Science Week is Ireland’s biggest annual promotion of science to the general public. This year it runs from Sunday November 13th until Sunday November 20th 2011. The aim of Science Week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our everyday lives and to demonstrate just how important it is to the future development of Irish society and the economy.

The theme for Science Week Ireland 2011 is ‘The Chemistry of Life’, demonstrating 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 the beauty products we use, the microchips in our mobile phones, and in the food and water we consume. It creates lifesaving medication and has contributed to Ireland being a world leading exporter of pharmaceutals, as well as being fundamental to the development of new technologies such as green energy conversion and nanotechnology. In 2011, we will 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 look at the vital role it will play in our future, and encourage debate around issues of public interest such as nuclear energy, stem cell research, and GM foods, as well as highlighting the way chemistry can contribute to the creation of economic growth in Ireland and improve the standard of the world around us. 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?

Throughout Science Week, events are scheduled to take place in libraries, schools, college campuses, on-street, in nature reserves, parks and retail outlets, across the length and breadth of the country. Science Week is aimed at children of all ages, primary and secondary school students, parents, teachers and anyone who may be interested in science!

Discover Science & Engineering

Science Week is coordinated by the Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) programme. DSE aims to increase interest in science, technology, innovation and engineering among students, teachers and members of the public.

DSE’s mission is to contribute to Ireland’s continued growth and development as a society; one that has an active and informed interest and involvement in science, engineering and technology.

General Enquiries

For enquiries relating to Science Week please contact Donna McCabe or Cathy Foley.
Tel: + 353 1 6073042 or email: scienceweek@forfas.ie.

Discover Science & Engineering
Wilton Park House
Wilton Place
Dublin 2
Ireland