Students Showcase Award Winning Project

Two KH students recently had the exciting opportunity to present their award-winning project at a national showcase event in Dublin.

Self Help Africa hosted a Science for Development Showcase in collaboration with Irish Aid at Iveagh House.

Matthew Johnson and Enoch Tsang (Form 5), winners of the Science for Development Award, were invited to present their project, “Solutions to Combat Lead Pollution in Soil and Water in Kabwe, Zambia.” Their work focuses on addressing a serious environmental and public health issue affecting communities in Kabwe.

During the event, the students had the opportunity to speak with a number of distinguished guests, including Niall Tierney, Dr Tony Scott, and Niamh de Loughry. They discussed their research in detail and shared insights into their innovative solutions.

This experience allowed the students to showcase their work on a national stage, while also engaging with leaders in science, education, and international development.

Well done to Matthew and Enoch for representing KH with such professionalism and excellence.

KH students recognised at Stripe YSTE

From the classroom to global impact: KH students recognised at Stripe YSTE 2026

Two King’s Hospital students, Matthew Johnson and Enoch 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 Enoch, and sincere thanks to their teacher Ciaran O’Connor, whose support and expertise guided the project to national recognition.

Science Making Impact at YSTE

We are delighted to wish Matthew Johnson and Enoch Tsang (Form 5) the very best of luck as they represent the school at the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (YSTE) 2026, Ireland’s premier showcase of second-level student research.

They will present their project, Solutions to Combat Lead Pollution in Soil and Water in Kabwe, Zambia, which addresses a significant global environmental and public health challenge. Their work demonstrates impressive scientific inquiry, innovation and a strong commitment to using STEM to create meaningful, real-world impact.

The Stripe YSTE brings together hundreds of young innovators from across Ireland, offering students a valuable platform to present original research, engage with expert judges and connect with peers who share a passion for science and technology.

We are extremely proud of Matthew and Enoch for reaching this stage and wish them every success at the exhibition.

SciFest Celebrates Scientific Excellence

There was a very positive and energetic atmosphere in the Wilson Wright Hall on Tuesday 13th January  as students proudly presented the findings from their recent scientific investigations. Judges and parents alike were highly impressed by the standard of work on display and, in particular, by the students’ confidence and clarity in communicating their research.

A wide range of innovative projects were showcased, reflecting students’ curiosity, creativity and commitment to scientific enquiry. After careful consideration, the judges announced the following prize winners:

The EirGrid Award
Comparing the energy output of a nine-volt battery versus a mini solar panel
Poppy Tattersall and Emilie Tuthill Frind

SciFest Health Science Award
How do different drinks affect tooth decay?
Chidubem Owoamanan

SciFest Practical Application Award
Finding out the difference between three heat protectants using receipts
Leonie Quinn

Keenova STEM Excellence Award
How does using different parachute materials influence the descent speed?
Abigail Banner and Esther Lacey

Keenova STEM Excellence Award
The Pendulum Bob
Alvaro de Mesa and Ethan Fan

Spirit of Science Award (Commemorating the 20th anniversary of SciFest)
Which method of learning is the most effective?
Anna Leitch and Orla Geoghegan

Overall Runner-Up Award
Does the length of wire affect resistance in a circuit?
Pari Lamba

Best Overall Project Award
Comparing the thermal insulation qualities of different fabrics
Realtín O’Connell

In addition to the judges’ awards, students also took part in voting for the Student Choice Award. Of the 44 projects entered, 13 received more than 10 votes and five projects received over 20 votes — a testament to the high standard across the exhibition.

Student Choice Award Winner
Resazurin Milk Test
Ewan Devine

Congratulations to all students who took part in SciFest this year. Their enthusiasm, scientific thinking and willingness to explore real-world questions made the day a tremendous success. Well done to everyone involved for showcasing the spirit of inquiry that lies at the heart of science education.