Two students from Coláiste Muire Máthair on St. Mary’s Road, Galway have secured their place in the SciFest National Finals in Dublin, following their impressive scientific research.
First year students Liya Walsh and Crystal Quinn impressed judges with their project ‘Biovolt: The Moss Power Revolution’, which focused on ‘harnessing nature’s soft power for a sustainable future.’
The project has already secured Liya and Crystal a prestigious EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award following the regional competition in Atlantic Technological University, Galway earlier this year.
Liya and Crystal will now compete against fifty other students from thirty schools nationwide in the national finals for a chance to represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
SciFest@College is a programme of STEM fairs for second-level students, taking place in 16 regional colleges across Ireland.
For two decades SciFest has been a platform for second-level students to showcase their creativity, innovation and research skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland’s electricity grid, partnered with SciFest to develop the EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award as recognition of the critical role young people play in shaping a sustainable future.
The award celebrates second level students who research and design projects to address challenges posed by climate or energy focused issues.
Wishing the students the best of luck for the national finals Orlaith Diamond, Head of Sustainability with EirGrid, said, “As the next generation of changemakers, students bring fresh perspectives to the challenges we face surrounding climate change and energy.”
“The evolution of energy production depends on creative thinking and pioneering solutions in renewables, and it’s inspiring to see young minds like Liya and Crystal leading the way.”
“We’re proud to stand alongside SciFest in championing STEM education and encouraging young people to speak up, explore and innovate.”
The SciFest National Final 2025 will take place on Friday, November 21 at the Marino Conference Centre.
