Pfizer donation to Science Bus brings total sum to almost $500,000
4th November 2002

The Pfizer Science Bus based at DCU today received a significant boost from Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals when it received a cheque for $25,000 from Paddy Caffrey, Site Leader of the Ringaskiddy plant in Cork and Paul Logue, Site Leader at the Pfizer plant in Pottery Road, Dunlaoghaire. This brings the total support for the Science Bus to $439,000. The bus, run by DCU's Irish Centre for Talented Youth, was on a visit to St Nicholas's school in Dunlaoghaire.

The Science Bus is Ireland's first project of its kind. It was launched in 2000 as a working science laboratory for children aged between 9-12 years. It received its initial funding from the DCU Educational Trust and the Pfizer Foundation. The bus is intended to promote science among primary school children and allows for a variety of supervised science experiments to be carried out.

According to Sheila Gilheany, Director of the Irish Centre for Talented Youth, "The Pfizer Science Bus is a very important part of what we do at the CTYI. It allows us to travel to primary schools and promote science in a fun and appealing way to schoolchildren all over the country. Given that science is now part of the primary school curriculum, we can help reinforce an interest by showing children that science is all round them".

The bus is staffed by trained experts who work with the children on experiments which involve everyday objects and foodstuffs, such as smarties, celery and raisins. Using techniques such as colour chromatography, children carry out 'detective-like' tests using filter papers, vinegar, red cabbage and water which have proved so popular that the next generation should see a proliferation of forensic scientists.

Paddy Caffrey of Pfizer said that he was delighted to support this unique project. "We were particularly pleased to become involved with the Science Bus when it was established two years ago. Today, we are showing our continued commitment to the promotion of science among young children, who are our next generation of scientists. If they can learn to appreciate how science is so much part of our daily lives, and not just an abstract school subject, then we will have succeeded. Given that Science Week takes place the week after this event, it is highly appropriate to make this presentation today".

Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals employs over 1400 in manufacturing plants in Ireland, where it develops and manufactures leading prescription medicines for humans and animals for global markets.

For further details please contact:
Eileen Colgan 7005656