Irish universities are carrying out scientific research of immense significance yet the public perception may often be that it is obscure, esoteric work. Alternatively, some may believe what is involved is blindingly complex and of little immediate relevance.
The Conference of Heads of Irish Universities has, however, produced a booklet to demonstrate reality; how Irish research impacts on our daily lives and contributes to social and economic advances.
The booklet outlines, with simple explanations, 14 projects from atmospheric chemistry to tackling the problem of antibiotic resistance. Its publication was marked by the Minister for Education, Mr Martin.
The conference, which represents the heads of the seven universities in Ireland, recognised the need to inform second-level students about careers in science and technology, said its chairman, Dr Patrick Fottrell.
"In order to dispel the negative attitudes to science we need to invest more in science as a subject in our secondary schools and communicate to students what science and technology have to offer."
He added: "The Government is now convinced of the value of investment in university research. The magnitude of proposed investment in research - £1.9 billion over seven years - provides unparalleled opportunities and daunting challenges for universities and their researchers, which they must respond to with relish and a determination to deliver."
