Participation in the IrEUSO is by invitation only. The finalists are selected on the basis Junior Certificate Examination results. The State Examination Commission (SEC) identifies the high achievers in Maths & Science in the Junior Certificate Examination (must include A in Mathematics and Science).
IrEUSO FAQ
If you wish to take part in the IrEUSO return the completed Registration Form before the closing date.
There is no registration fee and no participation fee for the IrEUSO. The student must pay all his/her own expenses incurred in travelling to and from DCU and any other personal costs incurred, e.g. B&B, meals etc.
The students must be under sixteen years of age on December 31 on the year of the Irish EUSO, usually held in October/November prior to the EUSO. The EUSO takes place the following April/May. The European Union Science Olympiad (EUSO) is a team competition for EU second level school science students who are 16 years of age or younger on the December 31st prior to the competition.
The list of returned applications is published on this web site on the date which is in the covering letter.
Email the team leaders immediately and resend your completed forms by email.
The tests are usually Multi Choice Questionnaires (MCQ) in Biology, Chemistry & Physics. The scientific committee may administer an additional reasoning test. The Biology, Chemistry & Physics Tests are run simultaneously.
YES. On the Registration Form you must indicate which subject you are taking.
YES. You can change your choice of subject at registration on the day.
NO, and do not ask for them. The test change every year. You are encouraged to read around the subject area. You will be presented with material that you may not have met in school that will require scientific reasoning skills, problem-solving abilities and knowledge to solve problems.
Pass Leaving Certificate.
No.
Approximately three hours.
Calculator, pen, pencil, eraser, ruler, etc.
Take a break of approximately one hour. DCU cafes and shops are open. The closing ceremony will then take place.
All finalists are requested to and expected to attend the closing ceremony. If you wish to be excused please inform the Director.
All participants will receive a specially designed certificate.
The top student in each subject will receive gold medals, the next student in each subject silver medals and the next two in each subject will receive bronze medals.
All medal winners will be invited to participate in Practical Training in February/March and after a further assessment, the top six (6) students will be selected to represent Ireland at the EUSO.
If I am one of the 6 who make the final team, then:
Three (two teams with three members in each).
The Scientific Committee decided which three students make up each team.
They compete as a team.
Yes.
Throughout November the students do assignments. Failure to complete these assignments will result in removal from the team. The team members may receive a two-day, intensive, residential training course in DCU prior to departure to the IrEUSO.
Accommodation and meals during the two-day training programme, flight to and from the EUSO and accommodation and meals at the EUSO are provided free of charge to the team members.
Because you are a minor travelling outside Ireland with a non-family member.
After the opening ceremony the leaders are given the tests to agree and to translate into the student’s native language. No contact with the students is allowed until after this test is over.
One of the leaders is excused from translation and other duties and will deal with the student. If the leader has already seen the test, the student will not be allowed do that test.
The DCU Travel & Medical insurance covers all delegation members. This covers all emergencies. Team members may take out additional insurance if they feel it necessary.
Very little. All food is provided. Money is required only for personal effects and gifts.
Students should not bring expensive jewellery or valuable items. Minding them may become a tedious burden.
This depends on the climate at the IrEUSO. However nice clothes are required at the opening and closing ceremonies. Otherwise the student should wear normal casual clothes that he/she feels comfortable wearing.
Misbehaviour will not be tolerated. Taking alcohol or non-prescription drugs is strictly prohibited once the students come under the authority of the team leaders. Different customs to ours apply in many countries: huge respect for authority figures is one. The student is an Ambassador for school and country. Behave accordingly.