Focus on science education to forge links with world’s top economies

IRELAND’S new focus on science in our schools augers well for the country and will help forge links with some of the world’s leading economies, maths experts say.

A team from the award-winning Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology (CALMAST) at Waterford Institute of Technology has just returned from South Korea where they represented Europe at a 10-day festival attended by over 200,000 young people.

The other EU representation at the festival came from Germany, Austria, Spain and Estonia who joined CALMAST having been selected by the European Science Events Association (EUSCEA).

The festival was attended by children, teenagers and young adults who enjoyed the hands-on interactive demonstrations at the CALMAST stand where Boyle’s Law was demonstrated in honour of eminent scientist Robert Boyle who was originally from Lismore, Co Waterford.

Sheila Donegan who jointly manages CALMAST with Eoin Gill said the Korean economy is similar to Ireland’s with a high value placed on education and equipping students with relevant skills for the 21st century.

“The emphasis placed on knowledge in South Korea is clear from the government structure where one of three positions as Deputy Prime Minister has been held by the Minister of Science & Technology since 2004.

“The Korean government’s long-term plan, ‘Vision 2030’, envisages it becoming a nation where capital, people and information flow freely and also foresees a knowledge and academic-centred nation with many overseas students. Given this focus and the estimated population of 49 million, Korea is a country with which Ireland certainly ought to forge stronger links and our representation in Daejeon can hopefully help somewhat in that regard.”

Eoin Gill added, “With the Irish Government prioritising science, technology and innovation through to 2013 and a growing body of research underlining the opportunities for graduates in this area, CALMAST will again host a series of events in the 2006-’07 academic year that will see some 10,000 young people from primary and secondary schools engaged with maths, science and engineering in fresh ways that tap in to their natural sense of curiosity,” he said.

* Further information available at www.calmast.ie