Rule of 3: Winners of Young Scientist 2013 had an 'awesome year'

FIRSTLY, well done on your huge year. Can you tell me the differences between the competitions in Dublin and in Prague?

EMER: There was quite a difference between the two competitions. First of all, the contestants at the European competition were a lot older than us, many were already in college. Also, I felt like the competition in Prague wasn’t as big as BT Young Scientist — for example, the award ceremony and opening ceremony at BT Young Scientist is far more exciting! However, both competitions had some really excellent projects at a really high level.

SOPHIE: The competition in Prague was very different, although fun it was very serious, especially at the awards ceremony! As the contestants were mostly college students the projects were of a very high standard, we found that also a little bit intimidating.

CIARA: Having attended the exhibition in Dublin every year since I was 4 or 5 it was incredibly disconcerting going from knowing exactly what to do and exactly what you need, to feeling your way in the dark and being a complete newbie in Europe.

Seeing the pictures of you all when you won reminded me of The X Factor. How did it feel and would you swap success in science for success in music?

EMER: Winning the BT Young Scientist was amazing! It was something I never imagined would happen to me. If I could rewind time, I would try not to cry! Would I swap the success in science for music success? That’s a really difficult question because I love music just as much as I love science! It would be great if I could be successful in both!

SOPHIE: When I heard our names called out as the winners I was amazed. I don’t think it had sunk in when we were collecting our prize. I personally wouldn’t swap a career in science for a career in music. I love real life science and I feel that the work and the breakthroughs that have occurred in science at the moment are extremely important for humanity and the environment.

CIARA: When we won in January it was incredible. It felt like the atmosphere in the arena was alive and electric. Whilst you might get a bit more fame in The X Factor, and musical success might be seen a tad more ‘cool’, I think scientific success will be more beneficial to me in the long run.

Apart from events such as the Young Scientist exhibition, what could be done to get more kids interested in science?

EMER: I personally think more science could be done in primary school.

SOPHIE: At home there are plenty of fun and interesting home experiments for all ages that are the basis for some very important rules in physics and chemistry.

CIARA: There are exhibitions going on all over the country similar to the BT Young Scientist, some of which we have had the pleasure of visiting as guests. These exhibitions stress the importance of science in the home from a young age. Where is your winning project now? Is someone or some firm taking it to the next level?

CIARA: At the moment we are taking a short breather from the project before carrying it forward ourselves. We hope to perform field trials soon, possibly next spring. What are your long-term ambitions?

EMER: I’m not certain what I want to do yet — at the moment I am interested in either doing science teaching or medicine. I could change my mind by next week though!

SOPHIE: I’m very interested in plant science/biology, so I hope to do a course in that aspect of science after the Leaving. But that’s three years away so I might change my mind yet!

CIARA: I hope to study veterinary in UCD upon completion of the Leaving in 2016, however I am still considering a career in research, maybe in zoology.

What advice would you give anyone trying to come up with a good Young Scientist project?

EMER: First of all you should pick a subject you are interested in, for example sport or music. It’s always a good idea to do research too.

SOPHIE: Choose a topic you enjoy and are interested in. As you will be spending a lot of time working on the project don’t do something you find boring.

CIARA: Sticking to your interests is absolutely vital. If you’re not interested in what you’re doing, then the work will seem much more tedious and the judges won’t sense any passion or conviction in your research. Lastly, what non-science interests do you have?

EMER: I really love music — I sing all the time and I play guitar, harp, and ukulele. I am always listening to music and I am a member in a trad group here in Kinsale. I am also a ranger with Irish Girl Guides and I am a young leader for the brownies. I am currently on grade 8 speech and drama — my downfall is sport!

SOPHIE: I love art and I draw almost everyday. Reading is another great hobby and I could read a book all day. I enjoy playing guitar and listening to all types of music. I also enjoy sports such as gymnastics for which I have won an all-Ireland medal and athletics, particularly running and hurdles. Lastly, one of my big interests is travel. One of my goals is to travel around the world.

CIARA: Music plays a major part in my life: I play violin, piano, and guitar and spend a lot of my time playing an instrument of some sort! I play in the County Cork VEC Senior Orchestra.! I also love horse riding.