10th November 2016
Science Week 2016 takes place nationwide from the 13th – 20th November
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, attended a Celebration of Science showcase in Government buildings today ahead of the 21st annual Science Foundation Ireland Science Week. The Celebration of Science showcases the latest developments in Irish Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) across all levels; from primary school, to universities and industry leaders. Science Week is a national event running from the 13th to the 20th of November 2016.
An Taoiseach and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, met with a variety of people involved with STEM in Ireland including student Claire O'Connor, who won a bronze medal at the International Linguistics Olympiad 2016 in Mysore, India; secondary school student Niamh Scanlon, EU Digital Girl of the Year 2015; Prof Mike Zaworotko, University of Limerick, who is one of the top 20 chemist in the world; Prof Luke O’Neill, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), who was elected in 2016 as a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society; pupils from Gardiner Street Primary School who have received 11 SFI Discover Primary Science & Maths Awards; Prof Valeria Nicolosi, AMBER SFI Research Centre and Trinity College Dublin, who has been awarded five highly prestigious European Research Council awards; Evelyn Cusack from Met Eireann; representatives from Kite Entertainment who produced the award winning Brain Freeze series; authors of the new Science Apprentice children’s book series, representatives from RTE, the Marine Institute, Pfizer and Huawei.
Speaking at the event, An Taoiseach said: “I am delighted to be celebrating Science Week 2016 by exploring some of the spectacular science from across Ireland with those who are passionate about STEM. The dedication and achievements of researchers from our universities and industries showcases the strength of the Irish research community. The enthusiasm of our students and teachers as they discover the wonders of science also highlights the importance of events like Science Week and helps inspire the next generation to become involved in STEM. Science Week inspires people across the nation to get involved and experience some of the remarkable science that is ongoing in our country today. With hundreds of events across Ireland, I strongly encourage everyone to participate in at least one event over the course of the week.”
Commenting at the celebration Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, said: “Today’s event held in the run up to Science Week is very much a celebration of the STEM talent we have here in Ireland. Science Week provides a unique opportunity for people to engage with STEM, in particular parents and young people to find out about the fantastic STEM career opportunities that are available throughout the country. This year’s Science Week programme is bigger and better than ever before and I would encourage everyone to participate by either watching a STEM programme on TV, doing an experiment with their kids at home or going to one of the many events throughout the country.”
Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland said: “We are thrilled An Taoiseach is participating in Science Week 2016 by hosting this celebration of Irish Science in Government Buildings. Ireland has again moved up the international rankings for the quality of its scientific research; we are now 10th in the world - clearly demonstrating the excellent research undertaken here. The Celebration of Science features those who have excelled in STEM fields this year, from students to industry leaders. Academic and industrial researchers from across the country are showcasing their innovative work which advances the boundaries of knowledge, creates jobs and contributes to an improved society. Irish students, teachers and children whose scientific work has been recognised by national and international awards represent the future of Irish research and innovation. Science Week is an invitation to become involved in science; there is an event which caters for everyone in the country. To discover what events there are in your local area, look up www.science.ie.”
For Further Information
Science Foundation Ireland
Alva O’Cleirigh
01 607 3249/087-9152553
Morwenna Rice
086 1940069
About Science Week 2016 – www.scienceweek.ie
Science Week will take place from 13th – 20th November and is coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland, as part of its education and public engagement programme. It is a collaboration of events involving industry, colleges, schools, businesses, communities, researchers and students throughout Ireland.
About Science Foundation Ireland
Science Foundation Ireland funds oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which promotes and assists the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland. The Foundation also promotes and supports the study of, education in and engagement with, STEM and promotes an awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and in particular to the growth of the economy. See www.ScienceFoundationIreland.ie
#ScienceRising supporting Innovation 2020 – a Science Foundation Ireland campaign that creates the connection for industry and individuals with science and innovation in Ireland.
Back to Department News