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SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Investigators Programme in 2015, in collaboration with a number of other research funders, was aligned to areas of common interest with H2020; these proposals are currently under review. The call was run in partnership with other research funders: Teagasc, the Geological Survey of Ireland, the Irish Research Council, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland.
Science Foundation Ireland offered 62 H2020 Catalyst awards in 2015 aimed at supporting preliminary activities that seek to build EU consortia and teams for future H2020 applications. Preliminary activities include workshops, symposia and face-to-face meetings with potential consortium partners.
Public Engagement and Education
Science Foundation Ireland is committed to achieving the most engaged and scientifically informed public in Ireland. We view an engaged public as one that understands the role of science, can judge between competing priorities and arguments, encourages young people to take science, technology, engineering and maths( STEM) choices at school and further education, and feels that it has the appropriate level of engagement with, and influence upon, research.
It is important to create a science culture in Ireland where people value the underpinning role of science and technology in their lives and how it addresses the economic, social and environmental challenges we face as a society. Through our education and public engagement programme, Science Foundation Ireland aims to build public confidence and pride in Ireland’ s STEM achievements to date and our future potential. The programme supports a portfolio of programmes that helps the public better understand the scientific process and that opens the window of opportunity in STEM careers to a greater population.
In 2015, Science Foundation Ireland directly managed Science Week and the Smart Futures, Discover Primary Science and Maths and ESERO Ireland programmes. It also supported the wider research community to engage with the public and, through the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme call, funded 56 new projects with a reach of approximately 4.6 million engagements.
How the Public Value STEM
56 48 57 53
88 % 83 % 87 % 83 %
32 35 29 30
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1. It is important to support training and education in STEM
Strongly agree
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2. Science is important for addressing key challenges affecting our society
Slightly agree
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3. Research in STEM will lead to an improvement in the quality of life in Ireland in the next 20 years |
4. Government investment in STEM is worthwhile |