Young Scientist: I don’t want any money

RICHARD O’SHEA doesn’t want a penny for the simple but innovative project that earned him the crown of the country’s top young scientist – but his work could improve the health and lives of millions.

Returning to class yesterday at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney, Co Cork, for the first time since winning the overall BT Young Scientist prize on Friday, the Leaving Certificate student was clear about the purpose of his fuel-efficient and virtually smokeless biomass stove.

“What I want to do with my project is teach charities how to make it. People could say I’m a fool, or you could say I’m a genius but I don’t want to make any money from it,” the 18-year-old said.