In 2012, Dublin will host Europe’s largest science conference as part of its role as European City of Science 2012. Having been awarded the honor, Dublin will follow such cities as Stockholm, Munich, Barcelona and Turin in organizing a year-long programme of science-related events and activities throughout the country. The highlight of the year will be the Euroscience Open Forum which will be held in Dublin’s Convention Centre from the 11th – 15th July next year and is expected to draw up to 6,000 of the world’s leading scientists, researchers, educators, industry experts, policy makers and media
The Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) is held in a major European city every two years. It aims to bring together researchers in both the natural and social sciences so that in addition to showing the latest scientific and technological advances being made, the forum will bring people from different fields together to discuss the role of science in public life and policy, and spark an interest and enthusiasm for science among young and old.
The Euroscience Forum will be the biggest science event in Europe next year and will offer Ireland the opportunity to further enhance its image as a science, technology and innovation hub. The forum will feature workshops, discussions, debates and seminars on the most cutting-edge research. The year will give Irish researchers in particular the opportunity to have their research seen by a global audience of leaders in R&D and it will highlight the amazing opportunities available to young people considering a career in science, research and development.
As part of the year, Dublin City of Science will actively engage with younger people to promote science education and to communicate the importance of scientific research both for our lives and for our economy.
At Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn’s recent keynote speech at IBM Ireland, she discussed the importance of science for the future economic growth of our smart economy and the role that Dublin City of Science 2012 can play:
“This will give Dublin and Ireland a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best research that is being performed in Ireland and to lead the European-wide debate on the most important research and science issues.” The Commissioner also stressed the importance of, “putting research, innovation and science at the heart of our fight for jobs and prosperity.”
An additional boost to the Irish economy will come from an expected €9 million spend by the large number of delegates attending the Forum and the promotion of Ireland abroad.