Entry forms are now available for the 1999 IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympia, a competition in programming, physics, biology, and chemistry open to all second-level students.
Teams of four students will be selected in February 1999 to represent Ireland in various international olympiads in Turkey, Italy, Sweden and Thailand. This is the fifth year of the competition. In previous years, entries have come from more than 1,000 Irish schools. Forms are available from school principals or from Mr Michael Cotter of DCU.
The Minister of State for Science and Technology, Mr Noel Treacy, has launched "Big Science", a new television series to run on RTE 1. The four-part series will cover a broad range of topics including DNA fingerprinting, comets, genetic engineering and food production, the future and more.
"Increased media coverage of science and technology matters has heightened the public's appetite," Mr Treacy said. "I have no doubt that programmes such as `Big Science' will continue to fuel this demand." It will be broadcast from next Monday at 9:30 p.m.
Materials Ireland has compiled the first Irish Plastics Waste Directory, which is a listing of companies that have plastic material available and those that recycle and reprocess plastic waste. This is the first such directory in Ireland and is directed towards companies interested in using plastic waste, according to Mr Joe Healy of Materials Ireland.
Each entry contains a description and approximate quantities of the material available as well as full details of the company. Copies of the directory can be obtained from Polymer Development Centre in Co Westmeath at 0902-73088.
Mr Treacy presented the awards for the 16th Plan Expo Awards, given to members of the construction sector, yesterday at the RDS. The winners were: Exterior Building Product, Telling Ireland Ltd; Interior Building Product, Lycris Byrne; Interior Design Exhibit, Ms Laura O'Hagan; and Innovation, House of Woods. Three commendations were given for the Green Product category to Telling Ireland, Renson Manufacturing Ltd, and Keston Heating Products. Plan Expo is an architectural, interior design and construction industry showcase that combines product presentations with demonstrations and seminars.