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Dublin

European City of Science 2012

he European City of Science of ESOF 2012 is "Where Creativity and In showcasing the best of Irish culture,
is a recently introduced Eu- Great Science Meet". Dublin's aim is to arts and science a new and innovative
T ropean Union programme attract 8,00o Irish and international programme of science themed events
that sees a major European city delegates while engaging 50,000 citi- across Dublin and Ireland will consist of
chosen biennially by the Super- zens in a truly Olympics of European photographic and art exhibitions, seve-
visory Board of Euroscience, an Research style event. It will include ral theatre pieces, film festivals, tours,
organisation based in Strasbourg, members of the public from all over trails and treasure hunts, street perfor-
for scientific and technological re- Europe to discuss new discoveries and mances, science buskers, large-scale
search. debate the direction that research is interactive installations, experiments,
taking in the sciences, humanities and science carnivals, public talks, debates,
Dublin's bid to host the European City social sciences. workshops and even a fashion show.
of Science 2012 had been in prepara-
tion since 2008. It brought together It is a unique international and multidis- Throughout 2012 Dublin's public libra-
the scientific, academic and industrial ciplinary forum to present and discuss ries will run a coordinated programme
establishment of Ireland. Over fifty the frontiers of scientific and techno- of events with a scientific theme that will
stakeholders came together under the logical research in Europe and contri- be adopted in all relevant programmes.
stewardship of the Chief Scientific Ad- bute to the development of a European It will include talks, workshops and ex-
viser and Senior Executive of the Bid. scientific identity together with bridging hibitions catering for all ages. Scientists,
The prestigious title was formerly held the gap between science and society in schools and community groups will be
by Stockholm (2004), Munich (2006), stimulating policies to support scientific involved in the projects.
Barcelona (2008) and Turin (2010). research.
With the streets of Dublin as a broad
The principal event is the hosting of Eu- The official launching took place at the canvas, the public will be both inspired
rope's largest science conference dedica- city's Convention Centre on 26 January and prompted to discuss and debate the
ted to scientific research and innovation. 2012. The Minister of State for Science, value and merits of scientific issues, the-
The Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF) Technology and Innovation, hailed the mes and opinions in a discourse that is
attracts leading scientists, researchers decision to grant the title to Dublin in important to all. Putting Irish science
at all levels, business people, entrepre- recognition of the great strides Ireland on the map, there will be selected sites
neurs and innovators, policy makers, has made in the area. It will see a year- highlighting both modern and histo-
science and technology experts and long programme of science events to ric Irish science venues. Events will be
communicators. Adding great prestige, bring to the fore the best in Irish science added to the programme throughout
in 2012 three joint Nobel Prize laureates and research. An innovative science the year.
are expected to attend, James Watson themed festival will run during the year
(1962), Peter Doherty (1996) and Jules throughout Ireland combining the best Ito Marguet
Hoffman (2011). of Irish culture, arts and science. Saint
Patrick's Day celebrations in March will
To be held at the capital's new Conven- include science themed activities and
tion Centre from 12 to 16 July, the theme events for young and old.

Culture 39