The SciFest National Final 2015 – SciFest@SFI Discover - took place in the Marino Conference Centre, Dublin on Friday 6th November. The overall winners from each of the 15 regional SciFest science fairs exhibited their projects and competed for a number of awards, including the SciFest 2015 Grand Award - a trophy and an all-expenses-paid trip to Phoenix, Arizona to represent Ireland in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May 2016.
The National Final included a competition for the best of the winners of the Boston Scientific Medical Devices award at the 15 regional fairs and also a competition for the best of the winners of the SEAI Sustainable Energy award at the regional fairs.
SciFest National Final 2015 - Award Winners
| Award |
SciFest 2015 Science Foundation Ireland Grand Award
|
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Student
|
Louis Madden |
|
Project
|
Bringing Genetics to the Masses: The Next Step in Genetic Research
|
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School
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Largy College, Analore Road, Clones, Co. Monaghan |
|
Teacher
|
Sharon Magennis |
|
o
|
|
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Award
|
Teacher of Excellence 2015 Award
|
|
School
|
Largy College, Analore Road, Clones, Co. Monaghan
|
|
Teacher
|
Sharon Magennis
|
|
|
|
| Award |
Berlin Long Night of Science 2015 Award
|
|
Students
|
Eoin Hayes, Adam Burke |
|
Project
|
The Handy Guide to Sign Language |
|
School
|
Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Co. Limerick |
|
Teacher
|
Edel Farrell |
|
o
|
|
| Award |
SEAI INESPO 2015 Award
|
|
Student
|
Lúc de Barra
|
|
Project
|
An Investigation of the Potential of Pine Needles as a new Alternative Biodiesel Source |
|
School
|
Coláiste Raithín, Bóthar Florence, Bré, Co. Chill Mhantáin |
|
Teacher
|
Lís Ní Chíobháin |
|
o
|
|
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Award
|
Boston Scientific Medical Devices 2015 Grand Award
|
|
Student
|
Cillian Gartlan
|
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Project
|
Harnessing Patient Information to Mitigate Risks Associated with Stroke Treatment |
|
School
|
Patrician High School, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan |
|
Teacher
|
John O'Rourke |
|
o
|
|
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Award
|
IoTI 2015 Award
|
|
Student
|
Mark Lyons
|
|
Project
|
The Price of a Profit - A Statistical Analysis of the Effects of the GMS Charge
|
|
School
|
Lanesboro Community College, Lanesboro, Co. Longford
|
|
Teacher
|
Michael Lyons
|
|
o
|
|
| Award |
ISTA 2015 Award
|
|
Student
|
Liam Passmore
|
|
Project
|
A Statistical Analysis of Whether Segregating Males and Females for PE Will Increase Participation and Physical Activity Levels
|
|
School
|
John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, Co. Limerick
|
|
Teacher
|
Michelle Buckley
|
|
o
|
|
|
Award
|
Spirit of SciFest 2015 Award
|
|
Student
|
Eve McGlinchey
|
|
Project
|
Voice Controlled Home Automation with Raspberry Pi Technology
|
|
School
|
St Leo's College, Dublin Road, Carlow
|
|
Teacher
|
Julie Egan
|
Each of the 27 finalists was also presented with an Excellence in STEM Award to mark their achievement in reaching the National Final of SciFest 2015.