Teagasc is delighted to once again sponsor the Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, now in its 62nd year, taking place from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 January 2026 at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin.
Throughout the event, Teagasc staff and students will highlight how agricultural and food research is helping to address some of Ireland’s most pressing challenges, inspiring the next generation of scientists and innovators.
Across the three days, representatives from forestry, crop science, food biosciences, climate and environment, animal science, horticulture, education and spatial analysis will bring research to life through hands-on demonstrations, interactive games and conversations with students, teachers and the public. The Teagasc stand can be found in the Expo Hall 1 at the RDS, stand 112.
What to expect at the Teagasc stand
Forestry, climate and the environment
The Teagasc Forestry Development team, Áine Moran, Michael Somers, Pádraic O’Leary, Grace Jones, John Casey, Frances McHugh and Liam Kelly, will host interactive displays featuring trees and timber samples, highlighting the role of forests in carbon storage, biodiversity and sustainable land use.
Climate research will be explored with Karl Richards, Head of the Teagasc Climate Centre, who will discuss climate impacts and solutions, alongside Omobolanle Blessing Kalenikanse (Animal & Biosciences), who will explain research focused on reducing enteric emissions from livestock.
Crops, plants and biodiversity
Crop and plant scientists will demonstrate how research supports resilient, sustainable food systems. Activities include a plant–aphid board game exploring disease spread, integrated pest management demonstrations, and hands-on engagement with wildflowers and biodiversity. Researchers involved include Marta Niedzicka, Sara Dunny Fox and Jack Perry (Crop Science), Hui Xing and Paul Fitters (Botanics), and Susanne Barth, who will present the Biodiversity in Action school kit designed to link research with classroom learning.
Food, nutrition and health
Food biosciences research will highlight how Teagasc science supports healthier and more sustainable foods. Maria Hayes will present research on seaweeds, fisheries by-products and microalgae as sources of bioactive ingredients for use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals and topical applications.
Plant-based and gluten-free food research will be showcased by Pavithra Parthasarathy and Yueyue Chen, focusing on foods made from Irish-grown crops such as oats, fava beans, peas, quinoa and buckwheat. This work addresses challenges including coeliac disease, digestibility and healthy ageing using innovative laboratory models.
Animals, soils and ecosystems
Animal and environmental research will feature through hands-on activities. Francesca Johansen (Pig Research Department) will explore animal behaviour through interactive games, while Karla Burke (Environment, Soils and Land Use) will demonstrate soil microbiology, visual evaluation of soil structure and the underwear decomposition test to highlight the importance of soil health.
Innovation, data and education pathways
Spatial Analysis and Innovation researchers Rosie Giglia, Amy O’Leary and Lauren McGuinness will show how data, design thinking and engaged research inform decision-making, from plant protein value chains to public health challenges such as vitamin D deficiency.
Rónán mac an tSaoir (Teacher at Ballyhaise Agricultural College) will speak with students about education pathways and Dónall Flanagan (Horticulture) about his work with ornamental plants and pollinators, including bees.
Karla Burke and Omobolanle Blessing Kalenikanse will also take part in an on-stage career discussion, sharing their experiences and how they are developing their careers through Teagasc’s Walsh Scholar Programme.
Inspiring future scientists
Speaking ahead of the exhibition, Eimear Ferguson, Science Communication and Engagement Officer at Teagasc and coordinator of the Teagasc presence at the event, said:
“The Stripe Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to connect young people with the real-world impact of research. Our researchers are passionate about showing how science supports sustainable food systems, climate action, biodiversity and health – and about encouraging the next generation to see themselves as future scientists and innovators.”
Teagasc’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to education, public engagement and inspiring Ireland’s future scientists, researchers and problem-solvers.
To find out more about this and other events that Teagasc support visit: https://teagasc.ie/about/research-innovation/science-communication-and-engagement/public-events/bt-young-scientist/