From left to right are Silver medal Chemistry winners at the IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympiad in Dublin recently. Adam Johnston, Dalriada School, Ballymoney; Clara Gleeson, Holy Faith Secondary School, Clontarf; Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D; Hannah Cagney, Mount Anville Secondary School, Goatstown and Keith Moore of Wallace High School in Lisburn.

TWO Wallace High School pupils have 'a good chance' of taking part in a major international science competition after being ranked among Ireland's top six physics and chemistry students at an event in Dublin recently.

Adam Powell and Keith Moore must now wait and see if they are eligible to travel to the International Science Olympiad's Physics event in Vietnam (Adam) or its Chemistry Competition in Hungary (Keith). They were presented with silver medals to mark their achievements by the Republic's Minister for Education and Science at the 15th 'Irish Science Olympiad' organised by IBM and Dublin City University. During this they competed against 250 of Ireland's top secondary level science students with all 32 counties represented at the event.

The Minister told those present the continual development of 'today's students and tomorrow's leaders' in the disciplines of science and technology was "very important.

"Young people pursuing studies in the field of science and technology can look forward to excellent career prospects," the Minister continued. "Initiatives such as the IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympiad actively encourage students to explore and develop their interest."

Bill Kearney, Director Dublin Software Lab, IBM said the annual Olympiad continued to "encourage our leading students to nurture and develop their science and technology skills.

"IBM is proud to be associated with such an event. As with all of IBM's education initiatives IBM Ireland is committed to encouraging innovation from students right across the country.

"Events such as the ISO help to ensure that Ireland remains a leader in the science and technology fields."

Michael Cotter, Director of the Irish Science Olympiad and lecturer at DCU described the Olympiad as "an ideal avenue for Ireland's future scientists to showcase their skills to a national audience and potentially on an international stage.

"Each year the IBM/DCU Science Olympiad provides our students with an ideal platform to equip themselves for a career in the sciences," he concluded.

neil.greenlees@jpress.co.uk

From left to right are Silver medal Physics winners at the IBM/DCU Irish Science Olympiad in Dublin recently. John Collison, Castletroy College, Co Limerick; Adam Powell, Wallace High School, Lisburn; Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin, T.D; Jonathan McKenzie, Banbridge Academy and Martin Cotton, Sligo Grammar School.

Ulster Star
22/02/2008