Waterford student presenting at Young Scientist Exhibition

The Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is taking place in Dublin this week.  Formerly, the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, the four day event showcases science and technology projects from secondary school students all across the country. 

Stripe co-founder and CEO Patrick Collison is a former Young Scientist winner and his brother John won a category award at the exhibition.

It attracts over 40,000 visitors making it one of the biggest events of its kind both in Europe and worldwide.

Waterford is being represented by Rachel Power, a TY student in Blackwater Community School, Lismore.

She is competing in the social and behavioural category.

Her project, Farming: The Next Generation, examines the issue of farm succession in Ireland.

She carried out a nationwide survey and found that the average age of Irish farmers now at 59.4, fewer than 5% under the age of 35, and just 13.4% female, the future of family farming and generational renewal has become a critical issue for rural Ireland.

Speaking to the Waterford News & Star, Rachel said: “I come from a farming background, I grew up seeing how difficult it can be for families to figure out who will take over the farm in the future. It’s an issue that affects a lot of farms around Ireland, and that’s what inspired me to choose farm succession as my project topic.

“I was surprised by how many barriers women continue to face in farming and succession, as well as how difficult it is for young people to access land and finance to start farming in their own right.

"When I found out I had qualified for Dublin, I was really delighted. I knew it meant a lot more work, but I was very happy to put the effort in and to have the opportunity to present my project. Being in TY its a great year to get this opportunity.

"Doing this project has changed how I look at the future of farming in Ireland. It made me realise how important it is to start talking about succession early. Even if the farm isn’t being passed on straight away, having a plan in place helps everyone know where they stand and reduces uncertainty for the future.

"At the moment, I think I would like to pursue some kind of science-related career in the future, although I’m not completely sure yet what path I want to take. Completing this project has definitely increased my interest in science and research."

The winners of the Stripe Young Scientist Awards will be announced on Friday, good luck Rachel!