Keynote talks from BBC broadcaster, Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at University of Oxford and Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science, and winner of the 2017 Science Foundation Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal and one of the world’s most cited mathematicians, Adrian Raftery, Professor of Statistics and Sociology at the University of Washington.

Dublin, Friday 10th November 2017 – Croke Park will host the annual Science Foundation Ireland Science Summit this coming Monday 13th of November. Ireland's top scientific investigators will convene to discuss and debate key research areas and their social and economic impact in Ireland. The event will feature international keynote speakers Professor Marcus du Sautoy and Professor Adrian Raftery.

Professor of Mathematics at University of Oxford, Marcus du Sautoy is also the Charles Simonyi Chair for the Public Understanding of Science in the UK.  A well-known author, TED Talk presenter and television-radio broadcaster, Professor du Sautoy, will deliver an address about ‘Maths for the Masses’.  Adrian Raftery, Professor of Statistics and Sociology at the University of Washington and winner of the 2017 Science Foundation Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal, is one of the world’s most cited mathematicians. He will deliver a talk on his recently published paper in Nature Climate Change ‘Less than 2°C warming by 2100 unlikely’, which has received significant international media attention. 

The theme for this year’s Summit is #BelieveInScience. This recently launched campaign invites the public, educators, policy makers, and industry, to work in partnership with the research community and share a mutual passion for science. Through open dialogue on digital platforms #BelieveInScience aims to promote an understanding of the ability of STEM to create positive change in the world and to drive a sustainable economy in Ireland.

The Summit takes place during National Science Week (12th-19th November) which includes the new #StopAndAsk campaign.  The public are invited to ask the scientific questions they have always wondered about.  Through social media, Science Foundation Ireland’s research community will answer questions and engage in conversations that will encourage people to be curious and feel more confident exploring scientific information.  To join in just add the hashtag #StopAndAsk to your Twitter, Facebook and Instagram posts.

The Science Foundation Ireland Science Summit is also a celebration of Irish research. The event will see the announcement of winners of prestigious awards such as the SFI Researcher of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to STEM Communications, Industry Partnership Award and the Entrepreneurship Award.

Speaking in advance of the event, Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, said “Ireland’s international reputation for research excellence and impact continues to go from strength to strength,  thanks to the efforts of many researchers in Irish academia and industry.  Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to bring the research community together to share knowledge about the cutting-edge research and innovative discoveries that help Ireland address national and global challenges.”

“I am especially looking forward to announcing the Science Foundation Ireland Awards 2017, which will recognise the significant achievements of some outstanding individuals and teams.”