THE BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition has recorded a phenomenal increase in entries from Northern Ireland for the January 2008 event. Five of the six counties have submitted entries for what is set to be another fantastic event at the RDS in January.

Tyrone will be represented by the Omagh CBS in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category.

A total of 84 students from the North have entered; 51% of these are girls and 49% are boys.

In total there are 27 group projects and 13 individual projects entered into one of the four categories: Chemical Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Biological and Ecological Sciences, Social and Behavioural Sciences or Technology.

The aim of the organisers is to attract young people to science making it fun, exciting and accessible, not just for the participating and visiting students, but also for the general public as well.

About 500 of the overall projects submitted will qualify to compete in the finals in the RDS, Dublin, in January. The overall winner will be named the BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year and will receive a Waterford Crystal trophy together with a cheque for £3,500.

STIMULATE, NURTURE, REWARD

Chris Clark, chief executive officer, BT Ireland, said, "The key aim of the exhibition is to stimulate, nurture and reward those students and schools who have shown a passion for science and technology – subjects that are critical to Ireland's future as a successful knowledge economy.

"We're delighted to see our commitment in this event yielding record entries again this year and representation from 31 counties on the island."

The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition will be held in the RDS from January 9-12 and open to the public on January 10, 11 and 12. For more information, visit www.btyoungscientist.ie