14-05-2025
Cork secondary students win prestigious prize for creating eco packaging made from seaweed
Clodagh Hayes and Grainne Dineen from Loreto Secondary School in Fermoy were congratulated for their innovative idea at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Little Island on Friday.
The competition, now in its 21st year, offers students from seven Cork-based secondary schools an opportunity to shine a light on their STEM expertise and ingenuity in a rewarding, exciting and fun environment.
Teams of students from St Mary's High School in Midleton, St. Aloysius' College in Carrigtwohill, Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál in Blarney, Midleton CBS, Coláiste Fionnchua in Mitchelstown, Loreto Secondary School in Fermoy and Midleton College participated in this year's Merck Schools Science Competition.
Ms Hayes and Ms Dineen said they were 'honoured' to win the competition.
"We are incredibly honoured to be chosen as the winners of this year's Merck Schools Science Competition.
'Taking part in this competition has been really engaging and opened our eyes to the exciting possibilities within the STEM fields.
'I want to thank our school and Merck for providing this amazing opportunity, for guiding us along the way, and allowing us to explore our curiosity,' they said.
Merck aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators, cultivate interest in STEM through this competition while continuing to encourage students to explore future careers in these critically important fields.
Mark Dunphy, Site Director and Head of Cork Operations at Merck said:
'At Merck, we firmly believe in the power of STEM education to shape the future.
'By offering students the opportunity to practically apply their scientific knowledge, this competition is instrumental in sparking an interest in STEM careers and nurturing those who will spearhead the scientific breakthroughs of the future,' he added.
