SciFest celebrates 20 years of inspiring young people through STEM
More than 145,000 students have participated in SciFest over two decades
Press Release: 7 September 2026 - The Clock Tower, Department of Education and Youth, Dublin
Today marks 20 years of SciFest, Ireland’s largest second-level STEM fair programme, with the launch of a new Impact Report celebrating two decades of making science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) accessible to young people and empowering students to explore the world around them through investigation, creativity and problem-solving.
Since the first SciFest took place in 2006 with 170 students presenting 67 projects from 14 schools, the programme has grown into a nationwide initiative that has engaged more than 145,000 students, generated over 63,500 student projects and involved more than 600 schools.
More than 1,400 STEM fairs have taken place over the past 20 years, while participation has continued to grow, with over 15,000 students participating annually in 165 SciFest STEM fairs, including 15 regional SciFest@College fairs.
Impact of SciFest
As SciFest marks the milestone, an independent evaluation of the programme demonstrates that its impact extends well beyond participation in a science fair.
The external evaluation, commissioned from UK-based science communication and education consultancy Graphic Science, found strong evidence of SciFest’s impact on students, teachers and alumni, including increased interest in science, development of key skills, greater teacher confidence in inquiry-based methods and support for young people progressing into STEM education and careers.
Among teachers surveyed, 91% reported increased student interest in science subjects, while 90% observed improvements in key skills. Some 71% of teachers reported increased confidence in using an inquiry-based approach as a result of their involvement with SciFest.
The impact can also extend to students’ future educational choices, with 78% of third-level STEM student alumni surveyed saying SciFest had influenced their subject choice.
Inclusion at the heart of SciFest
SciFest is free to enter and open to all second-level students, ensuring opportunity is never limited by circumstance. Through SciFest@School, STEM is brought directly into school communities nationwide, with schools in almost every county participating. A total of 160 DEIS schools have participated and 32% of DEIS schools have hosted a SciFest@School fair. The programme also supports greater participation among girls, with all-female schools making up 18% of the schools that have hosted SciFest@School fairs.
Sheila Porter, Founder and CEO of SciFest, said: “Twenty years ago, I founded SciFest with a simple belief: that every student should have the opportunity to experience the excitement of scientific discovery, regardless of their background, gender, ability or circumstance. The true impact of SciFest is reflected in the students themselves. Every year, their creativity, determination and ambition inspire me as they use STEM to tackle real-world challenges and discover what they are capable of achieving.
“As we celebrate 20 remarkable years, we remain committed to giving more young people the opportunity to explore STEM, develop their confidence and realise their potential. I am deeply grateful to every student, teacher, volunteer, supporter and partner who has been part of that journey, and I look forward with great optimism to the next 20 years.”
From Irish classrooms to the international stage
SciFest provides a pathway for students to progress from school and regional fairs to national and international competitions. Since 2012, 75 SciFest students have represented Ireland at 43 international STEM events across 10 countries.
SciFest students have won 46 awards across 27 major international STEM competitions between 2012 and 2026. Most recently, three SciFest projects secured six awards at Regeneron ISEF 2026 in the United States.
Building a nationwide STEM community
SciFest’s growth has been supported by a nationwide community of teachers, mentors, education and industry partners and volunteers, including more than 700 volunteer judges each year.
From a single fair in 2006, SciFest has developed a pathway spanning SciFest@School, regional SciFest@College fairs, the SciFest National Final and international competitions.
As SciFest enters its third decade, it will continue to widen access to STEM, strengthen education and industry partnerships, and inspire young people to use STEM to tackle the challenges of the future.
Learn more at www.scifest.ie . The SciFest Impact Report can be found here.
ENDS
SciFest at 20 – Impact at a glance
- More than 145,000 students have participated
- More than 63,500 projects have been developed
- More than 1,400 STEM fairs have taken place
- More than 600 schools have been involved
- More than 15,000 students participate annually
- 165 STEM fairs take place annually
- 15 regional SciFest@College fairs take place each year
- More than 700 volunteer judges contribute each year
- 91% of teachers surveyed reported increased student interest in science subjects
- 90% of teachers observed improvements in key skills
- 71% of teachers reported increased confidence in using an inquiry-based approach
- 78% of third-level STEM student alumni surveyed said SciFest influenced their subject choice
- 160 DEIS schools have participated
- 75 SciFest students have represented Ireland at 43 international STEM events across 10 countries between 2012 and 2026
- SciFest students have won 46 awards at 27 major international STEM competitions between 2012 and 2026
About SciFest
SciFest is a series of one day STEM fairs for second-level students. It is funded by grants from the Department of Education and Youth and by private sector sponsorship, primarily by Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Keenova.