SciFest Goes Global: Welcoming Students from South Africa and Sri Lanka to SciFest's International STEM Fair
SciFest, Ireland’s largest and most inclusive second-level STEM fair programme, has reached an exciting new milestone, it’s going global. This year marks the first ever SciFest International STEM Fair, with students from South Africa and Sri Lanka joining their Irish counterparts virtually as part of the SciFest National Final in Dublin.
The international students are competing online for this year’s event, and while they will not be present in person, their project posters will be on display at the SciFest National Final in the Marino Conference Centre on 21 November 2025. It is hoped that from 2026, international students will be able to travel to Ireland to take part in the competition alongside the Irish finalists.
Since its founding, SciFest has championed equal access to STEM education, providing opportunities for students of all backgrounds to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through inquiry-based, student-led investigation. The expansion of SciFest onto the international stage reflects the programme’s growing recognition as a model for inclusive, accessible, and impactful STEM engagement.
The visiting students earned their places at the inaugural SciFest International STEM Fair by winning top honours in their respective national competitions. Their participation highlights SciFest’s commitment to building global connections among young people who are passionate about using science and technology to solve real-world problems.
“We’re delighted to welcome students from South Africa and Sri Lanka to SciFest,” said Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO. “Although they are joining us virtually this year, it’s wonderful to see their work represented at the National Final. This is an important step in SciFest’s journey, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and the shared goal of empowering young people to make a difference through STEM.”
The 2025 SciFest National Final promises to be a celebration of innovation, inclusion, and the power of global scientific exchange, as SciFest continues to grow from a national initiative into an international movement.
NOTE: Finalists' projects, project abstracts, project posters, etc. can be viewed on the SciFest 2025 National Final Website from Thursday 13 November. Please visit the website and vote for your favourite project in the SciFest 2025 STEM Outreach Video Competition.