New magazine to encourage study of science and engineering

A new magazine aiming to reverse the declining number of students taking science and engineering subjects at second and third level was launched today.

Irish Medical Device Association (IMDA) has launched 'Imagine' to showcase the diverse range of career options across the sector, which currently employs 26,000.

It will be distributed to all second level schools and at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition.

"We believe that the all time record 3,024 students participating in the 2007 BT Young Scientist Exhibition - with 91% increase in projects entered since 2001 – augers well for delivering the number of scientists and engineers required to meet the targets identified in the IMDA/ TCD survey," said IMDA executive Sinead Keogh.

"The diversity and complexity of this year’s projects proves that students’ appreciate the joy of discovering science and engineering."

"IMAGINE, for the first time in a single document, provides comprehensive information on careers in the sector, school tours and graduate placement opportunities in over 50 companies.

"It aims to reverse the declining interest in science and engineering and encourage careers in the Medical Devices and Diagnostic sector. The publication will be sent to all secondary schools and at the Young Scientist Exhibition.

"The Irish medical technology sector is thriving and is recognised as one of the fastest developing in the world. Innovation is a vital ingredient in this sector, where the average product lifecycle is a mere 18 months.

"Career opportunities for graduates in the sector’s 150 companies will be exceptionally strong, perhaps uniquely so in Ireland, given that seven of the world’s top 12 companies are located here alongside a thriving indigenous base."