Getting the chemistry right

A Drogheda student has won first prize in the annual chemistry essay competition for secondary school students. Lisa Murphy of Drogheda Grammar School in Co Louth claimed the top prize for an essay entitled "Foods for thought".

Second prize went to Neasa Forde of Loreto Secondary School, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Her essay was entitled "The digestion of fats".

The purpose of the competition is to encourage more students to become interested in chemistry, maths and the other sciences. It involves the student putting together an essay describing any aspect of chemistry.

The Institute of Chemistry of Ireland sponsors and also organises the competition. The other sponsors include the Royal Society of Chemistry, Republic of Ireland section; the Society of Chemical Industry; The Irish Times; and AGB Scientific Ltd.

The presentations to the two students took place last month at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin.

Lisa Murphy's essay considered how dietary factors are thought to play a major role in brain health, and how the brain deteriorates with Alzheimer's disease. She received €600 and a sculpture by John Coen, sponsored by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, AGB Scientific Ltd, and The Irish Times.

Neasa Forde's paper looked at the digestion and metabolism of fats. She received €300 sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Republic of Ireland section.

There were two joint third place winners who received €300 sponsored by The Society of Chemical Industry, Republic of Ireland Section. They were Orla Doyle and Ursula Conroy, both of St Patrick's High School, Keady, Co Armagh.