Dublin: European City of Science 2012

Dublin European City of Science 2012 will take place 12-16 July 2012. The event will bring together leading international scientists and high-ranking government officials from across Europe to address the major global issues of our time, such as energy, climate change, food and health, to name but a few.

The City of Science event is expected to attract 8,000 delegates (scientists, policy officials, science administrators and media) to Ireland for the event itself and will consequently have a considerable impact on the tourist industry.

On the basis of research conducted by the Fáilte Ireland Business Tourism Forum, it is estimated that the total expenditure by delegates will be €14.3m, which is expected to support more than 270 jobs in the tourism sector.

Dublin City of Science 2012 will be hosted by The Convention Centre Dublin (the CCD), Ireland’s first purpose-built convention centre, located In Spencer Dock in the heart of Dublin city. The CCD is Ireland’s largest convention centre, with space for up to 8,000 delegates and built to the latest high-tech standards.

Ireland’s chief scientist, Prof Patrick Cunningham, said the event will provide a marvellous opportunity for Ireland to showcase Europe-wide as well as beyond, the fruits of the country's intensive 10-year programme of investment into its research capacity.

While the core event will take place over five days in July, the 'City of Science' theme is set to run throughout the year. Planning is under way for a large number of science-related conferences and activities over the course of 2012.

Euroscience Open Forum

During the European City of Science event,  Dublin will host the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) from 11-15 July, 2012.

The aim of the ESOF is to:

• Promote a dialogue on the role of science and technology in society and public policy.
• Stimulate and provoke public interest, excitement and debate about science and technology.

The event will bring together 6,000 scientists, business leaders, government officials and international media to discuss the best of European science and to address all of the major global challenges, including energy, climate change, food and health.

• ESOF 2012 will incorporate a number of distinct streams:
• A science programme of seminars, workshops and debates on the latest research
• A media programme to promote science communication
• A business programme to link basic research with industrial applications
• A careers programme for young researchers
• An exhibition to showcase the best of European public and private research
• An outreach programme to engage with the general public

In advance of Dublin City of Science 2012, Siliconrepublic.com is hosting Science November, a month dedicated to news, reports, interviews and videos covering a range of Irish science, research and innovation.

John Kennedy | |