Education
Ardscoil Rís student invention takes top spot at SciFest Regional Final at TUS Moylish
The top honour — the SciFest Best Project Award — was awarded to Soumyadeep Saha from Ardscoil Rís, Co. Limerick, for his project, Optima – An Investigation in the Effect of Intelligent and Dynamic Text Presentation on Reading Efficiency. Pictured here with Sheila Porter of Scifest. Pic: Brian Arthur
Ardscoil Rís student, Soumyadeep Saha, takes top prize at SciFest Regional Final for his invention to help people with dyslexia
Second-level students from across Limerick and the wider region showcased innovation, creativity and problem-solving skills at SciFest@Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Limerick 2026, with a strong range of projects on display.
The Department of Applied Science at TUS hosted SciFest at the Moylish Campus, welcoming approximately 170 secondary school students from across the Midwest region and wider afield, who exhibited projects across the areas of life sciences, physical sciences and technology.
From the impressive line-up of entries, the top honour — the SciFest Best Project Award — was awarded to Soumyadeep Saha from Ardscoil Rís, County Limerick, for his project, Optima – An Investigation in the Effect of Intelligent and Dynamic Text Presentation on Reading Efficiency.
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Soumyadeep’s project explores how artificial intelligence can improve reading accessibility, particularly for individuals with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Using deep learning and custom AI models, he developed a system that analyses text and dynamically adjusts its presentation — including paragraph structure, spacing, sentence complexity and keyword highlighting — to enhance readability and comprehension.
The project also examines the potential of eye-tracking technology to adapt text in real time, with the long-term aim of integrating the system into a portable educational device.
Soumyadeep will now progress to the SciFest National Final, where he will compete for the opportunity to represent Ireland at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles in May 2027.
The Runner-up Best Project Award was presented to Farrah Corbett from Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, County Limerick, for her project, AI Driven Planting System to Help Combat the Ongoing Air Pollution Crisis, which explored innovative approaches to environmental sustainability using artificial intelligence.
As one of 15 regional venues nationwide, SciFest@TUS Limerick saw students present projects that explored real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering and maths.
SciFest@TUS Limerick co-ordinator Dr Pauline Ryan said, “As SciFest celebrates its 20th anniversary, we continue to be inspired by the exceptional standard of projects that enter SciFest@TUS Limerick. The standard of research undertaken by second-level students across the region showcases their strong passion and enthusiasm for STEM. We are proud to be part of SciFest, an initiative that not only supports students in developing their STEM knowledge but also encourages them to stay curious and engaged with the world around them.”
SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island STEM initiative that promotes active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. Now in its 20th year, the programme continues to encourage young people to explore STEM through curiosity-led investigation, creativity and problem-solving.
Speaking at the event, Sheila Porter, Founder and CEO of SciFest, said, “Twenty years ago, the first SciFest fair took place in 2006, and since then we’ve seen tens of thousands of students bring ideas to life — asking questions, testing solutions and presenting projects with confidence and pride. It is inspirational to see the innovation, imagination and impact of this year’s SciFest@TUS Limerick projects. I would encourage every second level student in Limerick and the wider region with an idea, interest or even just a question to remain curious and enter SciFest.”
SciFest is funded by the Department of Education and Youth and supported by industry partners including Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and Keenova.
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