Trinity professor named researcher of the year

A TRINITY College Dublin biochemist, Prof Luke O'Neill, has won the inaugural Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) researcher of the year award. Prof O'Neill also won the RDS /Irish TimesBoyle Medal for Scientific Excellence last month.

Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation Conor Lenihan announced the award last night on the opening day of the annual SFI summit.

The event has brought more than 350 research scientists to Athlone, Co Westmeath, for two days of talks, workshops and the research equivalent of “speed dating” where scientists hold one-to-one discussions.

“Investment in science in Ireland is value for money and an integral part of our economic development,” Mr Lenihan told delegates last night.

The theme of this year’s summit, “ideas, innovation and impact”, was particularly apt, stated SFI’s director general, Prof Frank Gannon. Research provided a way to create wealth and jobs, but also delivered new ideas that could have a real impact on our lives.

“What has been set up is working really well. It is having an impact,” he said.

Speakers included Saeed Amidi of the Plug Play Technology Centre and Peter Day, BBC business correspondent. Discussions at the event are focused on how ongoing scientific research was contributing to the development of Ireland’s smart economy.

Prof O’Neill conducts world class research into the body’s immune system which helps to protect us from infection.

Last month he won Ireland's premier research award, the RDS/ Irish TimesBoyle Medal. He will receive his medal and deliver his Boyle Laureate lecture at the RDS Concert Hall, Dublin, on November 16th. Mr Lenihan also presented an award to Dr Kevin Sullivan, NUI Galway, winner of the inaugural SFI Research Image Competition.

What's on: from Darwin to shopping like a man

TODAY

Earthworks Science Labs, workshop, primary pupils, today and tomorrow from 10am-2pm, Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh, pre- book, contact Dr Kirstin Lemon, 087-2159877.

Electricity and Magnetism, demonstration lecture, senior cycle secondary, 3pm, SNIAM Lecture Theatre, SNIAM Building, Trinity College Dublin, free, contact Dr Louise Bradley, 01-8963595.

Darwin, Praeger and the Clare Island surveys exhibition, until November 30th, 10am-5pm, Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin, contact 01-6762570.

TOMORROW

"Drive Like a Woman, Shop Like a Man" workshop with Mary Mulvihill at 7pm at Terenure Library, Templeogue Road, Dublin 6. To pre-book, contact Terenure Library at 01-4907035.

A Walk in the Woods, nature walk for primary pupils at 10.30am and 2pm, Lanesboro Community College, Lanesboro, Co Longford. Pre-book, contact Michael Lyons, 043-333 0631.

A Tour of our Solar System with Deirdre Kelleghan, astronomy watch for junior cycle secondary students, tomorrow at 10am, Coolock Library, Barryscourt Road, Dublin. Free but pre-book, contact Coolock Library at 01-8477781. Also at Donaghmede Library, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, at noon, contact 01-8482833.

See scienceweek.ie