The environment, cervical cancer and homelessness are some of the issues covered by students taking part in this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

550 projects will be on display at the RDS in Dublin when it opens to the public on Thursday.

Thousands of students are now setting up their displays ahead of the opening ceremony and the first round of judging tomorrow.

It’s the 50th year of the competition, with students from all over the country showcasing a range of projects from STEM matters to social issues.

Rachel Biayi, from Scoil Neasain in Baldoye in Dublin, took part in a project on the presence of microplastics in teabags.

Pictured is Shay Walsh, Managing Director, BT Ireland with Sophie Kelly, Rachelle Biayi, and Karl Fitzpatrick, fouth year TY students from Pobail Scoil Neasain, Baldoyle who were on hand to launch the 55th BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition which kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday the 9th of January. Photo: Colm Mahady / Fennell Photography 

She explained: "We figured out that this plastic is actually in the glue sealant that they use to make teabags."

Her classmate Sophie Kelly added: "Our school [takes part in the Young Scientist exhibition] every year, and I've always wanted to do it.

"I thought this would be a great opportunity to show people there's plastic in teabags, and they should be mindful of where they're putting their plastics."

Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland, said he was delighted to welcome the "next wave of future scientists and entrepreneurs" to the RDS this week.

He observed: "Over the next few days the students will have the experience of lifetime, presenting their projects to some of the most renowned scientists and technologists in Ireland as well as the public; not to mention all the fun they will have making new friends and learning from their peers."

President Michael D Higgins will officially open the exhibition tomorrow.