THOMAS (16) MAKES HISTORY TO CLAIM TOP SCIENTIST PRIZE
January 2000
SIXTEEN-YEAR- OLD Coláiste Rís student Thomas Gernon wins the Millennium Esat Telecom Young Scientist Competition.
He claims the overall award with his project ‘ The Geography and Mathematics of Europe’s Urban Centres’.
The judges are not only impressed with the in-depth research conducted but largely with the unique conclusions drawn and the standard of presentation.
‘I am delighted with the success of the project, and thrilled to be named overall winner,’ says Thomas, from Louth Village, as he attempts to get back to normal and face the demands of his Leaving Cert studies.
‘ This is actually the first time in the competition’s history that the top prize goes to a project in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category, and a first too for Dundalk and Co. Louth,’ he adds.
Explaining that he had been working on his entry since last July, Thomas says it was not difficult to generate ideas, as it is the fourth year he has taken part.
‘In previous years I have won ‘Highly Commended’ for projects with a geography basis, so this time I decided to focus on a project which studied the size and location of 200 large urban areas throughout Europe.’
One of the main objectives was to try to explain why some locations have very large population concentrations while others have smaller concentrations.
‘But one of the main aims was to try to understand the past and present mechanisms responsible for urbanising patterns in Europe.
‘Secondly, I constructed mathematical models of these urban centres, and tried to predict the future of European urbanisation,’ Thomas continues.
He points out too that it was very important to ensure that the mathematical sides of these models were capable of being modified as circumstances change, so that predictions could be updated from time to time.
‘My final aim was to make the study usable as a tool which can assist in the processes of decision-making in economic and urban planning, so that we are not wasting resources trying to perpetuate an outdated pattern of urbanised area.’
Handling all enquiries about his work with ease, it is clear Thomas’ confidence makes an impression on the judges.
He says the standard of entries – the largest number ever - was very high, but he was confident his work would stand out.
‘I must express my gratitude to Sydney Peck, my Science teacher, who has been very supportive, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with.’
Thomas is presented with a specially-commissioned trophy and a cash prize of £1,000.
He will represent Ireland at the 12th European Union Contest for Young Scientists in Amsterdam later in the year.
‘We are thrilled with Thomas’ success, and I would have to say it couldn’t have happened to a nicer student, who is truly deserving of this award, having participated for the last four years,’ remarks school principal Frank Cooney.
He also speaks of the universal feeling of pride which transcends Coláiste Rís itself, and which is an enormous boost fore the talented students of Dundalk’s schools.