SciFest, the country's largest second-level STEM fair, will return this year, marking 20 years since the first event took place in 2006.

The fair is celebrating two decades of supporting young people to explore STEM through "curiosity-led investigation, creativity and problem-solving", and of creating a platform where students can present their work locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Ag science

Since 2010, student engagement in agricultural science has grown steadily, with project participation increasing by over 110% by 2025.

A SciFest spokesperson told Agriland: "This growth reflects a rising awareness among students of the importance of agriculture, sustainability, and food systems to Ireland’s future.

"The introduction of the agricultural science award at regional SciFest@College fairs has been a key driver of this momentum, incentivising students to innovate across areas such as food production, environmental sustainability, animal science, and agri-technology.”

In 2025, Marlhuné Bezuidenhout won the SciFest ISF runner-up international award for her entry on pasture-based sheep farming system, which looked at the "bioaccumulation of heavy metals and implications for livestock, lambing rates, growth margins and human health".

Students can submit projects across a wide range of scientific disciplines, including physical and life sciences and technology.

SciFest

Speaking as SciFest launched its 20th anniversary year, Sheila Porter, SciFest founder and CEO, recalled that the first SciFest fair took place in Tallaght, Dublin.

She said: "Since then we’ve seen tens of thousands of students bring ideas to life, asking questions, testing solutions, and presenting projects with confidence and pride.

"This year is about recognising what has made SciFest possible: the commitment of our host colleges, the dedication of teachers and school communities, the enthusiasm and hard work of students across the country, and the consistent support of our funding and sponsorship partners.

"2026 will be a year of celebration throughout the programme and an exciting year ahead.

"We cannot wait to see the innovation, imagination and impact of this year’s projects," Porter added.

Nationwide programme

Since 2006, SciFest has grown into a nationwide programme, with 16,000 students now taking part across 160+ local, regional and national fairs.

SciFest is free to enter and open to second-level students of all backgrounds and circumstances. To take part, students should complete the online entry form via the SciFest website by March 12.

The SciFest programme is supported through public funding from the Department of Education and Youth and a community of partnerships, including Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid, and Keenova.