Brainy boffins present novel theories

WORMS replacing dogs as man's best friend is one of the novel theories being aired at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which opens to the public this morning.

The "Green Space" environmental display at the show tackles the topical subjects of waste reduction, recycling and re-use through a range of exhibits including an interactive worm composting station.

For those who prefer not to get their hands dirty, the 1,040 students behind the 482 projects short-listed for this year's competition will be happy to do the hard work by demonstrating for visitors their research methods and discoveries in range of subjects from maths and physics to ecology and behavioural sciences.

The exhibition was formally opened by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last night after a tense afternoon for the students when the competition judges began their rounds of the projects in the search for the 2004 winner who will pick up a cheque for €3,000 tomorrow night.

The winner will also secure a place in the prestigious European Union Young Scientist competition which takes place in the autumn and will be hosted this year by Ireland.

The exhibition, which is located in the RDS, Dublin, opens this morning at 10am and runs daily until 5.30pm until Saturday. Admission fees are €8 for adults with concessions available.