Only three weeks remain before nominations close for the 2001 RDS/Irish Times Boyle Medal, an award presented for the past century to celebrate excellence in scientific research.
Scientists seeking the Boyle award may not put themselves forward. They must be nominated by senior representatives of a university, college or company which backs the candidacy.
The 2001 award programme is open only to Irish-born researchers working outside Ireland whose scientific efforts have earned international recognition. The medal is given to researchers who have made a significant contribution in their field and whose work attracts distinction among their international peers.
Full details of the nomination process is on a website giving information about the medal.
The Royal Dublin Society introduced the Boyle Medal and made its first presentation in 1899. The Irish Times joined the RDS last year, the medal's centenary year, in relaunching the award. It is now a biennial distinction given alternately to an Irish-based researcher and an Irish-born researcher working abroad.
The Boyle Medal's new international dimension is in recognition of the many fine Irish researchers who have left to pursue careers overseas and who have advanced the cause of scientific discovery. While recognised abroad for their important contributions, the quality and significance of their work often remains unknown to the Irish public.
The selection process involves two judging panels, the first charged with producing a shortlist of no more than five exceptional scientists. The second panel is made up of international peers, all noted scientists in their own right who make the final choice of Boyle Medal laureate.
The medal is named after Robert Boyle (1627-1691), one of Ireland's greatest scientists, who is described as the father of chemistry. Scientists of his calibre are encouraged to seek nominations for this prestigious award.
The 2001 award is open only to an Irish-born researcher working abroad. Scientists may not apply themselves but must be nominated by the president or head of a college, faculty or research institute, or the managing director or head of research function of a company where the researcher works.
The secretary of a professional body may also nominate a candidate or the individual's host organisation or any Irish organisation to which he or she has links.
A special Boyle Medal website gives details of eligibility and the nomination process. A nomination form may also be printed from this site. It is at http:// www.ireland.com/newspaper/science/boyle.htm
Information is also available from Ms Celine Tort of the RDS at celine.tort@rds.ie or Tel 00 353 1 668-0866, or from Ms Maeve O'Mara of The Irish Times at momeara@irishtimes.ie or 00 353 1 679-2022.