NOMINATIONS HAVE opened for a new award that highlights research discoveries being made by scientists here and Irish scientists abroad working in the nanotechnology area.
Ireland is currently ranked eighth in the world in research citations related to nanotechnology, a reflection of a significant level of involvement. Nanotechnology is the study of objects a millionth of a metre or less in size.
The Prize Lecture for Nanoscience award will be announced today during Nanoweek by the RDS, which has organised it in partnership with Intel Ireland with the support of The Irish Times.
The prize will be awarded annually, alternating between a scientist based in Ireland and an Irish scientist based abroad. The 2011 award will be presented to a scientist based in Ireland.
Those eligible are scientists working in nanoscience and related fields such as advanced materials, electronics and biology. The winner will receive an RDS bronze medal and will be expected to give a public lecture.
“This field of research has the potential to revolutionise the future of industry in Ireland and add significant value to our existing strengths in these areas,” said RDS president Fonsie Mealy.
General manager of Intel Ireland Eamonn Sinnott, vice president of its technology manufacturing group, said Intel welcomed the award programme. “Nanoscience is not only a key enabling technology for the semiconductor industry but also will underpin many other types of industries in Ireland and across the globe, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices and others,” he said.
The closing date for receipt of nominations is Tuesday, March 1st. The winner will be announced in April, with the presentation of the award at the public lecture at the RDS in May. Full details and online nomination form are available at rds.ie/nanoscience