The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) in association with the Irish Economics Association (IEA), University College Dublin, Maynooth University, University of Galway, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Munster Technological University, Technological University Dublin, The Central Bank of Ireland, The Irish Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), The Economics and Social Research Institute (ESRI), Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), Business Studies Teachers’ Association of Ireland (BSTAI) and Laois Education Support Centre are delighted to announce that the Young Economist(s) of the Year 2023 has been officially launched.

PDST Young Economist of the Year is approved and funded by the Teacher Education Section (TES) of the Department of Education.

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR YEOTY 2023

While the 2023 theme above may suggest some areas for consideration, projects may be in any area of economics. For examples and inspiration, previous winning entries can be viewed here.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

This year we will continue to promote an inquiry-based approach by students. While we encourage students to integrate the use of digital media into their presentations, the emphasis is on the quality of the investigation and economic analysis, through reasoned, well-informed arguments underpinned by relevant data and economic concepts and theories. We also encourage creativity and will accept submissions in a variety of forms such as essay, report, short video/documentary, powerpoint, prezi etc. The points below are important to consider when planning and preparing your submissions.

1. Relevance

Research questions must be relevant to economics and if you are applying to be considered for a special interest category such as IGEES or Central Bank of Ireland, the research question must have particular relevance to their respective remits.

2. Sustainable Development Goals

Projects must refer to at least one of the Sustainable Development Goals which may include Economic, Social or Environmental goals - https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/

3. Research Question & Motivation

Both the research question and motivation for choosing this question should be clearly stated and easy to understand at the outset of the project.

4. Data Gathering

• Secondary data must be relevant to the economic topic chosen, current and referenced accurately – see resources Scoilnet.ie. Other useful information may be found in “Appendix A:Guidance on Referencing Sources of Information” in Leaving Certificate Economics – Guidelines to support the Research Study (NCCA, 2021) available at curriculumonline.ie

• Primary data must be current and relevant to the topic.

5. Analysis of Data

Students should clearly articulate the useful information discovered from the data that may be used to inform the conclusion and demonstrate support for any decision-making.

6. Findings

Should include a summary of the analysis that either answers the research question or compels deeper or further investigation.

7. Conclusion

• Restate the topic as well as explaining why it is important

• Main points summarised

• “So what” question answered - i.e. recommendations, where to next etc.

8. Presentation

The presentation should be clear, informative and engaging. Information should be accurate and referenced appropriately where relevant.

Please note: We also have a separate “Creativity in Economics” category where we welcome submissions on explanations/illustrations/explorations of economic concepts that are articulated via animations, mind-map, visual presentation, poems, raps etc.

ENQUIRIES

Please email all enquiries to youngeconomist@pdst.ie

CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF ENTRIES

SUBMISSION OF ENTRIES

Click here to access the portal for submitting your project.

THE AWARD CELEBRATION

The award ceremony will be held in O'Reilly Hall, UCD on Friday April 28th.

CERTIFICATION & PRIZES

All students who submit an entry will receive a certificate of participation. Gold medal winners will be shortlisted for further awards in relevant categories.

GUIDELINES FOR ENTRIES

Students can submit individual or group entries - student/groups can submit one entry for consideration. Maximum number of entries per class is 3. Maximum number of students per group is 6.

Schools must engage in their own internal filtering process and all students who participate at school level will receive a certificate of participation.

Students’ submissions will be evaluated by economists and educationalists from a range of universities and economic institutions.

If you are a teacher interested in supporting students to get involved in the next Young Economist(s) of the Year, then check out the professional development webinars and resources at youngeconomist.ie.

These provide a great source of information and ideas and tools for using data and research to support lines of inquiry.  You can also hear from members of the judging panel and students from previous years.

#PDSTYEOTY