The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) continues to be a beacon of creativity and scientific excellence, showcasing the next generation of innovators who are shaping the future.
This year’s event brought together over 1,000 secondary school students from across Ireland, presenting 550 projects spanning artificial intelligence, climate science, mental health research, and sustainable technology. A panel of 85 judges, including leading academics and industry experts, evaluated projects for their scientific rigour, creativity, and real-world impact.
Among the standout projects was the entry from overall winner, Aoibheann Daly, a fourth-year student at Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk in Kerry. Aoibheann’s project, GlioScope: Multitask Deep Learning and Causal AI for Glioma & Glioblastoma Profiling, aims to transform brain cancer treatment. By using standard MRI scans to predict genetic mutations in tumours, her innovation offers a safer, faster alternative to invasive biopsies — potentially improving outcomes for patients worldwide. Aoibheann will represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Germany later this year.
Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award: A First for YSTE
As a proud silver sponsor of this year’s Stripe YSTE, Kerry introduced the Kerry Sustainable Nutrition Award — the first award of its kind at this long‑standing event. This award recognises projects that demonstrate scientific innovation in solutions that help maintain good health while ensuring future generations can meet their nutritional needs — without compromising the health of the planet.
The award was presented by Catherine Keogh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Kerry, to Rachel Coughlan, Moate Community School Westmeath, for her innovative project developing a biodegradable chewing gum made sustainably from Irish-grown resources.
Presenting the award, Catherine Keogh remarked: “Rachel truly exemplifies Kerry’s values and our vision for sustainable nutrition. This award recognises young scientists who are developing innovative, science-led solutions that are better for people, better for society, and better for the planet — reducing environmental impact, improving health outcomes, and ensuring responsible sourcing and production. The quality, creativity, and ambition on display at this year’s Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition has been exceptional, reinforcing our belief that Ireland’s future as a global hub for scientific innovation is bright.”
The award was open across multiple scientific categories and age groups, with projects assessed on innovation, scientific rigour, sustainability impact, clarity of communication, and real-world feasibility. Kerry’s sponsorship and this award align with the company’s Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy and its vision to reach more than two billion people with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030.
Contributor:
Kerry Health and Nutrition Institute
Science for Healthier Food
We bring the voice of science to some of the most challenging questions facing the food and beverage industry day to day through our network of over 1000 Kerry scientists, external collaborators, and our Scientific Advisory Council. Our content comes straight from scientists and experts in nutrition, taste, food, and sensory sciences to make sure we are providing up-to-date, credible information to guide people shaping the future of food.
