Launch of New Initiative to Highlight the Achievements of Irish Researchers

A new Irish Research Council campaign aimed at highlighting the achievements of Irish researchers will be launched later today, at 12.15pm by the Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English TD. The launch will take place at the Apples to Atoms sculpture in front of the School of Physics at Trinity College Dublin.

The #LoveIrishResearch campaign will run throughout 2016. As well as highlighting Irish researchers’ achievements, it will aim to increase public awareness of the important research conducted in higher education institutions throughout the country. Full details of the campaign – including a proposed programme of activities and events – will be unveiled at today’s launch.

In addition to Minister English, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Chair of the Irish Research Council, and Dr. Eucharia Meehan, the Council’s Director, will be in attendance. A number of researchers will also participate in the launch.

Commenting in advance, Professor Ohlmeyer said: “Research conducted in Ireland has enhanced our understanding of the world. Historically, we have a hugely impressive record in terms of research discoveries and breakthroughs across a range of disciplines. Today, we punch significantly above our weight when it comes to international research achievements.

“Unfortunately, however, there is a low level of awareness among the general public of these major achievements. We are hoping the #LoveIrishResearch initiative will change this.”

Discovery Ireland Publication
The first publication produced as part of #LoveIrishResearch will also be unveiled later today: “Discovery Ireland”. The book is dedicated to Professor Ernest T.S. Walton, who won the Nobel Prize for Physics (with Sir John Cockcroft) in 1951 for pioneering work on the transmutation of atomic nuclei by artificially accelerated atomic particles. The ‘Apples and Atoms’ sculpture where tomorrow’s launch will take place celebrates Walton’s life and depicts the intersection between art and science.

Mark Duncan and Paul Rouse, authors of “Discovery Ireland”, will also attend the launch.