Dublin wins bid to be European City of Science in 2012

The Spire of Dublin, otherwise known as the Monument of Light.

In addition, 50,000 members of the general public will be involved in a series of Olympics-style events celebrating European research in July 2012.

The announcement came 11 days after a team led by the government’s chief scientific adviser, Professor Patrick Cunningham, presented Dublin’s final bid to a 10-member international panel in Stuttgart. Vienna was the other city in the bidding.

“It is fantastic – I was particularly pleased it was a unanimous decision,” said Cunningham.

Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Jimmy Devins, said the year-long event, “Is a unique opportunity to promote the value of investing in science with true consequences for the daily life of the citizen.”

The Director of Ireland’s Discover Science & Engineering’s Programme, Peter Brabazon, said, “This is a fantastic achievement and one which will provide Ireland with the opportunity to showcase both its rich scientific heritage, as well as the very significant recent advances which the country has made in developing its science and technology credentials.”

“It will also help to further raise the profile of science in Ireland and its relevance to everyday life, particularly among young people, who are critical to the future development of Ireland's knowledge economy.”