PRESS RELEASE:
24th October, 2011
THE Launch of the 2011 Galway Science & Technology Festival
The 14th annual Galway Science and Technology Festival was launched today at a function in the Orbsen Building in NUI Galway, by Mr Gerry Kilcommins, VP Global Operations and General Manager Medtronic. A full two weeks of events was outlined, which includes shows, demonstrations and activities for primary and secondary school students and an exciting family day out at the Final Day Exhibition which will take place on Sunday 27th November at NUI Galway.
At the launch Gerry Kilcommins said, ‘Following the hugely successful Galway Science and Technology Festival in 2010, we anticipate an even more exciting event for 2011. Medtronic’s continued sponsorship of the Science and Technology Festival is testament to the importance we place on developing scientific awareness among the youth of today. Harnessing the power of science and engaging our young people in this area is pivotal to realising Ireland’s knowledge economy strategy.’
The Festival aims to increase the uptake and popularity of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects among young people – runs from November 14th to 27th and will culminate in the Festival Exhibition. This Exhibition will be attended by the European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn.
There is a excellent programme of events this year to choose from including Robert Hill’s ‘Celestia and Stellarium Workshops’, Mr Bug returns with his snakes, cockroaches and Tarantulas while Sue McGrath’s show will be full of pops, bangs and fizzing craziness.
NUI Galway is running many interesting shows and events to stimulate the mind including ‘Computer Game Programming with Kinect’, an invitation to Senior Cycle Physics Students to practise experiments in the labs of the new Engineering Building and a talk for students, parents and teachers on Cyber Bullying. The Zoology & Geology Museum will be open for tours along with Ireland’s only Computer & Communications Museum.
Dr James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway, commented: “For many years, Galway Science and Technology Festival has generated real excitement for young people about the wonders of science and technology. As a University, NUI Galway shares this belief in the importance of making science and technology attractive to the next generation. Why? Because never before has Irish industry and society depended so much on bright, talented graduates to build Ireland’s capacity in technology, research and innovation. This Festival allows us in the University to open our doors, so that we can share the boundless possibilities and the sheer fun of science!”
GMIT is having an open day on Wednesday 16th November and tours of all facilities including science, technology and engineering laboratories will be provided. There are also various interesting workshops for students including ‘Modern Medicines’, ‘The Chemistry of Smoking Addiction and Nicotine Patches’ and the workings of a ‘Forensic Investigation’.
This year a ‘Mentoring Program’ by local engineers is available to senior cycle students seeking advice on career options. Engineers from more than 11 different companies are participating in this initiative and will visit schools and talk to the students about subject choices they have made and give practical career advice, details available on the website.
Plans are in place to expand the 2011 Exhibition on the November 27, with more shows and exhibition stands. There will be up to 60 interactive stands representing areas including research, education, industry and the environment. This year a booking system is in place through www.galwayscience.eventbrite.com to help people plan their day.
The Galway Science Festival is a very exciting collaboration of education, industry and government; showcasing Galway as a leading location for Life Sciences and Information Communication and Technology sectors.
Festival Chairman Tom Hyland said today, “On behalf of the Board of the Galway Science and Technology Festival, I would like to thank all our sponsors for their participation in the 2011 Festival – great thanks must go to Medtronic, our main sponsor, for their 10 years of outstanding commitment to this event and to the other sponsors including The Galway Enterprise Board, Discover Science & Engineering and Boston Scientific who help bring excitement and fun to science and technology for children and families across the City and County”.
The 2011 Programme of events is available at www.galwayscience.ie and the exhibition will open at 10am on Sunday 27st November, 2011.
ENDS.
FURTHER PRESS DETAILS
Anne Casserly 086 8033709
Email: galwaysciencefestival@gmail.com
Notes to editors
About The 2011 Galway Science & Technology Festival – The Chemistry of Life
Galway Science & Technology Festiva aims to promote the relevance of science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Irish society and to the economy.
The theme for Science Week Ireland 2011 is ‘The Chemistry of Life’, demonstrating the importance of chemistry to our everyday lives – from the atoms that are the building blocks of nature to the beauty products we use, the microchips in our mobile phones, and in the food and water we consume. It creates life-saving medication and has contributed to Ireland being a world leading exporter of life-sciences based products, as well as being fundamental to the development of new technologies such as green energy conversion and nanotechnology.
The Festival runs for two weeks 14th – 27th November where over 35 shows and events are available for Primary & Secondary Schools to participate in and the Festival culminates with the Final Day Exhibition on Sunday 27th November, at NUI Galway where there will be over 70 shows, events and interactive stands portraying Galway as a leading edge City in the world of Science & Technology.
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