Winner of the 2008 RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers Competition announced

Aaron Elbel (14) from St Brendan’s College, Killarney, Co. Kerry was announced as the overall winner of the 2008 RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers’ Competition this week. His brilliant tale entitled ‘When Botanists go Bad’ has scooped him the prize of a digital camera for winning his category and his very own laptop courtesy of Marine Institute sponsorship.  

Aaron’s short story was described as original and informative, combining science and humor in a plot that sees a botanist determined to hunt down and exterminate plant life. Aaron was presented with his prize by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Jimmy Devins TD.  

Speaking at the event, Minister Devins said “it is refreshing to see the range of topics selected by this year’s entrants. I am struck by the cross-curricular nature of many pieces and how the students have successfully merged their literary talents and scientific skills. Their writings range from a report about the physical and mental fitness needed to excel in athletics to a thrilling futuristic account of human cloning and the ethical issues associated with it. I am confident that these young enquiring minds will prevail in this generation and continue to excel into the future.”  

Marine Institute CEO Peter Heffernan echoed Minister Devins’ sentiments. “The Marine Institute is delighted to be able to sponsor this event, and I congratulate Aaron on his creativity and success” he said. “I would encourage all students to explore the vast array of exciting opportunities that science can open up to them across all areas of industry and the arts, from science writing to the cutting edge of research and development”.  

Further information on the RDS McWilliams Young Science Writers’ Competition, as well as all of this year’s essays can be found on the RDS websitewww.rds.ie/youngsciencewriters

(Images and text courtesy of the RDS marketing office)