Tánaiste presents SFI/Dell ‘Young Women in Engineering’ Scholarship Awards

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan TD today (Thursday, October 23rd, 2008) announced the winners of the 2008 Science Foundation Ireland/Dell Young Women in Engineering Scholarship Awards and announced details of the 2009 Scholarship competition at a ceremony in Dublin. These awards aim to encourage more female students into engineering as an undergraduate degree and future career.

Presenting the ten winners (full list below) with their scholarships, each valued at €20,000, the Tánaiste said “It is essential, particularly in the current economic climate, that we continue to foster an interest in science and engineering among students. The reality is that within science and, specifically, engineering as a discipline, women have been under represented.  If not fittingly addressed in the long-term, this could hinder our global competitiveness. The SFI/Dell Women in Engineering Scholarship, now in its third year, has been a shining example of how collaboration between industry, Government and our young citizens can bring about a dynamic partnership that yields results.”

The scholarship package comprises an annual award of €2,000, a Dell Precision M20 notebook computer, together with the assistance and support of a research active mentor throughout their undergraduate career and the opportunity to spend summers in a research internship in university or industry.

The Tánaiste said it was timely that this scholarship ceremony was taking place against the background of Budget 2009: “Budget 2009 saw the Government reiterating its commitment to engineering and scientific research, with over €300 million capital funding announced for the continued implementation of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013, of which €179million will be allocated to SFI.”

The Tánasite added “ This Government remains firmly focused on creating a world-class scientific and engineering base here in Ireland and it is our collective hope that the scholarship recipients will, indeed, be spurred on from their success here today to further explore the potential and opportunities offered by engineering.”

General Manager of Dell, Mr. Dermot O’Connell, said: “Now more than ever we need to attract young people and young women into the engineering field. For Ireland to maintain its competitiveness in the future and for it to be a true Knowledge Economy we need a workforce qualified in the sciences, technology and engineering. Initiatives and partnerships like this are vitally important if we are to communicate to students, before they make their career choices, the wealth of opportunities that a career as an engineer offers.”

Speaking at the Award Ceremony, Director-General of SFI, Prof Frank Gannon, said;“Strategic SFI linkages such as this, involving industry and the educational sector, form an essential part of our role in supporting research excellence in Ireland. Furthermore, the recent extension of SFI’s remit into energy research reflects growth future opportunities in this sector, where engineering skills will be required more than ever. We are excited about the new opportunities that have presented themselves in this area, and are confident that the next generation of engineers and scientists will play an active role in pushing the boundaries of discovery into the future.”

ENDS/ETE 1958