphy sisters’ achievement has earned them a spot at the EU Contest for Young Scientists in September and an invitation to the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, in July. Their success is a testament to their dedication and innovative thinking.Prof Joe Barry, chair of the health and wellbeing group judges, praised the project, stating, “The use of this technology has the potential to save lives and reduce recovery times. This project, with the support of the emergency services, has the potential to make a real difference in helping citizens in an emergency situation.”
Key Highlights of the ACT App
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Personal Details | Provides emergency services with critical personal information. |
| Medical Information | Shares medical history and conditions for better-informed responses. |
| Geolocation | Offers precise coordinates to ensure rapid response. |
| User-Friendly Design | Simplifies use for individuals of all ages, even in high-stress situations. |
| Stakeholder Collaboration | Supported by An Garda Síochána, HSE, and National Ambulance service.|
The Murphy sisters’ ACT app is more than just a technological innovation—it’s a lifeline for communities. As they prepare to represent Ireland on the global stage, their project stands as a shining example of how young minds can create solutions with far-reaching impacts.
For more inspiring stories from the BT Young Scientist & Technology exhibition, explore how students are drawing from personal experiences to drive innovation.
Young Scientists Shine with Innovative projects at BTYSTE
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) has once again proven to be a breeding ground for innovation, as young minds from across Ireland showcased groundbreaking projects aimed at tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges. From carbon capture to sustainable farming and eco-friendly construction, this year’s winners demonstrated creativity, scientific rigor, and a commitment to a greener future.
Tomás Markey: Revolutionizing Carbon Capture
tomás Markey, an 18-year-old 6th-year student at St Brogan’s College in Bandon, Co Cork, took home the Best Individual prize for his ingenious carbon capture device. dubbed the “PM-DAC” system, this small modular unit can remove nearly a tonne of CO2 annually—more affordably than existing alternatives.
“I spent this year developing the prototype,” Markey explained. His device is designed for both domestic use and scalability, allowing multiple units to be combined for industrial applications. This innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions,a critical step in combating climate change.
Luke Blackwell: Pioneering Regenerative Farming
Meanwhile, 16-year-old Luke Blackwell from CBS Thurles in Co tipperary earned the Individual Runner-Up Prize for his work on regenerative farming. Blackwell’s project focuses on adapting the wild plant comfrey as a natural fertilizer.
“Organic fertiliser can get a bad press,” blackwell noted, “but using comfrey does not reduce yield, is low cost, and better for the environment.” His research revealed a 10.6% reduction in CO2 emissions when using comfrey, alongside improved soil health and reduced nitrate runoff into water systems.
Aoife Fadian and Jessica O’Connor: Reinventing Concrete with Wool
the Runner-Up Group Prize went to Aoife Fadian and Jessica O’Connor from Ursuline College in Sligo for their project, Sheep Strength. The duo explored using wool to reinforce concrete, offering a sustainable choice to customary materials.
Their innovative approach not only repurposes wool—a readily available resource in Ireland—but also reduces the environmental impact of construction. The project highlights the potential for integrating natural materials into modern engineering practices.
Key Takeaways from BTYSTE 2024
| Project | Innovator(s) | Key achievement |
|—————————|——————————–|————————————————————————————-|
| PM-DAC Carbon Capture | Tomás Markey | Removes nearly 1 tonne of CO2 annually; affordable and scalable. |
| Comfrey Fertilizer | Luke Blackwell | Reduces CO2 by 10.6%; improves soil health and reduces nitrate runoff. |
| Sheep Strength | Aoife Fadian & Jessica O’Connor| Uses wool to reinforce concrete, offering a sustainable construction alternative. |
A Bright Future for Irish Innovation
The projects showcased at BTYSTE 2024 underscore the importance of nurturing young talent in science and technology.These innovations not only address immediate environmental challenges but also pave the way for a more sustainable future.
As Ireland continues to invest in STEM education, events like BTYSTE serve as a reminder of the transformative power of curiosity and creativity. For more inspiring stories from the world of science, check out The Irish Times’ coverage of young scientists.What do you think about these groundbreaking projects? Share yoru thoughts and join the conversation on how young innovators are shaping the future!Transition year students Aoife Fadian (15) and Jessica O’Connor (16) from Ursuline College Sligo have made waves at the BT Young scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) with their innovative project,Sheep Strength,which explores the use of sheep wool to reinforce concrete. The duo secured the runner-up group prize, showcasing their groundbreaking work that could revolutionize sustainable construction practices.
The idea for Sheep Strength was born from a conversation Aoife had with her father, a sheep farmer, about finding sustainable uses for the wool stored in their shed. “We were shocked by the results, in terms of all-round performance. It’s cheaper to make compared to adding polypropylene, which is high carbon,” Jessica explained. The students collaborated with a lab at ATU Sligo to blend the wool and test its strength, achieving remarkable results that highlight its potential as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials.
Aoife emphasized the broader impact of their project, stating, “My father is pleased. It gets rid of a lot of his wool. It creates a new market for farmers.” Their work not only addresses sustainability but also opens up new economic opportunities for the agricultural sector.
The BTYSTE, held at the RDS, celebrated a range of innovative projects across diverse fields, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, mental health, and agriculture. Shay Walsh, managing director of BT Ireland, praised the participants, saying, “It has been an unbelievable week. These students have showcased truly innovative project ideas and done themselves, their teachers, schools, and families proud.” He added, “What has been most uplifting is seeing how Stem [science, technology, energy, and maths] subjects can be used for the betterment of society and the world around us.”
Minister Foley, a former teacher at Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, also commended the participants, particularly the Murphy sisters, who won the top prize. “This win is testament to their creativity, dedication, and hard work and the tremendous support of their family, teachers, and school,” she said.
The exhibition continues on Saturday, with tickets available through the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition website or at the RDS.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|——————–|————-|
| Project Name | Sheep Strength |
| Students | Aoife Fadian (15) and Jessica O’Connor (16) |
| School | Ursuline College Sligo |
| Prize | runner-up group prize |
| Innovation | Using sheep wool to reinforce concrete |
| Impact | Sustainable, cost-effective, and creates new market for farmers |
The success of Sheep Strength underscores the potential of young minds to drive meaningful change through creativity and innovation. Don’t miss the chance to explore more groundbreaking projects at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
The projects showcased at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2024 are nothing short of inspiring. They highlight the amazing potential of young minds to tackle global challenges with creativity, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of why these projects are so impactful and what they mean for the future:
1. Tomás Markey’s PM-DAC Carbon Capture System
tomás Markey’s innovation is a game-changer in the fight against climate change. his PM-DAC system is not only affordable but also scalable, making it accessible for both domestic and industrial use. The ability to remove nearly a tonne of CO2 annually is a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions. This project demonstrates how young scientists can contribute to solving one of the most pressing issues of our time—climate change.
2. Luke Blackwell’s Regenerative Farming with Comfrey
Luke Blackwell’s work on using comfrey as a natural fertilizer is a brilliant example of how traditional knowledge can be combined with modern science.By reducing CO2 emissions by 10.6%, improving soil health, and minimizing nitrate runoff, his project offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. This is particularly critically important for Ireland, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy and habitat.
3. Aoife Fadian and Jessica O’Connor’s Sheep Strength Concrete
The Sheep Strength project is a perfect example of how innovation can turn waste into a valuable resource. By using wool to reinforce concrete, Aoife and Jessica have created a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. This not only reduces the environmental impact of construction but also supports Ireland’s wool industry,which has faced challenges in recent years.
4. The Murphy Sisters’ ACT App
The ACT app is a testament to how technology can save lives. By providing emergency services with critical personal and medical details, along with precise geolocation, the app ensures faster and more informed responses during emergencies. Its user-kind design makes it accessible to people of all ages, even in high-stress situations. This project is a shining example of how young innovators can create solutions with real-world impact.
Key Takeaways
- Youth-Led Innovation: These projects prove that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are making a difference today.
- sustainability at the Core: From carbon capture to regenerative farming and eco-friendly construction,sustainability is a common thread in all these innovations.
- Collaboration and Support: The success of these projects highlights the importance of collaboration between students, educators, and stakeholders like emergency services, agricultural experts, and construction industries.
What’s Next?
as these young innovators prepare to represent Ireland on the global stage, thier work serves as a reminder of the transformative power of science and technology. Events like BTYSTE are crucial for nurturing talent and encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM. By investing in education and providing platforms for young scientists to showcase their ideas, Ireland is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about these groundbreaking projects? Do you see potential for scaling these innovations globally? How can we better support young scientists in their quest to solve real-world problems? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the incredible achievements of these young innovators! 🌟
For more inspiring stories, check out The Irish times’ coverage of young scientists.
