Following unprecedented success last year, Coláiste Chiaráin is thrilled to celebrate more silverware at the BT Young Scientist of the Year 2025. This year once again highlights the school’s commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in science and technology.
Lillie Lie and Miles Bueno achieved 1st place in the Intermediate Group in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences category, for their project ‘Discovering Habitable Exo Planets with the help of AI’. Moreover, they picked up the Stripe Gold Partner Award in the same category. To pick up two separate awards for their project is indicative of how well received their project was, with the competition’s judges clearly impressed by the level of research and ingenuity.
An impressive 8 other projects arrived to the RDS from Coláiste Chiaráin, representing the work from 14 talented and driven students, whereby Maxim Olesovs and Emily Ceban were Highly Commended for their project ‘Quantum Insights: Particle Profiling via Cloud Chamber and AI Analysis’, also in the Chemical, Physical and Mathematical category.
All projects were expertly supported by their mentors, Edel Farrell, Paul Leacy and Olwyn McInerney, whose time and dedication is crucial to any project that enters the competition. The school is incredibly grateful for the work that these teachers do. The students, together with their mentors, showcase their determination to tackle contemporary issues and real world challenges.
Principal Gerard O’Sullivan remarked “We are truly proud of Lillie Li and Miles Bueno for their incredible achievement. Equally, it is important to acknowledge our whole contingent who represented our school so brilliantly. Their curiosity, teamwork and dedication to scientific enquiry reflect the values we wish to cultivate in our students on a daily basis.”
It is also worth noting that, outside of the award winners, there was a project that captured the attention of the nation. 2nd year student Farrah Corbett’s project, the wonderfully titled ‘The Big Irish Head on You’, became an overnight sensation on the internet, radio and TV. Well known media personalities such as Ray D’Arcy (RTE Radio 1), Lisa McGee (creator of ‘Derry Girls’) and Dara Ó Briain (international comedian and presenter) lauded Farrah’s project, with BTYSE attendee Ó Briain particularly keen to speak with Farrah and find out more about the project.
The school also acknowledges the inspiring legacy of current 6th year student Sean O’Sullivan, last year’s overall BTYSE winner.  Sean’s groundbreaking project set a high benchmark for the school’s projects, helping to motivate students in pursuing excellence through science and technology. Furthermore, the opportunities that have been presented to Sean through his victory have seen both Sean and the school experience an unforgettable year. Indeed, Sean speaking at the BT Ireland Executive Leaders Forum and meeting with BTYSE founder Dr. Tony Scott was a noteworthy way to bookend this year.
Coláiste Chiaráin remains committed to the vast benefits of engaging with student-led project work. We extend our congratulations to all participants of BTYSE 2025, and in particular to our previous colleague Mairead Finucane and her school Presentation Secondary School Tralee with students Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise  receiving the overall BTYSTE award for 2025; we hope you enjoy the ride as much as we did! Here at Coláiste Chiaráin we are already excited to see what is in store for 2026.