From the classroom to global impact: KH students recognised at Stripe YSTE 2026
Two King’s Hospital students, Matthew Johnson and Yung Hei Tsang, enjoyed a remarkable evening at the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026, where their hard work, curiosity and global awareness were rewarded with two major national awards.
Competing in the Senior Group category (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences), the students took first place for their project, Solutions to Combat Lead Pollution in Soil and Water in Kabwe, Zambia. They were also named winners of the Irish Aid / Self Help Africa Science for Development Award, recognising projects that use science to address real challenges faced by communities in the developing world.
Their inspiration came directly from The King’s Hospital School’s ongoing engagement in Zambia. Although Matthew and Enoch were not in the year group that travelled, they listened closely as students who had visited Kabwe spoke about the environmental and health challenges faced by local communities. Those conversations sparked a question: Could science offer a practical, affordable solution?
What followed was months of research, experimentation and refinement, resulting in a project that judges described as both innovative and deeply relevant.
Presented with their award by Minister Neale Richmond, the students’ success reflects not only academic excellence, but also the school’s ethos of integrity, service and global responsibility.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Richmond praised the project’s potential for real-world impact, noting its ability to translate scientific innovation into meaningful global change. Minister Richmond went so far as to issue a government press release on the importance of this project.
King’s Hospital students win ‘Science for Development’ Award 2026 | Ireland.ie
We extend our warmest congratulations to Matthew and Yung Hei, and sincere thanks to their teacher Ciaran O’Connor, whose support and expertise guided the project to national recognition.
