Dublin targets science event

DUBLIN is bidding to host one of the world’s largest science events that would raise the country’s profile internationally.

The proposal has already gained the support of 18 eminent European and international Nobel Laureates and many scientists, business and public figures from 12 countries.

Drawn up by the who’s who of the Irish science and business community, it was personally delivered to the headquarters of Euroscience in Strasbourg yesterday by Science Minister Dr Jimmy Devins and Dublin’s Mayor Eibhlin Byrne.

The country’s Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Patrick Cunningham, headed up the steering committee that put together the bid while former President and UN Human Rights Commissioner Mary Robinson chairs the Patrons body.

They believe that if Dublin wins the bid it will attract 8,000 delegates from around the world and 50,000 visitors to an Olympics of European research-style event in July 2012.

Vienna, a city with a rich background in scientific research, is also hoping to host the Euroscience Open Forum in 2012 but the final decision on the bi-annual event will not be known until the new year.

Minister Devins said that hosting the event in 2012 would put the spotlight on the country and build on the National Development Programme investment in research and development.

“As a gateway to the world, we will also be able to draw on an unrivalled network of international experts to help the whole philosophy of Euroscience. It is also a unique opportunity at home to promote the value of investing in science.”

Euroscience is a pan-European association of individuals interested in constructing scientific Europe from the bottom-up by including citizens as well as professionals.

Minister Devins, who is a medical doctor, and Mayor Bryne became the first government minister and mayor in Europe to join Euroscience when they visited their headquarters in Strasbourg.