Science show creates a record
Yesterday, the organisers received 110 school bus tours that brought more than 4,000 visiting students.
As many as 3,000 of the students were from 80 primary schools. Today, 1,300 students from a further 70 secondary schools are due to visit the exhibition.
In all, up to 35,000 adults and students are expected to visit the exhibition an increase of 20% on the previous year.
Grabbing the visiting students' attention is the World of Science and Technology Exhibition that is crammed with interesting exhibits from various companies and organisations.
The hall is used to promote the latest innovations in technology and to display a collection of hands-on interactive live demonstrations.
A spokesperson for the exhibition said the World of Science and Technology Exhibition had also proved its worth, with more companies than ever volunteering to become involved.
However, the main exhibition of 477 student projects is all about winners and tonight, Ireland's young Einstein to take the coveted title of Esat BT Young Scientist of the Year will be named.
With the high standard achieved by the 1,000-plus students involved, the judge's task of picking an overall winner is made all the more difficult. As well as the title, there is a cheque for 3,000, a Waterford Crystal trophy and the chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Budapest, Hungary, next September.
To date, Irish students have taken the top honours 10 times at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists.
President Mary McAleese had been due to present the awards at the RDS in Dublin, but is unable to attend after suffering a broken ankle over Christmas.
The Minister for Education and Science, Noel Dempsey, who also officiated at the opening of the exhibition on Wednesday night, has agreed to present the awards.
In addition to the overall prize, there are 36 prizes for individuals and 36 prizes for group projects.
