The Taoiseach, a humanoid robot, dancing skeletons and Mickey Joe Harte marked the official opening of the annual Esat BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
One of the largest events of its kind in Europe, the event is now in its 40th year, also making it one of the longest running science exhibitions.
The Taoiseach broke from a busy schedule associated with the EU Presidency to attend the opening ceremonies yesterday evening at the RDS in Ballsbridge, Dublin. He praised the organisers, the students and their teachers for their work and involvement in the exhibition.
"Now is the best time in the history of our country to pursue a career in science," Mr Ahern said, adding that "science graduates are the high energy fuel" that would produce financial growth in our emerging knowledge based economy.
The Taoiseach's short speech was followed by a performance by Asimo, one of the most advanced humanoid robots in the world. Developed by Honda, the robot did a dance number on stage, encouraging the students to follow suit.
The 2004 exhibition ranks as one of the largest yet held, with more than 900 research projects considered to select the 482 projects that are now on display. The 1,040 students involved are vying for the top prize, the Esat BT Young Scientist of the year trophy, a cheque for €3,000 and a chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists in September.
The prize is given to the top group or individual project in any category and the top group or individual that misses this accolade still wins the Esat BT trophy and €1,500.
There are also prizes for the runner-up group and individual projects, an Esat BT trophy and €750. In addition there are dozens of category awards and special awards given by companies and groups to recognise excellence in research.
There is an exhibition within the exhibition in the form of the Primary Science Fair, which begins today. This has become an important proving ground for pupils who have ambitions of going on to participate in the Young Scientist programme.
This exhibition opens at 10.30 a.m. today and the enthusiasm, dedication and bright ideas shown by pupils from the 28 schools participating makes the Primary Science Fair a must-see.
It always includes some extra events to make it as appealing as possible to student participants and visitors. The World of Science and Technology Exhibition Hall includes a variety of displays and hands-on demonstrations by companies such as Bristol Myers Squibb, Analog Devices and Allied Irish Bank, third-level institutions, including Queen's University, Belfast, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Dublin, Waterford and Sligo institutes of technology and State bodies such as FAS, Irish Patents Office, Health Research Board and An Garda Síochána.
Esat BT has organised the "Green Space" to mark the exhibition's 40th anniversary. It includes displays by bodies such as the EPA, Marine Institute, Race Against Waste and ENFO. Belfast-based W5 will also be on hand with the "Waste Wizard" show that demonstrates how to eliminate rather than dump waste, including a working worm composter.
Asimo will perform a number of shows from today until Saturday and the organisers have also brought in a circus tent to house the popular "World of Robots" exhibition.
This includes a number of Robot War duels by celebrity robots including Raser, Panic Attack and Big Brother, to be joined by Skeletron and a collection of Mechanoids.
More information about the overall exhibition and admission charges is available from the event's web site at: www.esatbtyoungscientist.com