At the European Union stand, visitors were able to jump on one of the "energy bikes" where they could see the level of pedal power needed to power a light bulb or a computer! This allowed them to see exactly how much energy is used to generate electricity.

Students also met Dr Stephen Langrell who spoke about his work at the EU's Joint Research Centre in Seville. In 1986 Dr Langrell won the exhibition for his research into the endangered cottonweed which inspired him to a career as a botanist and he now specialises in ways of maintaining biosecurity, food security and promoting sustainability.

The European Union stand focused on explaining global warming and what can be done to stop it.  Staff from the European Commission and the European Parliament offices in Ireland were on hand to explain how the EU is combating the problems of climate change and the environment through cooperation and the development of new technologies.

Visitors were also able to learn more about the types of research the EU funds both at home and throughout Europe. Currently Ireland receives approximately €1 million a week through the 7th Framework Initiative. Projects supported are as varied as advancing understanding of Atlantic salmon, virtual training for medical professionals through to ground breaking astronomy.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition Martin Territt, Director of the European Commission Representation in Ireland said, "The EU is always proud to maintain a strong association with the Young Scientist exhibition. Last year two Young Scientist first prize-winners from Kinsale went on to win the prestigious EU Contest for young scientists, for a new form of testing in milk production. Ireland continues to produce top class scientists and the EU has a responsibility to foster this talent and develop a working knowledge economy."

Background on Dr Langrell

Dr. Stephen Langrell, who is originally from Belfast, received the Best Individual Project Award in 1986 at the Young Scientists Competition, as well as the Irish Professors of Botany Award.

He has a BSc. in Botany from the University of Reading, an MSc. in Molecular Plant Pathology from the University of East Anglia (Norwich), and a Phd in Plant disease epidemiology from the University of London (Wye College).

Dr Langrell worked as a molecular plant pathologist and biosecurity specialist for the University of London, the Scottish Executive, France's Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) and Australia's Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) before joining the European Commission's Joint Research Centre in 2003 where he is a principal scientific officer involved in European and international development policy which supports research related to sustainable agriculture, food security and climate change.