Dublin formally hands over event for Copenhagen gathering

2014 FORUM:ALL HISTORIC discord between the Danes and the Irish and that sticky business related to the Battle of Clontarf was put aside at the close of the Euroscience Open Forum as the 2012 hosts, Dublin, formally handed over the event to the 2014 holders, Copenhagen.

Prof Patrick Cunningham, who campaigned and won Dublin the right to hold Esof over the past five days, talked of another conference – of a sort – involving the Danes and the Irish in 1014. And while the Irish and Brian Boru got the better of that little exchange, the Irish were more than happy to pass responsibility for the next biennial Esof meeting across to the Danes.

The five days of the event saw more than 4,000 delegates attending 150 talks and presentations. At the final reckoning delegates had come to Dublin from 74 countries, the organisers said.

Prof Cunningham, Irish champion of Esof 2012, said Ireland had played host to the best of international science.

“Ireland was chosen to host Esof in recognition of our growing international reputation in science. The success of Esof and the showcasing of Irish scientific work will add significantly to that reputation,” he said.

Danish champion Prof Klaus Bock thanked Prof Cunningham for the “five inspiring and exciting days in Dublin”. The theme of the 2014 event, to take place from June 21st to 26th, is “science building bridges”, Prof Bock said.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Naoise Ó Muirí declared the Esof event in Dublin one of the best yet held and also the largest meeting of its kind held to date in the city.

The Dublin City of Science programme continues for the remainder of 2012. See more details at dublinscience2012.ie