Latest news with #SpiritofNorthernIrelandAwards2025
Belfast Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Date announced for the 2025 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards
And Telefónica Tech UK&I is again the prestigious title sponsor of the awards programme. The eagerly-anticipated ceremony, which has become an important fixture in the Northern Ireland IT industry, will be held in the MAC Theatre. This year, to reflect the fast-evolving nature of the industry, the categories will be altered to reflect the growing importance of AI and other trends. Ellen Dickson, VP, Enterprise Health at Telefónica Tech UK&I, said: 'Telefónica Tech is delighted to once again sponsor the 2025 Belfast Telegraph IT Awards. "Every year, these awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on those in the ever-evolving IT sector and to come together as an industry in Northern Ireland to celebrate the achievements of IT people, teams and businesses.' Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes She said the quality of the entrants and winners is 'always outstanding, and a true reflection of IT excellence in Northern Ireland'. "This year, we've slightly tweaked categories to reflect the growing role of AI in the technologies we use, and we can't wait to see how that manifests in the submissions. 'Through the work we're involved in at Telefónica Tech, particularly in health but also across other sectors, we see first-hand the huge value that IT professionals bring, and the profound impact their work has on people's lives. "Roll on the awards ceremony in November.'
Belfast Telegraph
25-06-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
NI student (16) wins top science award for creating sign language dictionary using AI
Mykyta Telychko, a year 12 pupil from St Joseph's Boys' School, Creggan, won the Intermediate Technology Award 2025 in The Big Bang Competition - a nationwide competition for young engineers, scientists and technologists. He created an interactive dictionary to help hearing and hearing-impaired people learn sign language through an algorithm designed to accurately compare user gestures with reference examples using real-time webcam data. Mykyta plans to develop a web-based version to reach a wider audience and will test the dictionary with participants of all ages. In order to use it, the program requires a computer or laptop with a webcam which is used to provide real-time feedback while the user is learning signs. 'The user then selects the sign language they want to learn and enters a word,' he explained. 'The system displays a video of that sign then the user can switch to 'Practice Mode,' where the webcam is activated. 'The user performs the sign in front of the camera, and the program gives immediate visual feedback using green, yellow, and red highlights to show what is correct and what needs improvement. It works like a personal tutor that helps guide the learning process.' The 16-year-old was inspired to create the dictionary because of his younger brother Makar's challenges with a hearing impairment. He communicates with his 12-year-old brother mainly in Ukrainian but said that he struggles to understand non-familiar people due to being unable to hear certain sound frequencies. Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes 'Makar is able to speak and understand familiar people quite well, but he has difficulty understanding unfamiliar people, especially in non-native languages,' said Mykyta. 'This is because he cannot hear certain sound frequencies — especially high and mid-range ones, such as birdsong or hissing sounds in speech. 'When we moved to Northern Ireland due to the war in Ukraine, Makar found it especially difficult to learn English, as it was a completely new language and the high-frequency sounds made it even harder for him.' After researching the topic, the teenager learned that over 400 million people around the world have significant hearing difficulties. 'One of the biggest challenges they face is communication and one possible solution is the use of sign languages,' he explained. 'I discovered that, just like spoken languages, there are many different sign languages — such as American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), Ukrainian Sign Language, and many others. 'Since I am passionate about programming, I decided to create a software application to help people learn various sign languages. This could be useful not only for people with hearing loss but also for those who want to communicate with them — including sign language interpreters.' During his research, he discovered that most tools for learning sign languages lacked a 'feedback mechanism'. 'This meant that users could watch videos of signs, but they couldn't check whether they were signing correctly themselves,' he said. 'So, my main goal became developing a feedback system. I created a custom algorithm that compares the user's webcam input with a reference video of the sign. It shows whether the user is reproducing the sign correctly and highlights where hand or finger positions need improvement. 'I use computer vision technologies in my app, which greatly increases the effectiveness of learning.' The interactive dictionary is currently a desktop software application but Mykyta hopes to develop a web-based version so that more people can access it. Mykyta is currently exploring opportunities for external funding that could help develop the project further and make it available to more people who want to learn sign languages.
Belfast Telegraph
24-06-2025
- Science
- Belfast Telegraph
More than 100 schoolgirls build 13m bridge at W5 in hands on initiative to connect females with STEM
The interactive science hub in Belfast hosted the inspirational initiative in collaboration with The Big Bridge, Design ID, and System Operator for NI (SONI) at the end of last week. The pupils, all aged between 11 and 13 gathered at the Odyssey venue to take part in the hands-on, interactive travelling event that aims to ignite the spark of curiosity and instill confidence and ambition in the next generation of female creators. Amy Dillion, project director at The Big Bridge and principal engineer at Design ID said she is proud to introduce young girls to the world of engineering. "This event is about connecting female students with real engineers and showcasing the impact they can have on the world," she said. "We are hoping to build a future that is more diverse, and celebrating International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is a powerful way to recognise the fantastic talent we have in Northern Ireland.' Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes INWED takes place annually on June 23 to shine a spotlight on the vital role women play in engineering and technology industries that remain significantly dominated by males with just 11% of women counted among the workforce in NI. There is a growing movement to change that statistic with increasing opportunities for girls to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and meaningful exposure to female role models within STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). Elaine Steele, who heads up learning and engagement at W5, is passionate about promoting the fact that 'STEM is for everyone' and hailed the event as a depiction of what is possible when educators, industry, and engineers come together. "We're literally and figuratively building bridges by giving females the opportunity to explore engineering first-hand and connect with women thriving in the field,' she added. 'Events like this are crucial for helping young women realise that they belong in STEM.' The ambitious project created an educational experience that blended real-world engineering, career insight, and inspirational mentorship in a supportive environment. Emma Morris, director of operations at SONI – the electricity transmission system operator for NI – said she is proud to be involved in creating change. 'We are passionate about helping to develop the talent of the future and encourage young people, particularly women, into STEM careers, she said. 'Events like this are crucial as they help to show young people that engineering is an exciting, creative, and innovative career choice. "It was great to see that so many pupils headed to W5, and we hope this event inspired them to consider a career in engineering.'
Belfast Telegraph
24-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Nominations open for the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards
Nominations have opened for this year's Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, with 17 categories open for consideration by the judging panel. Those wishing to enter the awards, which are held in partnership with Openreach have until 5pm on Friday 12th September to apply online. The categories are: Lauren McGaughey, acting director, Openreach Northern Ireland said 'I'm delighted that Openreach Northern Ireland are partnering with the Belfast Telegraph for the third consecutive year to sponsor the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards. 'These awards are a standout event in the Northern Ireland calendar and a chance to celebrate the very best companies working within the property industry here. 'At Openreach, we build and maintain the largest broadband network in Northern Ireland and are proud of the huge part we play in making Northern Ireland the most digitally connected region in the UK. 'I'm especially delighted that the award categories showcase companies, like ourselves, who strive to deliver for their customers in an inclusive and sustainable way.' Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes Eoin Brannigan, editor-in-chief of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, said: 'We are delighted to launch the 2025 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, which for the third year in a row will be sponsored by Openreach. 'I'd like to thank Openreach for their continued support, and in particular wish Lauren McGaughey well while she steps in at the helm for Garret Kavanagh. "These awards touch on many key aspects of life in Northern Ireland, from housing to construction to infrastructure, so are a natural fit for the Belfast Telegraph.' "Thanks to all our category sponsors and best of luck to our expert judging panel for the intense debates to come." Sharon McClements, chair of the judging panel, said: 'I am really excited to be chairing the judging panel again this year and to work with the wider panel of esteemed judges who bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and insight to these awards. 'The property industry in NI is vast, and year on year we continue to see entries from truly brilliant firms, teams and individuals who are shaping our built environment. 'These awards make me very proud of our local property sector, and I look forward to celebrating the passion and dedication that drives Northern Ireland's property sector forward.'
Belfast Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Young NI people thrilled to mix with ‘down-to-earth' royalty as they receive Duke of Edinburgh awards
The Duke of Edinburgh alongside his wife Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was in attendance at the prestigious event in Co Down. The prince spoke with and congratulated the young people who received their accolades. The gold award requires participants to complete volunteering, physical activity, and skill development over periods of months. They must also complete an expedition for four days and three nights, then a residential setting away from home for five days and four nights. Among those proud to receive the award was first year Queen's University student, Sarah Frazer (19). She said: 'I did my gold award through school at Royal School Armagh, and it encompasses the expedition, which I did in Glencoe in Scotland. School took us over. For the residential section, I went to Coleraine and the New Horizons [festival] to set up the big tent for missions taking place there. 'For my skills, I play the violin, so I did my diploma. And for my physical, I do Scottish Highland dancing. 'It was an absolute challenge, I didn't think I could do it. I have done my bronze and silver, but the gold was really challenging.' Also meeting with the Duke of Edinburgh was Royal School Armagh alumni James Anderson (21). 'For my volunteering section, I volunteered at my local Boys' Brigade, where I helped with the junior sessions,' he said. 'I helped coach football and things like that. For the expedition, we did four days in the Mournes. 'It was really rewarding to finish because it was quite difficult to trek through the Mournes. The residential was the most difficult part for me. 'It was probably the most daunting. I did mine in Lisnaskea at the Share Centre. Beforehand, I didn't really know what it was going to contain, I was quite scared. But I actually did it and enjoyed it. 'It is a really nice experience to meet royalty. Prince Edward was really down to earth. 'He asked us what we did for our award and what it was like.' Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards 2025: A look behind the scenes Sam Montgomery (20) explained that the expedition was the least challenging part for him. 'I enjoyed the expedition, many refer to the expedition as being the hardest part,' he said. 'Especially if you are doing it through school. I think it is the easiest part because it was the most exciting. 'For my skills section, I played the accordion. I am now in my second year of university, I study law and politics at Queen's. 'Prince Edward seemed enthusiastic about the awards, I think it's important that he is so interested in it.' Recently qualified paediatric nurse, Lauren Boyd (23), said the afternoon at the castle was 'gorgeous'. 'I did the award through Girls' Brigade. I was not quite the best in the group at putting up the tent, I was more there for holding up morale,' she said. 'For my sport, I did dance with Girls' Brigade and piano for my skill. 'For volunteering, I made powerpoints for my local church. 'My favourite part of it was the craic and definitely the company. I would encourage other young people to go through it. 'It's a great qualification to have and today is definitely a bonus. Being a paediatric nurse, it has definitely helped for skills, interviews and confidence.' Eighteen-year old Ben Spires completed his award with Down High School in Downpatrick. 'I did mine last summer. Finally getting it is very rewarding, it will be great for my CV,' he said. 'It definitely gives you something to talk about in interviews. For my volunteering, I worked with my local Boys' Brigade.' Completing her own with the RAF Air Cadets was Charlotte Burrows (22). 'I am currently working and doing a part-time course in college. I did my awards with the Air Cadets. 'I did a guitar for my skills, cycling for my physical and I volunteered with the Air Cadets, then I did my expedition. 'I have been with the Air Cadets since 2016. It has been a great day, the weather stayed dry and I got a chance to speak with the Duke of Edinburgh. 'He asked me how I got on with my Duke of Ed.'
