RTE to Significantly Expand Involvement in 2026 Young Scientist Exhibition

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 8:14 GMT by RTE Online

RTÉ Gears Up for 2026 Young Scientist Exhibition: A Focus on AI, Innovation, and Inspiring Future Generations

RTÉ is significantly expanding its involvement with the prestigious Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) in 2026, marking a renewed commitment to fostering STEM education and inspiring young Irish innovators. The broadcaster’s participation goes beyond simple coverage; they're actively shaping the exhibition experience through dedicated workshops, mentorship programs, and a spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI), reflecting both current technological trends and RTÉ’s own evolving digital landscape.

The YSTE, a cornerstone of Irish science education for over 50 years, provides a platform for secondary school students across Ireland to showcase their innovative projects in various scientific disciplines – from biology and chemistry to technology and engineering. It's more than just a competition; it's an opportunity for young people to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to pursue careers in STEM fields. (You can learn more about the history and impact of the YSTE here: https://youngscientist.ie/about/).

RTÉ’s renewed commitment stems from a desire to connect with younger audiences and demonstrate how technology is integral to its operations and future strategy. The broadcaster recognizes the importance of nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and digital creators – individuals who will shape Ireland's technological future. This involvement aligns with RTÉ’s broader strategic goals outlined in their "RTÉ Future" plan, which emphasizes innovation, audience engagement, and a focus on digital transformation (more details about this plan can be found here: https://www.rte.ie/info/about-rte/corporate/rte-future/).

AI at the Forefront: A key element of RTÉ’s involvement is a dedicated focus on Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing AI's transformative potential across industries, including media and broadcasting, RTÉ aims to demystify the technology for young participants and audiences. Workshops will be designed to introduce basic AI concepts, explore its applications in various fields (including content creation, data analysis, and personalized experiences), and encourage students to consider how AI can address real-world challenges. This focus is particularly relevant given RTÉ’s own exploration of AI tools for tasks like automated transcription, content recommendation, and potentially even assisting with news generation – areas where ethical considerations and responsible development are paramount.

Mentorship & Workshops: Building Skills and Confidence: Beyond the AI workshops, RTÉ will provide a series of interactive sessions designed to enhance students' project presentation skills, scientific communication abilities, and overall understanding of the exhibition process. These workshops will be led by experienced RTÉ personnel – journalists, engineers, technologists, and researchers – who can share their expertise and offer valuable insights. A mentorship program is also planned, pairing young scientists with RTÉ professionals to provide guidance and support throughout the project development phase. This personalized mentoring aims to build confidence and help students refine their ideas and presentation strategies.

RTÉ’s Presence at the Exhibition: Visitors to the 2026 YSTE can expect a significant RTÉ presence. The broadcaster will have a dedicated exhibition space showcasing its own technological innovations, demonstrating how science and technology are used in broadcasting, and providing opportunities for attendees to interact with RTÉ staff. This interactive element is crucial; it allows young people to see firsthand the practical applications of STEM principles and connect with professionals working in these fields. RTÉ will also be actively covering the exhibition through its various platforms – television, radio, online news, and social media – ensuring widespread visibility for participating students and their projects.

Addressing Challenges & Looking Ahead: RTÉ’s involvement comes at a time of significant change within the organization. Recent financial challenges have necessitated restructuring and a renewed focus on efficiency and innovation (as detailed in reports like this one: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/12/30/rte-to-sponsor-young-scientist-exhibition-in-2026/). However, the commitment to supporting STEM education remains a priority, demonstrating RTÉ’s long-term vision and its belief in the power of young people to shape Ireland's future.

The 2026 Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition promises to be an exciting event, with RTÉ playing a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation of Irish innovators. By focusing on AI, providing mentorship opportunities, and creating engaging interactive experiences, RTÉ is not only supporting young scientists but also investing in Ireland’s future technological landscape. The partnership highlights the crucial link between public service broadcasting and fostering scientific literacy and innovation within the community.

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