Dublin successful in City of Science Bid –Minister Devins hails decision as ‘‘a great achievement’’

Monday 24^th November 2008

Dublin has been chosen as the City of Science for 2012. Announcing the decision today Minister Jimmy Devins TD Minister FOR Science Technology and Innovation hailed the decision as recognition of the great strides that Ireland has made in the area of science technology and innovation.

Dublin will host Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) in 2012. Dublin will aim to attract 8,000 Irish and International delegates while engaging 50,000 citizens in a truly Olympic of European Research style event in July 2012. The third edition of this bi-annual festival was held this year in Barcelona. Dublin’s Bid Committee held a range of highly successful visibility raising activities.

Minister Devins added ‘’this successful bid will provide a platform to showcase the best of science and research being carried out in Ireland across all disciplines, whether it is led by indigenous or international partners. We will be at that stage be towards the end of our massive NDP investment in Research and Development. As a gateway to the world we will also be able to draw on an unrivalled network of international experts to help take the Euro Science Open Forum to the next level. It is a unique opportunity at home to promote the value of investing in science with true consequences for the daily life of the citizen. It will also showcase modern Dublin to our European and International partners.’’ Concluded Minister Devins.

ENDS/IP79

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