Dublin to Bid to Host “European City of Science” in 2012.
(Photograph of Taoiseach, Minister Martin and Prof. Cunningham announce the bid available from Maxwell’s Photography)
Dublin to Bid to Host “European City of Science” in 2012.
The Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation have recently agreed that a bid would be submitted for Dublin to become the European City of Science in 2012.
In announcing the Cabinet Committee’s decision, the Taoiseach Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D., explained that in 2012 Ireland would be nearing the completion of its Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013. The goals of the SSTI are the promotion of stronger relationships between the science and enterprise systems with particular regard for support for the application and commercialisation of R&D, and, ensuring sustained development of human resources in science and technology. To achieve these objectives, the Government has committed a budget of €8.2 billion under the SSTI and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.
The Taoiseach indicated that the City of Science event would provide a timely platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines. The benefits that would accrue to Ireland from hosting the event are:
The international standing of Ireland as a leading centre for scientific and research excellence would be considerably enhanced;
The event would provide a framework for a coordinated programme of international marketing activities involving IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland;
It would provide further opportunities to promote science and science careers among prospective students and their parents;
With an expected attendance of 4,000 delegates, there would be substantial benefits to the economy of Dublin as well as the national economy. Should the bid be accepted, there would be further opportunities for professional scientific organisations to hold their recurring specialist events in Dublin or other cities in Ireland.
The closing date for receipt of bids is September 2008. The successful applicant will be announced in January 2009. Wide consultations are ongoing with Government Departments, State Agencies and interested parties to prepare the bid.
ENDS
Note for Editors
The biennial selection and celebration of a European City of Science is carried out by Euroscience, the premier international representative body for European scientists. The objective of this prestige event is to engage and stimulate the interests of both the scientific community and the public in cutting edge science and technology developments. Munich hosted the event in 2006; future events are scheduled for Barcelona in 2008 and Turin in 2010.