The Boyle Medal laureate is selected after a comprehensive two-part judging process involving scientists from Ireland and abroad.
The process is meant to ensure that the best possible candidate is selected for this important scientific award.
The initial judging panel involves leading scientists from across Ireland.
Judges this year included: Prof Dervilla Donnelly (chairwoman), Prof Frank Imbusch, Prof Patrick Cunningham, Prof Derek Boyd, Dick Ahlstrom, Prof Sally McClean, Prof Mark Bailey and Prof Brian Harvey.
This panel went through the large number of nominees received for 2003 submitted by university presidents, deans of science and departmental heads from the third-level sector.
A shortlist was prepared and a group of five Irish-based scientists went forward for the second round of judging, this time by a group of international scientists and joined by the chair of the initial judging panel, Prof Donnelly.
This new international panel was chaired by Sir Dai (David Allan) Rees and also included Prof John Enderby CBE and Prof Dorothy Guy-Ohlson.
All five candidates were interviewed by the international group and were invited to discuss their particular research activities.
They were also asked by the panel why they felt their contribution to science merited the Boyle Medal Award.
The RDS and The Irish Times wish to extend their gratitude to the international judges and to the initial judging panel for their important and essential contribution to the
success of the Boyle Medal Award.
In particular, the two companies wish to thank the chairman of the international panel, Sir Dai, for his time and efforts.