Pfizer make presentation to the Science Bus
8 November 2002

The Science Bus which is run by the Irish Centre for Talented Youth at DCU received a significant boost from Pfizer when it was presented with a cheque for $25,000 from Paddy Caffrey of Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals. This brings the total support by Pfizer to $439,000. The event, held while the bus was on a school visit to St Nicholas's school in Dunlaoghaire, was also attended by Paul Logue of the Pfizer plant 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 and is intended to promote science among primary school children.

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, Eleanor Cook, Justine Kavanagh and Dave Murray who work closely 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 a4 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".