FAQs | Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition

Frequently asked questions

Exhibition FAQ

For any unanswered questions regarding the entry process: email yste@yste.ie or call freephone 1 800 924 362 from the Republic of Ireland.

What refreshment facilities are on-site?

There are several options for food and drink available throughout the venue. You can choose from a range of on-site facilities, including a coffee shop, a bistro bar, and a dedicated food court with a selection of food trucks stationed on-site.

These outlets offer a wide variety of meals, snacks, and drinks for purchase, with options available to suit vegetarian, vegan, and halal dietary requirements.

Do my students need to wear their school uniform?

The majority of students do wear school uniforms, but this will depend on your school’s guidelines

One student from my group cannot continue. What do I need to do?

When a student leaves a group, they must sign over the IP rights for the project to the remaining students. If only one student remains from the original group, the project will need approval from the head judge to continue as an individual submission rather than a group project. Please contact yste@yste.ie for more information.

What prizes are available?

There are hundreds of awards to be won. In addition to the top four awards, there are category awards for first, second, and third places in each category/age group alongside special awards, highly commended and display awards.

When can the public visit the exhibition?

The exhibition is open to the public on the following dates:

Thursday, 7 January: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, 8 January: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, 9 January: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale later this year. We will share further updates on our website and social channels as the event approaches.

Is parking available on‑site?

No on-site parking is available for general visitors. We strongly recommend using public transport—Sandymount and Lansdowne Road DART stations are just a short walk away.

What do I need to keep in mind for the exhibition?

We encourage you to bring a refillable water bottle. While small bags are permitted, please avoid bringing large luggage. There is no cloakroom available on-site.
Accessibility: The RDS is a fully accessible venue. For specific queries or assistance, please speak to a member of staff on arrival.
Safety: The safety of our visitors and participants is our top priority. First aid services are available on-site—please follow signage or ask any staff member for directions.

Student FAQ

What are the rules of entry?

The rules are designed to ensure that the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is conducted as fairly and as efficiently as possible and are subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of YSTE. Infringement of any of the rules may lead to exclusion, at any time, of individuals or schools from present and/or future participation in the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

Refer to the Handbook to view our 2027 rules of entry.

What are the project display and material guidelines?

Required project materials include:

Project book
Project diary
Display board
3-minute video

To view the project display and material guidelines and helpful tips for each material, refer to the Handbook.

What are some one-page proposal examples?

Refer to the Handbook for one-page proposal examples in each category.

What are the research guidelines?

Refer to the Handbook to find our research guidelines.

How many can work together in a group?

Groups will consist of either two or three members at maximum, where possible in the same age group (Junior, Intermediate or Senior), who must be from the same school.

How will projects be judged?

Stage one (to 25 September 2026) – Please enter via enter.yste.ie. Screening of all entries will take place as soon after the closing date as possible.
Stage two (23 October 2026) – For those that qualify, your teacher will be sent notification and you’ll begin working on your preparation for the exhibit (project diary, report book, video, poster).
Stage three (6 - 9 January 2027) – Judging of top 550 projects will take place in person in the RDS from the 6 - 9 January 2027.

Is there a Project entry fee?

Yes. Entry to the Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2026 is €20/£18 per student. Results of the project selection process will not be released until the entry fee has been paid.

Is there financial support available to fund the work?

The Accommodation Grant Scheme (the ‘Grant Scheme’) is available to schools that are over 70 Km from the RDS, grants of €150/£135 payable to a school in respect of each individual pupil project entry and grants of €300/£270 payable to a school in respect of each group project entry, subject always to a maximum grant payment per school of €1,500/£1,350. See the Handbook for more details.

My project could be entered under two categories, which do I select?

At the entry stage select the one you and your teacher deem the most suitable for your project based on the subcategories of the projects and if the judges feel it would be represented in a different category more accurately it may be moved during screening.

Does the project have to be worked on during school hours?

No, the project can be worked on at times convenient for you but remember to include all the work in your project diary.

Will patent protection apply?

Yes and guidance on this for qualified projects will be sent out when you are notified that you have qualified. We hope to once again work with the Patents office so students can get free advice on patenting their projects.

Will internet access be available for my project should I qualify to exhibit in January?

Wi-Fi will be available throughout the exhibition hall.

My group qualified with two students; can I add a third?

Students cannot be added to a group that has already qualified.

One student from my group cannot continue, what do I need to do?

When a student leaves a group, they must sign over the IP rights for the project to the remaining students. If the student leaving the group means that only one student is left then permission is needed from the head judge to allow the project that qualified in group to move to individual. Please contact YSTE@yste.ie for more information.

I need to withdraw a project, what do I have to do?

When a student confirms that they will exhibit a project, one of the available stand spaces will be allocated against that project. It is the teacher’s responsibility to check with students before the Christmas holidays to confirm that they are still planning to participate. If a project has to be withdrawn, please let us know immediately in writing to YSTE@yste.ie before 5th December 2025. Failure to do so may lead to the disqualification of participation of the project in future years.

What prizes are available?

Everyone is aware of the top four awards, but there are loads of others that you could go home with, including 90 awards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category/age group!

Teacher FAQ

I have a number of projects qualified but I am the teacher for all of them. Can I bring an additional teacher with me to the exhibition?

A request will need to be made to YSTE@yste.ie and a decision will be made based on the overall number of teachers supporting projects at the exhibition.

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Do I have to be near the students' stands at all times?

You can be at or near your students' stands at all times except during their judging interviews, no videoing or photography of these interviews are allowed. There is a dedicated teacher space available on the upper balcony.

How do I register?

Visit the teacher registration page
Fill in the teacher registration form
Confirm your email via activation link
Log in and request a verification code if needed
Use the Teacher Area dashboard to monitor and manage your school’s entries

Once registered, as a teacher you can oversee submissions, manage student details, and track project statuses via your dedicated dashboard.

What is required of me to support a student?

Idea Development
- Help students brainstorm, develop questions, plan methodology
Project Submission
- Register, assess, and submit projects by 29 Sep 2025 deadline
Qualification Prep
- Confirm student participation; manage any withdrawals before 5 Dec 2024
Event Logistics
- Ensure setup, oversee attendance, manage teacher replacements
Onsite Supervision
- Support students during exhibition, supervise breaks
Student Welfare
- Facilitate SNA passes; manage evening activities and collection

What child protection provisions will be in place for Stripe YSTE 2026?

We will be reviewing all child protection measures that are currently in place for YSTE and will enhance those if required.

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