"Working with the Science Shop allowed me to conduct a research report that was not only interesting and exciting, but also provided me with the hands-on experience I needed to secure admission to a post-graduate course," said Bethany.

"The Science Shop made it possible for me to work with a voluntary agency on a subject that was important in the community."

Bethany is now completing a PhD at the University of Ulster.

Dave Newman from Hosford House rated Bethany's piece as excellent commenting that "Research in the voluntary sector is required to meet the changing nature of a modern society and the contribution of both student and university staff through the Science Shop is welcomed by the voluntary sector."

"Working on this topic gave me a real insight into the factors that can prejudice the effectiveness of law in operation. My project documented that the Rainbow Project and the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community in general, welcomed the introduction of this Act in 2004. It supports equality, but most participants acknowledged there is always room for improvement." said Ciaran.

Sean Morrin from Rainbow explains that this "excellent project was carried out in a very professional manner. This will now be used by the Rainbow Project and other organisations working with the Lesbian, Gay and bisexual Community."

UCF representative Judith West said: “This was an excellent piece of work and the findings will be extremely useful to us in the further development of the project.” 

“Already careful consideration is being given to implementing some of the recommendations made by Fintan as a result of his research.

Fintan is continuing to advise us on these changes and has even persuaded his new boss to offer their company's expertise in carrying out some of the work on a pro bono basis.”

Help the Aged Public Officer, Seamus Lynch said: "Help the Aged value our ongoing partnership with the Science Shop because the outcome is a win-win situation.  

Emma's excellent project, highlighting the need for legislation to protect older people from age discrimination in the Health Service, makes working with the Science Shop really worthwhile, as we seek to improve the quality of life for our older generation."

Claire Mulrone, Administrator of The Science Shop added: "This is the first time we have recognised the achievements of two UU students in our annual award. They are both deserved winners and the students projects will be used by their partner groups to benefit the community across Northern Ireland.

“The problem of domestic violence among same sex partners has been hidden for many years” said Cara.

“Domestic violence has been defined as violence by men against women and children. Same sex domestic violence has been considered non-existent or the fault of the individual’s sexuality. This research challenged the notion of abuse against the gay and lesbian community and argues that policy should be directed to providing the kind of help for abused members of the gay and lesbian community which until now has only been available to heterosexual women.”

Marie Brown, Director of Foyle Women’s Aid said: “The UU Science Shop enables Foyle Women’s Aids to explore new issues that influence our policy development and services. Cara’s excellent report demonstrates the need for this issue to be recognised by key stakeholders and is particularly timely given recent legislative changes
for same sex couples.”

Patrick Corrigan, Director for Amnesty International NI, said: "Accessing students through the University of Ulster Science Shop enables Amnesty International to commission evidence based research that influences policy development. Beverley's excellent piece of research shows how widespread the experience of racism is for members of the minority ethnic community in Northern Ireland. This research is helping to inform Amnesty's work on combating racism as a human rights abuse."

Claire Mulrone, Science Shop administrator said: "I am delighted that Beverley has received this award. For many years the School of Policy Studies has relentlessly supported students undertaking Science Shop projects, this support is being recognised today."

QUB winner Catriona Daly, a Politics and Modern History student, researched the level of knowledge and understanding possessed by public organisations in the Cookstown area regarding domestic violence. This work was completed in partnership with Cookstown Women's Aid.

Her project recommended that young people be directly involved in the recruitment process for the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and that he should report to them, not only to government, if children's rights are to be protected here.

The report also suggests that children be formally educated within schools about their rights, as current evidence shows that most young people are unaware of these rights.

Director for the Derry Children's Commission, Clionagh Boyle, strongly supported the report's recommendations: "Lisa's work has provided us with an in depth exploration of the legislation in a readable accessible style which is no small achievement given the complexities of the task.

"This was a particularly challenging piece of work that we used in a submission made to the newly appointed Children's Commissioner in Northern Ireland, Nigel Williams".

The annual Science Shop event showcases the best community based action research projects of the year, identifying a project that has made a significant contribution to the community sector.