| 2003 |
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YEAR BOOK |
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Message from Ms. Mary Harney, TD, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
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Science is an attempt to understand the World around us, based on a set of rational principles. Science is also driven by curiosity and the desire to know how things work. The influence of science and technology on the economy and on our working lives cannot be underestimated. Science, engineering, and technology affect the way we live, work and communicate. In every branch of medicine, in telecommunications, in entertainment, even in financial services, the role of science is integral.
Historically, Ireland's economic and industrial policies centred on natural resources, low technology products and manufacturing processes. However, the increasing globalisation of world trade clearly indicates that in the long term this situation was not sustainable. We are now making significant investments in science and technology that will underpin sustainable economic development in the years ahead.
By setting up Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) we aim to establish world-class research programmes in niche areas of two of the most important growth sciences, information and communications technology and biotechnology. This will ultimately position Ireland on the international map as a centre of research excellence.
Our future as a country and as a community is bound up with science and technology. To continue to grow our economy, we must have an informed and knowledgeable public that is supportive of national science priorities. This will develop leading edge industry and skilled jobs; provide exciting career options in the sciences and develop creativity in our children.
As a nation, Ireland has always had a strong tradition in Science and publications like the Irish Scientist Yearbook help us to build on this tradition by making science interesting and accessible to both young and old alike.