Ireland’s top science students to battle it out for All-Ireland Gold
Friday 27 January 2006

Pictured, in preparation for Saturday’s 2006 Science Olympiad, is 6th Year Wesley College Student, Simi Abere (17).

Ireland’s top secondary level science students competed for Gold at the 13th IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympiad (ISO) at Dublin City University on Saturday 28th January 2006. Over 500 Post-Primary School students, from all 32 counties, were challenged in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Programming and Physics in a competition designed to further their interest in science and technology.

Teachers from around the country have nominated their elite science students to compete in the annual ISO examination finals for All-Ireland Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and ultimately a chance to be selected to train for and represent Ireland at the International Science Olympiads in summer 2006. The International Science Olympiads will be held in Argentina for Biology, Korea for Chemistry, Singapore for Physics and Mexico for Computer Programming.

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D. who presented awards to the winners on Saturday said, "Students taking part in the Irish Science Olympiad have already shown themselves to be outstanding scientists. Science is an intrinsic part of our society. The importance of encouraging more of our young people to develop an interest in science at an early age and ultimately to pursue careers in science and technology has never been more relevant. Competitions such as the Irish Science Olympiad raise the profile of science education and encourage more students to take up science."

The event aims to stimulate the active interest of students and to promote and reward the pursuit of excellence in the sciences as well as conveying to the participants the importance of advanced study and progressive learning in science.

IBM Ireland Country Manager, Michael Daly adds “IBM is proud to sponsor the IBM/DCU Science Olympiad for the 13th year. Initiatives such as this provide Ireland’s budding scientists with the best chance to develop so that Ireland remains in world view as a leader in Science and Technology. Through IBM’s backing of initiatives such as KidSmart, EXITE Camp, Science Olympiad and Extreme Blue we encourage innovation from students stretching from primary school right through to third level.”

Success internationally will see Irish Gold medal winners awarded University scholarships from IBM to the value of €2,500, Silver medallists awarded €1,250 and bronze medallists awarded €750. Since 2003, Irish students have won 11 Bronze medals, two Silver and one Gold on the international stage.

Michael Cotter, Director of the Irish Science Olympiad and lecturer at DCU concludes “This is our 13th year in competition and each year the competition showcases more and more the capabilities of Ireland’s future scientists. The competition provides the students with an ideal platform to better equip themselves for further study and career development.”