Science Week Ireland 1997 intends ensuring the Celtic Tiger does not become an endangered species due to lack of investment in research and technology. The week - which began in Dublin yesterday when several thousand young people of all ages were briefed on the intricacies of 40 current Irish research projects - has considerably expanded on its first outing last year. Its target audience is not only young people but also their educators, decisionmakers in business and government and the general public.
An unprecedented number of science events are being staged throughout the State, notably seminars and briefings hosted by prominent figures in science, technology and innovation. They are aimed at emphasising that research and development, allied to a vibrant science and technology, is vital for the success of Irish business approaching the 21st century. Third-level institutions and agencies promoting science and technology are playing a significant support role.
Ireland is currently the largest exporter of software technology outside the US, which proves "you don't have to be a `super power' to excel in science, technology or engineering", according to Forfas. But those organising the week point to the need to "ensure that increasing numbers of Irish people take a serious interest in these areas and realise they apply to everyday life" - such realisations are considered essential precursors to the pursuit of sciencebased careers.
An additional focus is aimed specifically at business people to demonstrate that innovation in science and technology is not an option but essential for survival and growth. "The application of new technologies is at the heart of new industries, new ways of doing business and the highly skilled jobs that flow from them," the Minister for Science and Technology, Mr Noel Treacy, said after he launched Science Week Ireland at the week-end.
The week is co-ordinated by Forfas, the policy advisory and coordination board for industrial development, science and technology. It is part of a threeyear campaign to put science and technology on a much sounder footing in Ireland through the Science, Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme.
This initiative, carried out on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Enterprise and Employment, was prompted by evidence of the need to raise awareness of science, technology and innovation. Ireland compares unfavourably with other European countries in relation to interest in and knowledge of science and technology, as was indicated by a 1996 survey showing that science and technology were seen as damaging to the environment and resulting in more job losses than gains.
This year, a further theme will be the improvement of communications between scientists and the public. The Royal Dublin Society is staging a Science Communications Forum where some of Ireland's most promising young scientists at postgraduate level will outline their research to a general audience.
"Our lives are increasingly affected by science and technology issues, but there can be some confusion in the public mind, due in the main to poor communications from the originators," Ms Carol Power, the RDS science development executive, said.
The forum intends identifying and acknowledging scientists with a real talent for communication, she said, as well as highlighting the significant Irish contribution to scientific research worldwide.
