the-BA : Festival programme launch

Micheál Martin, Ireland's Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, officially launched the programme of activities for the BA Festival of Science yesterday at Trinity College Dublin. Dublin will host the Festival from 3-10 September, 48 years since it last visited Ireland.

Visiting a different city every year, the Festival aims to bring the public together with over 300 key speakers and representatives from the world of science, engineering, technology.

Speaking at the launch of the Festival’s programme of activities in Trinity College, Mr Martin said: 'The theme for this year’s BA Festival is “Setting the Agenda for Science” – something which will ring true for many people in Ireland, where the promotion of science, and its benefits, is very firmly on the national agenda. As Ireland continues its transition to a knowledge-based economy, so science, engineering and technology are becoming vital instruments in enterprise activity. The Irish Government is fully committed to ensuring that Ireland maintains its economic prosperity, and the National Development Plan has marked a decisive strategic shift in support for science, technology and innovation.'

He continued: 'Events such as the BA Festival are crucial in conveying the serious message of how important science and engineering are to Ireland’s continued economic prosperity, but in a way which is fun, engaging and exciting. I welcome the BA Festival to Ireland and wish you all an enjoyable and successful week in September.'

A special programme for primary and secondary school pupils will run in tandem with the main Festival programme. Schools from across the island of Ireland will participate in a host of exciting events.

Commenting, Peter Brabazon, Programme Director of Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), said: ‘We are delighted to be associated with the BA Festival. Much of the focus nationally and internationally has been on encouraging post primary students to choose science, engineering and technology at third level; however, we are now more conscious than ever of the need to interest young people in the sciences at the earliest possible stage in their learning cycle, be that primary or indeed pre-primary.'

'There is certain to be something for everyone at the Festival,' said Joanne Coleman, Festival Manager at the BA. 'Science is an integral part of our lives, and this is reflected in a programme of activities which we hope will be stimulating, challenging and above all entertaining. There will be plenty of chance to join in the science craic from cabaret, provocative debates, cutting-edge science and hands-on workshops, everywhere from the university to the bars to the local shopping centre.'

The Provost of Trinity College, Dr. John Hegarty, said: 'Trinity has a proud history of scientific excellence in education and research. We look forward to Dublin being alive with science in September, when the College hosts the BA Festival of Science. This event will play a big part in renewing the interest in science among young people and in showing how science is as much about culture as it is the basis by which we will sustain ourselves economically and environmentally in the future. It is most appropriate that the Festival is returning to Ireland this year - the Hamilton Year of Irish Science and the bicentenary of Hamilton's birth in September 1805.'

In addition to talks and debates at Trinity College Dublin, there will be a host of events throughout the city as part of the Science in the City programme.

This year the main sponsors of the Festival are the Department of Education and Science, Trinity College Dublin and the Discover Science and Engineering Programme, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

The media partner for the BA Festival of Science is the Irish Times.

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