Young scientists formulate plan for €7k after landing EU prize

Eric Doyle and Mark Kelly are already working on a formula on how to invest their €7,000 prize after being crowned Europe’s top young physicists at a ceremony in Slovakia.

The Dublin pair’s new mathematical formula could have applications for molecular physics but its most likely use will be in the heavens as it could make for more efficient deployment of satellites.

The project wowed the judges in Bratislava at the EU Contest for Young Scientists but even the two teenagers from Crumlin were surprised at the win.

“We thought we might win some prize but we didn’t think we’d get something as special as this,” said 17-year-old Eric.

He and Mark were at school together since second class and sat the Leaving Certificate at Synge Street CBS in south inner city Dublin in June.

Their victory at the BT Young Scientist in January earned them this week’s trip to the EU contest.

The proud recipients of an honorary award and all-expenses trip to the London International Youth Science Forum, they will travel home this morning €7,000 better off, as winners of one of three prizes in Bratislava.

“I think we might be able to make a calculated investment,” Mark joked to the Irish Examiner soon after they learned of their success.

Eric was due to begin studying theoretical physics at Trinity College Dublin this week, while 18-year-old Mark was missing his third week of lectures on his physical and mathematical sciences course at University College Dublin.

“I already had a bit of college work to do while I’m away but we had very little internet access, so hopefully I won’t be in trouble,” he said.

Their win means Ireland has now taken one of the top prizes 14 times in 24 years of competing at the EU contest.

BT Ireland CEO Colm O’Neill said the success is not just excellent for Eric’s and Mark’s future career prospects, but for their old school, for the Young Scientist exhibition, and for the country.

“It has been a summer of medal-winning in sport for Ireland, and it is great for the country to add one for its prowess in those critical subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths,” he said.

Anyone hoping to follow in their footsteps has until next Monday to get their entries in for January’s BT Young Scientist and& Technology Exhibition.

* www.btyoungscientist.com