Students took the spotlight at the 2025 Young Economist of the Year (YEOTY) National Awards, held at the Knocknarea Arena, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Sligo.

More than 300 second-level students aged 12-18 from various schools in Ireland participated in the event, showcasing their curiosity and critical thinking skills in economics. 

The event, now in its twelfth year, aims to promote an understanding and enjoyment of economics among young people. This year's entries covered a wide array of topics such as climate change, inflation, AI, housing, global trade, sport, gender equality, and more, demonstrating the relevance of economics in analyzing modern societal complexities. 

^{Seamus Coffey, of the Irish Economic Association, introduces the YEOTY Awards 2025}

The national award was presented by Seamus Coffey, President of the Irish Economic Association, to Mir Hasibullah Zia and Daniel Dillon, from Wexford CBS, for their project titled "The Dependency Trap: How Ireland's Reliance on Multinationals Deepens Economic Imbalances", which focused on the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ireland. Their project stood out for its clear presentation, in-depth analysis, and incorporation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

^{YEOTY National Award Winners (Senior Category) Daniel Dillon (l) and Mir Hasibullah Zia (r)  /  Mir Hasibullah Zia (l) receiving the award from Seamus Coffey (r)}

The overall winner in the junior category was Iris Xinhe Li, from Rathdown School, for her project "Earth or Space: Which Economy will Launch us into the Future?".

Additional prizes were awarded depending on age, county and topic area.

Additionally the Central Bank of Ireland Award, for projects with a focus on the Irish economy and monetary policy was awarded to Swasti Sahoo, from Adamstown Community College for her project titled "The Paradox of Green Growth Can Capitalism Survive Without Infinite Resource Exploitation". The entries were reviewed by a judging panel made up of Central Bank economists.

Jack Chambers, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, commended the students on their projects during a remote address, acknowledging their critical thinking and contribution to policy discussions. 

^{Jack Chambers, Irish Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation addresses the YEOTY Awards 2025}

Dr. Rachel Farrell, Chair of YEOTY, highlighted the exceptional standard of entries this year and praised the program for empowering students to explore important societal issues through evidence-based economic thinking. 

YEOTY is supported by various national partners, including universities, associations and government departments. The program plays a crucial role in enhancing data literacy and economic awareness among young people. With participation from schools across Ireland, this year's awards underscore the growing strength of economics education in the country. 

Congratulations were extended to all participants, recognizing the bright future of economics in Ireland lies in the hands of the talented and passionate students who took part in the event.

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_{^{Image Credits: Paul Moore Photography / YEOTY}}