​Béibhinn O'Loughlin, a student from Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, earned the prestigious Geological Survey Ireland special award in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences Category at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2025, which took place at the RDS in Dublin from January 8 to 11. There were 550 student projects with the full list of winners available here.

Dr Siobhán Power, Senior Geologist at Geological Survey Ireland, presented the award to Béibhinn O'Loughlin for the project, “Looking for tiny fossils hidden in the Burren limestone".

Mari Cahalane, Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, praised the exceptional calibre of this year's entries, stating, “they're looking at a subject matter that is effecting their futures and how they can make a change" and that “they're looking at taking more control of their futures".

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is one of Ireland's leading science education events, attracting thousands of students each year. The 2025 edition marked BT's 25th year as both organiser and title sponsor of the event. The exhibition featured four packed halls and the Primary Science Fair, offering a wide range of engaging activities for attendees of all ages.

The Geological Survey Ireland team was delighted to attend the event, where they spent the three days engaging with the public and meeting with the next generation of scientists.

We were joined by Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies (DIAS), which had an interactive displays on  the Irish National Seismic Network (ISN) and Quake Shake, a programme co-funded by Geological Survey Ireland.

For more information on the award-winning fossil identification project and other innovative student projects showcased at the event, visit the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition website.

Image 3: Some of Geological Survey Ireland's team at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2025.

​