Sir, – Dick Ahlstrom's report on Innovation 2020 ("Science strategy promises more funding", December 8th) and the promise that the Government intends to explore options for membership of the European Southern Observatory and Cern, the European nuclear research centre, is welcome news for high-energy physics and astronomy in Ireland. In the case of Cern, two generations of Irish researchers and those industries involved in advanced technology have missed out on participation in one of the world's greatest scientific collaborations. Perhaps the efforts and persistent encouragement of many Irish physicists over the last 50 years is bearing fruit. I wish the Government well in all its deliberations. – Yours, etc,
DENIS O’SULLIVAN, MRIA
Dublin 18.
Sir, – The Government is to be congratulated for its Innovation 2020 strategy for science, technology and innovation. After years of crisis management, it is fantastic to see such a positive and ambitious long-term vision for the development of science and research in Ireland. The increase in overall funding is very welcome and will make a huge difference to the critical mass and level of collective activity we can achieve.
The recognition of the importance of basic research across all disciplines is also very important; the Frontiers scheme will be a key supporter of scientists across all fields, providing a training ground for students at the cutting-edge of their fields and allowing those unexpected discoveries that lead to really disruptive breakthroughs. The future for Irish science and the long-term payoff for the country from this investment both look a lot brighter with this strategy in place. – Yours, etc,
KEVIN MITCHELL, PhD
Associate Professor,
Smurfit Institute
of Genetics,
Trinity College Dublin,
Dublin 2.