Deadlines & Rules Students

Will BTYSTE be judged virtually this year if the event doesn’t go ahead in the RDS?
Yes, all judging from screening of projects to shortlist qualified projects, to the final judging of those shortlisted will take place remotely for 2022.

How will projects be judged?
Stage one (to September 27th) – Please enter via www.btyoungscientist.com. Screening of all entries will take place as soon after closing date as possible.

Stage two (October tbc) – For those that that qualify you will be sent notification of the process for on-line judging and how to upload more information required by the judges.

Stage three (January) – Judging of top 550 projects will take place virtually and the process around this will be released in December at the latest. There will be changes to some of the T&C’s associated with the exhibition and we will inform those that these changes effect in good time.

How will students display their projects?
All projects will be displayed virtually as we will not have a physical exhibition this year. Qualifying Students will submit a 3 minute video that will act as their virtual “stand”

How will the judging work online?
Judging for the 2022 exhibition will once again be held via MS Teams. Students will receive an invite and be joined on the call by one of our Judges and a BT Volunteer

What technology partners will be involved in running this?
We are reviewing what technology and platforms we can use to do this. We are working through the mechanism of this over the next few months and will inform those that qualify in good time of how this will happen.

How does GDPR affect the exhibition moving online? Most students involved are under the age of 18?
We have existing GDPR guidelines and place which will reviewed and enhanced, if necessary, over the coming months. There will be changes to some of the T&C’s associated with the exhibition and we will inform those that these changes effect in good time.

Will BTYSTE be livestreamed for students who can’t attend due to social distancing measures?
Yes, students can access the portal to view projects, sponsors stands and shows at https://portal.btyoungscientist.com/

How will the format/ running order differ as the exhibition moves online?
We are working on how best to do this in advance of the 2021 exhibition dates. How this looks and feels will be announced in due course, we want to make sure that we have the best exhibition possible and we need to take time and resource to plan this properly.

What online child protection provisions will be in place for BTYSTE 2021?
We will be reviewing all child protection measures that we currently have in place for BTYSTE and will enhance those if necessary.

Will we be able to access virtual events/talks through the BTYSTE app on mobile/tablet?
We are working on how best to do this in advance of the 2022 exhibition dates. How this looks and feels will be announced in due course, we want to make sure that we have the best exhibition possible and we need to take time and resource to plan this properly.

When is the deadline for the BTYSTE 2022?
The deadline for student entries is the 27th of September, we will be constantly reviewing this in line with decisions made by the Department of Education and Skills, in relation to schools openings and timetables for the 2021/22 school year.

What kind of project can I enter?
Students can enter a project as normal, in the four categories we have for the exhibition. All the details are on our website www.btyoungscientist.com. The entry system will remain the same and is open to students at www.btyoungscientist.com.

Will the entry system change this year?
No the entry system remains the same and these can be accessed via our website www.btyoungscientist.com.

If my project is something physical how will I get to show that off to judges?
You will need to have a video of how your project works physically to show the judges, You also should have any prototypes with you when judging is ongoing so you can show the judges virtually how they work. We are reviewing the technology stack in regards to this part of the process.

Will the application deadline be extended due to Covid-19?
The deadline for student’s entries is the 27th of September, we will be constantly reviewing this in line with decisions made by the Department of Education and Skills, in relation to schools openings and timetables for the 2021/22 school year.

If I don’t get to enter this year can I still enter my idea next year?
If you are between 12-19 in second level education, yes you can enter next year.

Will patent protection still apply in a virtual/online setting?
Yes and guidance on this for qualified projects will be send out when you are notified that you have qualified. We hope to once again work with the Patents office so students can get free advice on patenting their projects.

Stage one (to September 27th) – Please enter via www.btyoungscientist.com.  Screening of all entries will take place as soon after closing date as possible.

Stage two (October tbc) – For those that that qualify you will be sent notification of the process for on-line judging and how to upload more information required by the judges.

Stage three (January) – Judging of top 550 projects will take place virtually and the process around this will be released in December at the latest.  There will be changes to some of the T&C’s associated with the exhibition and we will inform those that these changes effect in good time.

General advice

The following advice is given to ensure that the students you accompany to the Exhibition are your primary focus and that they feel a strong sense of support and security.

• Adults should set good examples and serve as role models not only for students that they accompany but for all young people at the Exhibition.
• Adults should know where their students are at all times, and students should know where their teacher/parent is at all times.
• Adults should oversee project set-up and be available to assist students with any complications that may arise.
• It is important that an adult should be available to cover or to arrange for cover for students, especially those entered in the Individual section. All students should be given breaks from their stands.

Project entry fee

Entry to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022 is free. Results of the project selection process will not be released until the entry fee has been paid. All results are posted to the home address of the lead student, so please make sure your home address is entered correctly on the online entry form.

Confirmation of project entry

If a project has qualified, a pack containing media release, consent form and confirmation of entry form will be sent out. These must be signed and returned to the BT Young Scientist office by the date specified on the packs.

Appeals

Please note, all decisions are final. Appeals against the judges’ decisions cannot be accepted.

Special assistance

If your child has special needs or requires additional assistance, please email us at BTYSTE@Btyoungscientist.com before the exhibition so that we can accommodate this.

To redeem the code, please go to www.btyoungscientist.com/tickets for further instructions.

Parking at the exhibition

There are no designated parking areas for parents during the exhibition.

Awards ceremony

The awards ceremony will be broadcast live on our website, social media and portal.

Rules of Entry Applicable to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022 (the “Exhibition”).  Rules are correct at time of print, final rules in relation to the exhibition can be found at www.btyoungscientist.com/rules

The following rules are designed to ensure that the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is conducted as fairly and as efficiently as possible and are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of BT. Infringement of any of the rules listed below may lead to exclusion, at any time, of individuals or schools from present and/or future participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

BT will and requires that participants will at all time comply with HSE Guidelines as may be issued from time to time during the Covid-19 pandemic, and reserves the right to make changes at any time to the below rules as may be necessary to ensure such compliance.

1. General rules

1.1    The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is organised and sponsored by BT Communications Ireland Limited (“BT”) whose decision on all matters relating to the Exhibition will be final.

1.2    Entries and all associated paperwork must be submitted on-line in accordance with the instructions set out on the entry form. Postal entries will not be considered.

1.3    The closing date for receipt of on–line entries is by midday on Monday 27th September 2021.for students and teachers. Under no circumstances will late entries be accepted.

1.4    Second Level students aged between 12–19 years on 31st October 2021, resident in any part of Ireland, are eligible to enter.

1.5    Students can only win the title BT Young Scientist(s) & Technologist(s) of the Year once. Previous winners of the title are not eligible to re–enter the competition in subsequent years.

1.6    Projects that have been entered in other competitions can be accepted as entries to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, provided that this information is stated in the relevant area on the entry form and provided there is no 3rd party restriction on entry.

1.7    Submission of an entry will not ensure the acceptance of a project for the Exhibition. A panel of screening judges will select the projects to go forward for the Exhibition and their decisions are final. The Exhibition will take place virtually in 2022 and to take part, candidates must accept and comply with the Virtual Exhibition Rules which will be made available on notification of acceptance.

1.8    Students educated at home in the Republic of Ireland, i.e. not attending a registered school or college, are eligible to enter, provided that they are registered with the National Education Welfare Board (Republic of Ireland) and supply a copy of the registration certificate with their entry form.  Students from Northern Ireland in similar circumstances should telephone 0800 917 1297 for guidance.

1.9    Entries can be made in the following three age groups:

• Junior •  Intermediate           •  Senior

Age group is determined by the year in which the student(s) is studying at the time of the Exhibition (January 2022) and as specified in page 11 of the Factfile.

1.10  Students attending Primary Schools or Third Level Colleges are NOT eligible to enter.

1.11  Projects can be submitted in one of the following four categories by 27th September 2021:-

1. Biological & Ecological Sciences
2. Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences
3. Social & Behavioural Sciences
4. Technology

1.12  Notwithstanding the classification a student(s) assigns to its project, the judges will have the right to decide its appropriate classification.

1.13 Plagiarism is prohibited. Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s work as a student’s own without appropriate attribution. Whether done deliberately or inadvertently it is unacceptable and applies not just to text, but to graphics, tables, formulae or any representation of ideas in print, electronic or any other media in addition to computer software and algorithms, which could be implied as being the work of the student. As part of the application students are required to sign a declaration that the project is wholly their own work except where this is clear acknowledgment and appropriate reference to the work of others. To maintain the integrity of the competition, where the judges suspect plagiarism they are entitled to exclude a project at any stage of the competition and the student(s), the student(s)’s parents, and/or the student(s)’s school may be notified.

Individual/group projects

Projects must be submitted as either an Individual or Group Project.

1.14. A student may only enter one project into the competition, whether they are entering as an individual or as part of a group.

1.15  Individual projects may be submitted in any one of the four categories specified at 1.11 above (see also Factfile page 10 section ‘What category to enter’) and once submitted cannot be re–classified as a Group Project. In addition, if a student enters an individual project which fails to qualify they are not eligible to transfer to a qualified group project at any time.

1.16 Group Projects may be submitted in any one of the four categories specified at 1.11 above. Groups will consist of either two or three members, where possible in the same age group (Junior, Intermediate or Senior), who must be from the same school. Once a project has been accepted as a Group Project and has qualified to compete in the RDS, it cannot be re–classified as an Individual Project.  In cases where groups are constructed from students  who are not in the same age group, the age category in which the project is entered must align with the age group of the oldest student.

1.17  Each group must appoint a group leader who will direct the work and later act as a spokesperson. All group members must fully participate at the Exhibition and in judging interviews, in accordance with the processes set out in the Virtual Exhibition Rules.

1.18 All members of a group should be fully involved, share the work and be familiar with everything that is presented in the report book and poster. The final work should reflect the co–ordinated efforts of all group members.

1.19  In exceptional circumstances groups may wish to decrease or increase the number of people participating in their accepted Group Project team. Any such  proposed changes need to be submitted in writing to BT before the 1st December 2021 detailing the proposed change(s) and the exceptional circumstances necessitating them. Failure to do so will lead to the proposed changes being rejected and the project being judged in the original grouping in which it was entered. BT’s decision as to whether such changes are acceptable will be final.

1.20  Students whose projects involve studies of live animals must ensure that such studies are carried out in accordance with the statutory regulations. Copies of the regulations are available from the Department of Health, Custom House, Dublin 1. Visit http://health.gov.ie/blog/ statutory-instruments/european-communities- amendment-of-cruelty-to-animals-act-1876-regulations-2002/ or http://ec.europa.eu/food/fs/aw/ aw_legislation/scientific/86-609-eec_en.pdf.

BT reserves the right at its sole discretion to exclude any such projects from the Exhibition.

1.21  The nature of a project will determine the equipment used in the project. The merit of a project will lie in the use made of scientific apparatus and in an exhibitor’s understanding of its functions, not in the equipment itself.

1.22  Before a project involving potentially dangerous, pathogenic, toxigenic or allergenic organisms (animals/ insects, plants or microorganisms) is undertaken/entered, a competent expert must be consulted to advise on  health and safety issues. The potential use of any such organisms must be clearly identified on the Project  Details Form, and the advice of the competent expert  who has been consulted made available for review by BT on request. BT reserves the right at its sole discretion, to exclude any such projects from the Exhibition.

1.23  Projects involving the use of chemicals must list those to be used as part of the exhibit in the RDS in the Project Details form. BT reserves the right at its sole discretion, to exclude any such projects from the Exhibition.

1.24  It is expected that all or the majority of the work for a project will be conducted either in the school, home or  the outside environment. However we understand that some projects may require visiting distant locations. Students may seek advice or information about their project from sources beyond their school, such as on the ‘web’ or from government organisations, or from universities, institutes of technology or other experts. However, the majority of students’ work should be conducted under the supervision of their relevant teachers, with, where appropriate, suitable levels of involvement by parents, guardians or other responsible adults. Where experimental /research work is conducted by the students themselves, or on their behalf, in a laboratory that is external to their school (e.g. in a local university, a hospital or an industry) then that work should be clearly identified and acknowledged within the project report book and presentation. In addition, it is a requirement that a cover letter from the external facility, describing the extent of the assistance provided and the work done by the students within that facility or undertaken on behalf of the student(s), will be included in the project report book.

1.25  A student may be part of only one project. If a student having entered a project has not qualified they cannot be added to a qualified group project at any time.

2. Qualified projects

Applicable only to projects qualifying to exhibit at the Exhibition. Please note that due to the virtual nature of the 2022 Exhibition, additional ‘Virtual Exhibition Rules’ must be accepted by qualifying projects before they can take part in the Exhibition. These will be provided on notification of qualification.

2.1.   Some students who have had their project accepted for exhibition may find themselves unable to complete it.

It is very important that the organisers are immediately notified of this. If a project has to be withdrawn the organisers must be notified immediately by e–mail at BTYSTE@bmhosting.co.uk

Schools failing to notify the organisers of a withdrawal in writing, a minimum of two weeks in advance of the Exhibition, will be liable to a charge of €100 to cover administration costs.

2.2    Project content and material remains the property of the exhibitors but may be used by BT for exhibition or publication, and will be exhibited virtually at the Exhibition.

If students have a project with elements that have commercial potential, it is recommended that they consider patent protection. Please see the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition website and Factfile for further information on patents.

2.3    Projects shown at previous BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibitions will not be accepted unless the project has undergone significant further development. Projects that represent a continuation of previously entered work in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition should have a significant amount of new material. Previously presented data must be clearly indicated as such in the report books and in the display.

2.4    The Overall BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year may not represent any other country or organisation in respect of this science/technology project until the following year’s prizewinner(s) are announced. The BT Young Scientist(s) may not represent themselves as BT Young Scientists at any time without the prior written consent of BT.

2.5    The Overall BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year will be the only project that will be eligible to be entered by the National Organiser for Ireland in the EU Young Scientist competition each year.

2.6    The judges reserve the right to withhold awards in the event of projects not reaching a satisfactory standard.

2.7    If a project has not adhered to all the rules and regulations of this competition, the judges have the right to withhold awards or exclude the project at any stage during the judging process.

2.8    The judges’ decision in all matters relating to the award of prizes will be final. BT and other sponsors will have no input into the judges’ decisions.

3. BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamps

If a project is to be included in these programmes then the student must indicate this by ticking the opt in box on the project details form. Failure to do this will mean exclusion of the projects for consideration from the Business Bootcamp programmes.

4. Prize money

4.1.   Prize money will be paid by bank transfer to the successful individual or to the team leader BT will request bank account details with 7 days of the event finishing. BT shall endeavour to pay prize money in accordance with and subject to these rules on or before 30th March 2022 but BT shall have no liability for failure to pay prize money on or before such date. All bank details will be deleted once payments have been made.

5. Privacy (Content, Photography and Film)

5.1.   BT will comply with its obligations as a data processor in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. BT will use your personal information only as set out in our privacy notice which you can find here www.btyoungscientist. com/privacy.

If you have any further questions or comments concerning your privacy, wish to access your personal data held about you, delete, or update information we hold about you, the relevant details are here http://www.btireland.com/privacy.

5.2    The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be operating the Exhibition on a virtual basis, using a platform that has restricted access for participants, media and members of the public. BT reserves the right to upload and manage content on the platform in any manner it requires, including using project information, video footage, photographs and all other content, in accordance with our privacy notice. Further detail will be included in the Virtual Exhibition Rules.

5.3    Such content may be used on the BTYSTE website and for BT marketing purposes in accordance with our privacy notice.

N.B. BT is under no obligation to make use of any content provided.

5.4    BT also retains the right to publish information in regards to all projects entered into the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in accordance with our privacy notice.

5.5    As media partner of the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, RTÉ may record interview and film footage for use on its broadcast channels, online, in social media and for marketing purposes. Candidates may be required to complete an RTÉ release form prior to the Exhibition, with parental consent required in respect of minors under the age of 18.

6. Intellectual property rights

6.1.   All intellectual property rights either pre-existing or created in relation to or as part of the Exhibition shall remain the absolute property of that party or its licensors.

6.2    BT may pass contact details of all qualified projects to The Patents Office. The Patents Office will mail individuals directly in relation to Intellectual Property Rights.

7. European Union Contest for Young Scientists (EUCYS)

7.1    The host country for EUCYS will pay the travel and accommodation expenses of qualified contestants.

7.2    The host country for EUCYS will pay travel and accommodation expenses of one adult escorting person per country. For the Irish delegation this will be the Irish National Organiser, who is the head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.  Any others that wish to travel to EUCYS will travel solely and fully at their own expense.

Virtual Exhibition Rules Applicable to the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2021 (the “Exhibition”).

Rules are correct at time of publication, final rules in relation to the exhibition can be found at www.btyoungscientist.com/rules.

The following rules are designed to ensure that the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is conducted as fairly and as efficiently as possible and are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of BT.   Infringement of any of the rules listed below may lead to exclusion, at any time, of individuals or schools from present and/or future participation in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

BT will and requires that participants will at all time comply with HSE Guidelines as may be issued from time to time during the Covid-19 pandemic, and reserves the right to make changes at any time to the below rules as may be necessary to ensure such compliance.

1. General

1.1       These Virtual Exhibition Rules (“the Rules”) are supplemental to the entry rules notified on initial entry to the Exhibition and which can be found at www.btyoungscientist.com/rules.

1.2       The Rules are applied in accordance with our privacy policy which can be found at http://www.btireland.com/privacy (“Privacy Policy”).

1.3       The Exhibition is organised and sponsored by BT Communications Ireland Limited (“BT”) whose decision on all matters relating to the Exhibition will be final.

1.4       For the purpose of these Rules “Candidate(s)” shall mean qualifying projects, the student(s) submitting the projects, and where applicable their parents/guardians and school.

1.5       Qualifying Students and teachers may be asked to participate in media interviews and publicity in the run up to the Exhibition. Please refer to the applicable rules in this regard set out in the entry rules www.btyoungscientist.com/rules

2. Acceptance Requirements

2.1       Candidates must accept these Rules and confirm their intent to take part in the Exhibition by completing the consent form details which will be available on the dedicated link accessible using a unique reference number which will be provided.

2.2       Most interactions between Candidates and the Exhibition will take place via [Microsoft Teams] (“MS Teams”).  Each project will be provided with a dedicated [Teams workspace] on which documentation can be uploaded, queries can be asked and answered, notifications will be sent and video conferences will be conducted.

2.3       If it is not possible for Candidates to access MS Teams for the purposes above, they are required to notify BT by email youngscientist@bt.com as soon as possible so that alternative arrangements can be put in place.

2.4       BT will manage the MS Teams individual Project area to ensure fairness and confidentiality for each project.  All personal data will be maintained in accordance with the Privacy Policy.

3. Timelines (subject to change)

The event shall take place from 8am on Wednesday the 6^th of January 2021 until at least 5pm on Friday the 8^th of January 2021.

Candidates will provide the following on dates to be determined:

• Project Book
• Project dairy
• PowerPoint presentation in play of Project Display
• Video

Judging will take place via MS Teams on Wednesday 6^th and Thursday 7^th January 2021 from 9am to 5.30pm, invitations will be sent in advance of those sessions to all candidates.

Winners will be announced from 1pm on Friday the 8^th of January 2021.

Virtual public exhibition dates are from 8am on Wednesday the 6^th of January through to midnight on Sunday the 31^st of January 2021.

4. Project and Exhibit Requirements

4.1       Projects must be submitted in project book and summary format in accordance with guidelines by the specified timelines.  Students will also be required to submit a short video (no longer than 3 minutes) summarising their project.  This video will be used by the judges in initial reviews and will also be available in non-downloadable format on the YSTE exhibition platform as part of the public exhibition.  Consent to use of personal data for this propose will sought on the consent form.

4.2       Candidates must be available during Wednesday 6^th of January 9am-5.30pm & Thursday 7^th January from 8.30am to 5.30pm for video interviews via MS Teams with the judging panel.  A timetable/meeting invites will be sent to Candidates in advance.

4.3       Candidates will be responsible for ensuring that they have a suitable place with camera function and internet access at which to conduct the video interviews.  Ideally, Candidates for group projects should be in the one place for video interviews, subject to public health guidelines and it is acknowledged that Candidates may have to join video interviews separately.  A team spokesperson should be appointed by each group to lead the interview, however all Candidates must participate in the interview process.  If they cannot be together than each candidate must be available to join on teams with camera function

4.4       Candidates will be permitted to feature posters, charts, models, experiments or other exhibits as part of the video interviews, subject to the following:

(a)        Candidates will be responsible for obtaining any required permissions to assemble any apparatus or mountings.

(b)        Candidates must ensure that exhibits are fully assembled and ready for the start of the video interview.

(c)        Exhibits MUST be safely designed and constructed and MUST NOT use as part of the display, any dangerous equipment or open flames, any toxic, flammable, explosive or irritant chemicals, or any pathogenic, toxigenic or allergenic organism (animals/insects, plant or microorganisms). Live mammals, birds, amphibians or reptiles MAY NOT be presented in exhibits.

(d)        Candidates are asked to refrain from using brand names of firms/sponsors in their display or in the title of their project.  Reference to brands or firms must be confined to report books.

4.5       Only the named students entered into the Exhibition with their project may be in attendance at the video interviews.  A moderator (who will be a BT employee) will be present at each interview to ensure that the only participants in the video interviews are the students and the judge.   The moderator will also ensure that the interview is conducted in accordance with these Rules and will have the ability to pause or stop and interview at any time if they have any concerns (which may include a poor internet connection which is resulting in the interviewer and the students not being able to hear or see each other causing an impact on the delivery of the presentation).

4.6       Video interviews will be recorded on MS Teams and will be used as part of the judging process.  However, recordings will be deleted within 10 days of the end of the Exhibition.

5. Judging & Winner Announcements

5.1       Projects will be assessed by a panel of judges, based on the written project and the video interviews.  The judges operate independently of BT and BT and other sponsors have no input into the judges decision.

5.2       The judges reserve the right to withhold awards in the event of projects not reaching a satisfactory standard.

5.3       If a project has not adhered to all the rules and regulations of this competition, the judges have the right to withhold awards or exclude the project at any stage during the judging process.

5.4       The judges’ decision in all matters relating to the award of prizes will be final.

6. Exhibition & Publicity

6.1       Project summaries and video summaries will be available in non-downloadable format on the YSTE portal accessible to the public.  Additional detail will also be published including Students names, school, category, county, age group and teachers name.

6.2       This portal will be available from Wednesday 6^th January to Sunday 31^st of January 2021.

6.3       Whilst project detail will not be downloadable, Candidates should have regard to protecting their intellectual property rights as further detailed in the Entry Rules.