The Boyle Medal will, from this year, be awarded every two years, alternating between a researcher working in Ireland and an Irish-born researcher working abroad. This recognises that many Irish research scientists decide to pursue their careers overseas and salutes their contribution to Ireland's scientific reputation.
Unlike the Irish award, the international award does not include the £30,000 bursary. The aim of the bursary is to assist the further study of a student working in the State under an acknowledged leader in science. The scientist overseeing the bursary need not be born here, only be working here and able to assist the student during the three-year doctorate.
The international Boyle Medal is given in recognition of scientific excellence by an Irish-born researcher who has made a substantial contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The international award is open to any researcher born in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland and working abroad at the time the award is given.
Judging by an international panel of scientists will be on the basis of work completed while abroad and on the significance of its contribution to science.
As with the Irish-based Boyle Medal award, the scientist may not enter directly but must be nominated by the president or head of a college, faculty or research institute. The managing director or head of R&D within a company may also apply on behalf of an employee, while the secretary of a professional body may also nominate candidates.
Details about the international medal will be posted at a future date on The Irish Times website, www.ireland.com and will also be published in the "Science Today" page, which is published each Monday in The Irish Times.
