Calling all young STEM enthusiasts: SciFest competition kicks-off ahead of its 20th anniversary

SciFest, Ireland’s largest and most inclusive STEM fair programme for second-level students has announced its return ahead of its 20^th anniversary with a call for entrants to the SciFest regional fairs, taking place across the country. The SciFest programme is funded by grants from the Department of Education and Research Ireland and by private sector sponsorship, primarily by Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and new partner Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

SciFest organisers kicked off the launch of the 2025 competition in Explorium with students from Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School in Co. Dublin, and announced the theme for 2025 as ’STEM is for All.’

Project entries are accepted across a range of scientific disciplines including physical and life sciences and technology. Students wishing to participate should log on to the SciFest website (www.scifest.ie) and enter online. Completed entry forms must be submitted by 12 March 2025.

The regional fairs take place across the months of April and May, with selected winners going on to compete at the SciFest National Final in November 2025. Here, they will have the opportunity to take home the overall prize and represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States next year.

Speaking ahead of the competition’s 20^th year, Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO said: 

‘SciFest is back for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited. I would urge all students to get involved and enter, no matter your background or circumstance, to explore the wonderful world of STEM and all it has to offer. Previous winners of the competition are thriving and have gone on to achieve incredible things, from launching their own start-ups to studying at prestigious institutions like Oxford University. SciFest opens the door to an array of opportunities. 

As we plan for our 20-year celebrations, we look forward to an exciting year ahead in which the competition will grow to even greater heights. I want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support, without which none of this would be possible. We can’t wait to see the fantastic and innovative projects that lie ahead, so don’t miss out! Sign up today and be part of this exciting journey.’

The competition has grown rapidly since its inception in 2006 and drew over 15,000 student participants last year. SciFest aims to support students in research development, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all the while fostering an interest in STEM. It is free to enter and is open to students of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Dates and venues for SciFest@College 2025

SciFest is a series of one day STEM fairs for second-level students. It is funded by grants from the Department of Education and Research Ireland and by private sector sponsorship, primarily by Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and new sponsor Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. It is also supported by a number of other companies and organisations.