Chemistry is in vogue this year
The theme for Science Week Ireland 2011 is “The Chemistry of Life”. It demonstrates the importance of chemistry to our everyday lives, from the atoms that are the building blocks of nature to the chemistry that creates lasting bonds between people.
The chemistry in our lives can be found in all sorts of places:
- Beauty products we use
- Microchips in our mobile phones
- In the food and water we consume
Chemistry creates lifesaving medicines and has contributed to Ireland being a world-leading exporter of pharmaceuticals, as well as being fundamental to the development of new technologies such as green energy conversion and nanotechnology.
In 2011, we celebrate our rich heritage of chemistry in Ireland throughout the ages and examine the valuable contribution Ireland has made to the scientific world. We will also look at the vital role chemistry will play in our future, and encourage debate around issues of public interest such as nuclear energy, medical research and genetically modified foods. There is also the way that chemistry can contribute to the creation of economic growth in Ireland and improve the standard of the world around us.
International Year of Chemistry
Chemistry is the fabric of life as we know it and in celebrating the International Year of Chemistry and Science Week 2011, we ask you to consider, what does it mean to you?
Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) is the coordinator of Science Week and is responsible for its national promotion, the development of online resource materials and supporting regional partners and their local festivals. Event organisers work on a local level, stemming from various organisations such as universities, institutes of technology, libraries, schools, community groups and industry.
They volunteer their time to organise an event within their local area while DSE provides support through the programme website www.ScienceWeek.ie, where they can register their events, download activity packs and order free merchandise. Science Week aims to encourage an interest and passion for science among children and adults alike.
Get involved
Getting involved in Science Week will help you to build valuable relationships with local partners, reach new audiences and help you to connect with the local community and the media. Events can take place in various locations, such as libraries, classrooms, colleges and open days, or even your work canteen at lunch time.
To find out more about how to get involved visit the resources section of www.ScienceWeek.ie which will be regularly updated in the build-up to Science Week 2011. Also on the Science Week website sign up for the newsletter on the homepage, to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information as the programme develops for Science Week 2011 – The Chemistry of Life.
In 2010, DSE was delighted to announced a record participation in Science Week as over 115,000 people attended events across the country. It was one of the most successful Science Weeks to date, with over 505 events taking place, a 12% increase from 449 events in 2009.
Visit www.ScienceWeek.ie to watch out for updates.
