Caoimhín O’Leary, a 5th-year student from Ard Scoil Na Mara, Tramore Co. Waterford. Picture: Patrick Browne
A Waterford student has been named the SciFest SFI STEM Champion 2020.
Caoimhín O'Leary from Ard Scoil na Mara in Tramore, Co. Waterford, will go on to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) next May.
The fifth-year student won for the research and development of an innovative video analysis measurement system for rehabilitating patients after joint injury or joint surgery.
He developed a video analysis measurement system for rehabilitating patients after joint injury or joint surgery. His system uses advanced computer software to measure joint and bone position. This form of joint measurement can be achieved remotely and is less slow and invasive than current physical standards.
Looking forward to giving our @SciFest4STEM 2020 Champion a heroes welcome to school tomorrow. Thanks to all who make Scifest possible. #scifestfinal2020 @scienceirel @waterfordit @Intel_IRL @bostonsci @SpecsaversIE @SmartFuturesIE @ERSTIRELAND @_erebb pic.twitter.com/y3uMtoZhMt
— Ardscoil na Mara - an Edmund Rice School. (@ArdscoilNaMara) November 22, 2020
In SciFest, second-level students showcase STEM projects at a series of one-day STEM fairs traditionally held locally in schools and regionally at 16 venues in the Institutes of Technology, TU Dublin, DCU and St. Mary’s College, Derry; in 2020 the regional fairs were held virtually. The National Final is traditionally held in Marino Conference Centre in Dublin but was moved online as a result of COVID-19.
Sheila Porter, SciFest CEO extended huge congratulations to Caoimhín on his achievement in becoming the SciFest SFI STEM Champion 2020.
She said, “The standard of entries has been extraordinary and it’s great to see scientific innovation and research continue to flourish despite ongoing limitations caused by COVID-19.
"The aim of SciFest has always been to develop a love of STEM and of inquiry-based learning and every year it is refreshing to see how the students of today continue to love and enjoy immersing themselves in science, technology, engineering and maths.
"The ongoing pandemic has shown the importance of science to modern societies and the students competing today will be the scientists of tomorrow."
Norma Foley TD, Minister for Education said: “We live in a rapidly changing world and we must respond by preparing our young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive in such an environment.
"It is really fantastic to see so many young people looking to future careers in STEM fields. These subjects are crucial for equipping our young people with creativity, adaptability, problem-solving and critical thinking – skills which are so important for their future. SciFest is an excellent initiative that supports and enhances these skills in our students.
"I am very impressed by the standard of projects displayed on the platform and the amount of work that students and, of course, teachers and parents have put into each and every one. I want to congratulate all the students, their families and mentors; the future of STEM in Ireland is clearly very bright.
"The standard was incredibly high, and I wish hearty congratulations to Caoimhín on the success achieved.”
