Proposals sought for City of Science 2012

22 May 2009 03:23 PM

The year 2012 is going to be a big one for science in Ireland. Dublin will be the European City of Science, and the government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Prof Cunningham, is encouraging colleges and instutions to broaden the event.

While the core event will be from the 12th to 16th July, Prof Cunningham explained that the aim is to maximise the benefits to Ireland. The City of Science branding will be used extensively throughout the year, and associated events are not tied to any specific venue.

Prof Cunningham said that winning the bid to become a City of Science provides everyone with a great opportunity to attract international conferences. In a letter to various organisations, Prof Cunningham urged scientists to consider what specialist conferences they could target for 2012. "Given the lead time," he said, "it is important to commence this now."

Apart from the benefits of high-profile international promotion, organisers are being offered some practical help. Science Foundation Ireland is prepared to support high-quality international conferences, and proposals for 2012 are to get special attention.

"SFI's conference and workshop programme will shortly be extended to support conference bids," said Prof Cunningham, and he added that "Fáilte Ireland, through its Business Tourism Unit, can also be of assistance."

Last year, Barcelona was the European City of Science. In July 2010 it will be the turn of Turin, and as Prof Cunningham remarked, it would be good to see a strong Irish presence there. Scientists and organisations have until 15th June this year to get in their proposals.

Click here to see details of the Turin event next year.