Top Leaving Certificate Chemistry students of 2015

IoP Tyndall Schools Lecture tour Jan-Feb 2018 – Physics of the circus, James Soper. James Soper, internationally renowned science presenter, ex-professional circus performer and Guinness…

Four students shared the top place in physics in the 2014 Leaving Certificate, while a student from Belfast took the top award in Northern Ireland A-Level physics. Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, Damien English, presented the Institute of Physics in Ireland silver medals to the students at an event in the RDS on 9th December.

Speaking at the presentation, Minister English said: “I am delighted to present these medals on behalf of the Institute of Physics Ireland, recognising outstanding achievements in physics. The government believes that STEM subjects like physics are hugely important, both in themselves and also in sustaining economic growth and employment into the future."

The event was attended by friends and members of IOP Ireland together with the students, families and teachers. Three of the students were from schools in Cork while the fourth came from Kilkenny.

The winners were:
 

Simon Kieran Bluett, CBS, James St, Kilkenny.
Teacher: Mr John Kennedy
Currently studying engineering at Trinity College Dublin.
 

Ciaran Hurley, St Francis Capuchin College, Rochestown, Cork City
Teacher: Mr John O’Donovan
Currently studying medicine at University College Cork.
 

Cormac Patrick O’Mahony, Christian Brothers College, Sidney Hill,  Cork
Teacher: Mr Frank Cotter
Currently studying mathematical science at UCC.
 

Kevin Holland, Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown, Cork
Teacher: Ms Sian Joyce, who also won the IOPI teacher award in 2013.
Studying process and chemical engineering at UCC
 

Matthew Kingston, Belfast High School
Teacher: Dr Kathy Gibson
Studying natural sciences at Cambridge University.
 

For CBS Sidney Hill it was the third time that they have had a student take top place in physics, and in fact students from Cork have won the award 11 times in the past 15 years.
 

The event also included the launch of a booklet from IOP Ireland, 50 Years Looking Forward, which marked the 50^th anniversary of IOPI.

A total of 3 awards (2 special awards and 1 category award) were picked up by Irish students attending the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which is the world’s largest high school science research competition in the World.

From July 13th – 16th the IFI will collaborate with Science Gallery Dublin, to bring you a feast of science fact and fiction films including Philip Kaufman’s…

The UCD Earth Institute, in association with An Cosán Glas, is delighted to announce Earth Festival, an exciting merging of art and science. You and your school are invited to the exhibition presented in Letterkenny Town Park on 11th-13th November 2014 as part of Ireland’s National Science Week.

You can get more information or book your school in to the event by phoning Edward on 01 716 2681.

Demand has been very high and there are only spaces free on the Wednesday morning (12th) and on Thursday (13th)

The experience, which is suitable for inquisitive minds of all ages, is being specifically developed for young people between the ages of 12 and 16.

The Donegal-based artist group An Cosán Glas will be exhibiting a series of specially commissioned illuminated sculptures at the Letterkenny Town Park as part of Science Week. The inspiration for the sculptures comes from interactions with doctoral researchers on the Earth and Natural Sciences Doctoral Studies Programme.

To compliment the sculpture trail, as series of workshops and seminars are being prepared and delivered by the artists of An Cosan Glas and staff and researchers from University College Dublin and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.

If you would be interested in learning more about the project or would like to register your interest in attending, please email earth.institute@ucd.ie to join our mailing list. To help with planning and logistics, we would appreciate it if large groups would pre-register with us. Details are available on request.

The project has been generously supported by Science Foundation Ireland, Donegal County Council, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, the Earth and Natural Sciences Doctoral Studies Programme and the UCD College of Science.

The generosity of these sponsors and supporters means that we are in a position to offer a number of school groups priority entry to the event and to provide financial assistance with transport to and from your school. Again, if you are interested in learning more, please email your details to earth.institute@ucd.ie.