“I want to speak directly to the students today. Your ability to shape our future is limitless, and you are the designers of the future Ireland we will live in. You are the vital drivers of Ireland’s potential. We need to learn from you and apply those learnings to how we write, imagine and deliver on government projects.

“We are so fortunate to have had the incredible Young Scientist and Technology exhibition running now for more than 60 years.

“These students see Ireland through a lens of opportunity, not one of negativity - and I’m looking forward to meeting them in person and seeing some of the clever ideas and research projects that they have been working on.

“As Minister for Science, this year I will be presenting the new Research Ireland Award which is looking for an innovative approach to overcoming a major societal challenge.

“The students taking part in this competition, as well as in all the other categories, are already blazing a trail in their chosen areas and have the potential to become future research leaders in Ireland.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of them the best of luck this week, and I look forward to meeting many of them when I visit the exhibition and present the award on Friday.”

“We are extremely proud to be sponsoring this new special category award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

“The award recognises the important role research plays in solving the challenges we face in our modern world.

“It also aims to encourage young people to follow their passion and curiosity; to explore and discover new insights that could shape our future in Ireland and improve lives.”