REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE ESAT YOUNG SCIENTIST AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF THE ESAT YOUNG SCIENTIST AND TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION 2002 RDS, BALLSBRIDGE
Táimid bailithe inniu le hiontas na heolaíochta a cheiliúradh. Tá forbairtí á ndéanamh go laethúil i ndul chun cinn na heolaíochta. Is iontach sibhse, aos óg na tire, thuaidh, thiar, theas agus thoir a bheith le chéile anseo agus suim san eolaíocht mar cheangail eadraibh. Gura fada buan sibh!
I am delighted to be back again at the Esat Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and in the company of young people whose curiosity, talent, hard work and insight allow us to have great hopes for our country and its continued contribution to the fields of science and technology. For this exhibition is about showcasing the many wonderful stories which are born when the mysteries of science and technology are investigated by Ireland’s best teenage detectives, their skills guided and honed by great teachers and encouraged by patient parents.
The Esat Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is so well established that it is more than just an annual event, it is part of our modern Irish culture. Now in its 38th year, it is one of the world’s longest running science exhibitions for young students and while the public associate it most with this huge display in the RDS which goes a long way to shorten January, the culture of endeavour inspired by this competition has long been at work in the everyday lives of these young people. Not only is it a culture of endeavour but a culture of successful endeavour. Winners go on from here to excel in competitions in Europe and the USA. Ireland’s Young Scientists have taken the honours ten times in the European Union Science Contest and despite being among the youngest entrants in the Science and Engineering Fair in the USA, we have scooped over 20 top awards down through the years. We have a lot to be proud of and each year they get better and better.
This year’s exhibition with its Cinemobile, Ireland’s 100 seater mobile cinema is evidence of an exhibition and competition which is always searching for new ways of explaining the possibilities offered by science and technology. And the new Primary Science Fair is a fantastic initiative for our younger citizens. They are growing up in a scientifically and technologically sophisticated Ireland and we want them to be comfortable in that world, confident in it and most important of all we want them to be ready to be challenged by it.
The commitment and dedication of the students is matched only by the dedication of their teachers and the organisers and sponsors. Between you, working in this great partnership in schools the length and breadth of Ireland, you have shown the magic and the excitement of science and technology projects. You have learnt how to work as a team, how to use the very different skills and talents each person brings, how to work with very different personalities, how to submit to deadlines, how to open your work to the toughest scrutiny and accept the verdict of the experts. None of those things are easy to do. They make huge demands of you and yet you have taken them on willingly. The investment you have made of your time and your talent is an investment not just in yourself, your project or your team, it is a real investment in a strong, achieving Ireland. When you walk around this exhibition and see the huge range of projects that these young people have spent hours researching and preparing, each one is a window on that new Ireland.
It is marvellously reassuring to know that there have been a record number of entries for this year’s event. With the growing demand for science and technology graduates and the difficulties we have had in meeting that demand, you give us great hope in our island’s future.
The projects presented here show how much energy and creativity is released when young people become involved in scientific research. The empowerment which allows our young men and women to see themselves as problem solvers is one of the greatest gifts they can receive in life. As they embark on that journey from question to answer, they pick up skills and self-belief memories and friendships which last a lifetime and which change lives for the better.
A special warm welcome to the schools who are participating in this year’s exhibition for the very first time - you are proof of the hold this Exhibition has taken on the imagination of our young men and women. And it is great news too that the number of entries from Northern Ireland has increased again this year making it a truly island-wide event. It must give great heart to the judges, organisers and sponsors to see their work taking root in so many young heads and hearts.
I congratulate the sponsors of the awards and in particular ESAT for the overall sponsorship of this major event. Richard Cooke, Chief Executive Officer, Esat Group and his dedicated team deserve special praise.
I would like also to pay special tribute to Angela Keenan, Chairperson of the Judging Panel, and to her panel of judges, which includes Dr. Tony Scott, the original founder of the Young Scientist Exhibition way back in 1965. Judging is really hard work but it is a labour of love and every year that I have been here I have met the judges who should be worn out by their exertions but instead are energised and enthused by it.
Every single competitor here is a very special person, the kind of person who gives young people a good name, the kind of person we need to build up a country that is a good place to live. Some will take home awards that mark their particular excellence and some will go on to represent Ireland abroad. To each of you I offer the heartiest of congratulations and good wishes for your future careers - hopefully as professional young scientists and technologists. One of the nicest jobs I get to do as President is to open this terrific showcase and so it gives me great pleasure, now, to declare this exhibition open.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh.