In 1963, two UCD physics researchers, Rev. Dr. Tom Burke and Dr. Tony Scott, came across the concept of ‘Science Fairs’ while conducting research in New Mexico, America. These local school science exhibitions culminated in State Fairs and ultimately a national competition. The pair decided that this type of hands-on science was something that Irish students could benefit from, by taking science outside the four walls of the classroom and showing that it is all around, and so the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition was born. The first competition was held in 1965 in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin and attracted 230 entries.

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is now much more than a competition; it is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime for the students who take part. The Exhibition itself is the final stage in the competition, which is open to all second level students from Ireland, both north and south. As well as the student projects on display, there are a further four exhibition halls filled with science and technology based exhibits and entertainment, making it a thrilling event for those who entered and for general visitors too.

Over the four days of the event, 40,000 attendees descend on the halls of the RDS and it is our job at With Taste to manage the café and restaurants throughout the halls, as well as various pods scattered throughout the exhibition and a marquee is also placed in front of the Main Hall. This catering event is much larger scale than other events due to the size of the exhibition space and footfall numbers.