Tuesday, 24th October – Science Foundation Ireland research centres iCRAG, the SFI Research Centre for Applied Geosciences, and SSPC, the SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, have announced the winners of the National Crystal Growing Competition 2023.
Congratulations to our first place winner Alex Giraud, Maria Immaculata Community College Cork, 2nd:, Lacey Beresford Green and Ruby Brennan Quinn, Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount Dublin and 3rd place, Shauna Hurley, Maria Immaculata Community College Cork.
Alex Giraud 1st and Shauna Hurley 3rd – Maria Immaculata Community College Cork
Lacey Beresford Green and Ruby Brennan Quinn 2nd – Presentation Secondary School Warrenmount Dublin
The competition was open to all primary and post-primary level students and individuals, challenging them to grow the biggest and highest quality single crystal.
The National Crystal Growing Competition is an important scientific outreach activity that will challenge participants to grow crystals using ingredients readily available in the home. This is a fun hands-on STEM experience and an exciting competition that aims to introduce students to the exciting, challenging world of growing crystals. So, if you are looking for a fun and educational learning opportunity for students interested in chemistry, this is a great start.
Martin McHugh, Project and Public Engagement Officer for SSPC commented: “It is through education and outreach activities such as this that we will inspire the next generation of scientists and crystallographers. The process is safe and simple, and is designed to encourage students to develop an interest in chemistry. One of the most fun ways to interact with future scientists is through this crystal growing competition.”
Elspeth Sinclair, Education and Public Engagement Officer for iCRAG added: “The competition is open to individuals, in small groups or class groups from both primary and post-primary level. We encourage all students to enter to develop their scientific interest for this exciting challenge and try their hand at growing their own single crystals through this national contest that will be judged by professional chemists. We are looking forward to seeing the results and hope all those involved will understand and discover the science behind this process.”
