| 2003 |
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YEAR BOOK |
Editorial
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"If I have been able to see farther than others, it was because I stood on the shoulders of giants"
Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727)
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As the 2003 edition of The Irish Scientist is going to press there is much public discussion about the need to interest more students in scientific-related careers and dismay at the withdrawal of funding from certain research projects in third level institutions. At the same time great progress has been made. In Northern Ireland, where science has been on the primary curriculum since 1989, a number of recent initiatives have been undertaken to improve the provision of science, including the development of a self-evaluation process for schools at primary and post-primary level. In the Republic of Ireland science has been introduced into the primary syllabus for the first time and a new Junior Certificate syllabus has been launched. There is also greater emphasis on the intrinsic role that science plays in all spheres of activity. The diverse range of topics covered on the following pages underlines this fact. As you will see there are articles on a variety of subjects including earthquakes, marine life, pharmaceutical and medical advances, space exploration and the quality of our food and water.
There is a wealth of erudition in Ireland and we must develop this to guarantee the stimulation and interest of educated and committed people working behind the scenes at so many levels and to ensure that we will reap the rewards from that research. It is now an accepted fact that scientific research and an educated population are key drivers in the economic progress of a country so funding and support at all levels are essential to guarantee Ireland's economic and social health. There are always competing financial demands but continuing to invest in research must be a priority if the primary students of today are to be sufficiently motivated about scientific careers and those currently working as scientists are to be rewarded for the invaluable contribution they make to the island's development. While there has been a welcome and substantial increase in the amount of research funding as well as genuine efforts to attract and retain the best graduates by various statutory bodies and organisations, there is still a long road to travel.
It has been an interesting and educational year and I have greatly enjoyed reading about the varied and valuable investigative work that is taking place in all parts of the country. I find that I am attending talks and lectures on a variety of fascinating subjects which, while of a scientific nature, are of course increasingly relevant to our everyday lives.
I have also been amazed and impressed by the tremendous work done by numerous organisations and academic institutions at primary and secondary school level to initiate an interest in science and to encourage students with an interest to choose scientific related careers. Let us hope that the aspirations of those undertaking this work are realised and that we see some of these future scientists featuring in forthcoming editions of The Irish Scientist Year Book.
While this is the eleventh edition of The Irish Scientist it is my first year as editor and publisher so thank you all for your support and encouragement and for showing your faith in the future of the publication by placing articles in this edition. I am particularly indebted to the previous editor, Dr Charles Mollan, for his advice and practical assistance during the year. Former contributors and those of you with an interest in the history of science will be pleased to see that he has an article on page 6 of this year's edition.
I wish you all continued success in your respective fields of endeavour and look forward to talking to you and reading about your research and discoveries in 2004.
The Irish Scientist 2003 Year Book was edited and published by Geraldine Van Esbeck, Oldbury Publishing
55 Kimmage Road West, Dublin 12;
Tel: 01 465 2310: Fax: 01 465 2311;
E-mail: [email protected] ; Web: www.irishscientist.ie
The support of the F�rfas Science Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme is gratefully acknowledged as is the sponsorship of the companies of the Youth Science articles (see pages: 149-156)
The Irish Scientist Year Book was founded in 1994 by Dr Charles Mollan.