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Richard Bruton, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation,
together with The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Andrew Montague and
comedian Dara O'Briain, last week launched Dublin City of
Science.
They were joined by over 400 guests from the science, culture
and arts communities that have joined forces in creating a
programme which showcases a fresh approach to science engagement.
The Lord Mayor formally announced the designation of Dublin
as City of Science for 2012.
"We have a great scientific history in Dublin that is known
the world over and today is recognition of that rich scientific
heritage. It is about celebrating our yesterdays, today, tomorrow
and beyond and it is with great pleasure that I announce Dublin
as City of Science for 2012," he said.
This 'year of science celebration' will consist of
a programme of over 160 science-related events that cross
the worlds of art and culture so as to ensure the accessibility
of the various activities.
Richard Bruton said - "As a country we have a long history
of scientific achievement and in the past decade we have built
upon that heritage with dramatic improvements in publicly-funded
scientific research. As we seek to grow our way out of our
difficulties these strengths are key assets - and, in the
Action Plan for Jobs, the Government will be implementing
a series of changes to ensure that this research is properly
commercialised so that we can turn good ideas into good jobs."
Hosting the 2012 City of Science is another key step in transforming
Dublin into a leading global knowledge city region, according
to Dublin Chamber of Commerce. Following the launch of Dublin
City of Science 2012, the business community hailed it as
a great opportunity to showcase 'Brand Dublin'.
Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber Chief Executive said - "Being the
City of Science in 2012 is going to give Dublin the opportunity
to demonstrate its full credentials as a knowledge city. The
5,000 attendees are going to experience a city which is a
buzz with international talent, cutting edge firms and a culture
fostering science and innovation.
"We should all be proud that Ireland's capital city was chosen
to host the largest general science meeting in Europe for
the next two years. Globally, city regions have become the
lightning rods for investment into a country, so it's important
for the nation that we demonstrate our technological and scientific
skills to the groundbreaking researchers and innovators attending
the events. Hopefully, they will leave Dublin planning to
come back to build collaborations with businesses or universities,
or perhaps to establish their own base here."
For more information, visit - www.dublinscience2012.ie
and www.esof2012.org
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