The 2011 award will be presented to an Irish-born scientist or pure mathematician based abroad, writes DICK AHLSTROM
NOMINATIONS HAVE opened for the 2011 Boyle Medal Award for Scientific Excellence, Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious distinction for excellence in scientific research.
Inaugurated more than 110 years ago the RDS/ Irish TimesBoyle Medal celebrates those who have made a truly international contribution to the advance of science. The recipient will receive the medal and the distinction that goes with it. The Boyle Laureate also receives a €20,000 cash prize. The biennial award is alternatively presented to a person of any nationality working within Ireland or to an Irish-born researcher working outside of Ireland. The 2011 award will be presented to the latter, an Irish-born scientist or pure mathematician based abroad.
It doesn’t matter what passport the nominee currently holds so long as they were born in Ireland. The goal is to recognise the very many Irish scientists who over the past decades have decided to pursue their research careers abroad rather than at home.
Many Irish scientists, engineers and mathematicians hold very senior positions in research institutions and universities away from Ireland. They make important contributions to the advance of scientific knowledge but also bring honour and distinction to their home country.
The Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence has a long history. The RDS first presented the award in 1899, to recognise “scientific research of exceptional merit carried out in Ireland”. During its first century 32 medals were presented to some of Ireland’s leading scientists.
Then in its centennial year the RDS and The Irish Timesjoined to relaunch the Boyle Medal. Since then five medals have been presented. The partnership also supports a €20,000 cash prize that is presented with the medal itself.
The award takes its name from one of Ireland’s most famous scientists, Robert Boyle (1627-1691). Boyle is often described as the father of chemistry and he helped to develop the objective experimental methods that are the hallmark of quality research today.
Those wishing to apply may not apply in their own right, they must be nominated. Applications must come from the president or head of a college, faculty or research institute. Nominations may also come from the managing director or head of research function within a company on behalf of an employee.
The secretary of a professional body may nominate and applications may be submitted by the individual’s host organisation or any Irish organisation to which he/she has links.
A two-part judging process follows with an initial judging panel producing a shortlist of no more than five individuals. An international panel of independent judges will then be selected on the basis of the shortlist and these peers will in turn select the Boyle Medal Laureate for 2011.
A fully online nomination system is available and nominations may only be accepted using the online form found at rds.ie/boylemedal