Students and adults throughout the State are this week enjoying more than 200 events associated with Science Week Ireland. It is a remarkably full programme considering that the institutes of technology, universities, and other groups who sponsor activities, do so at little or no cost to the State.
The scientists give of their time so that the public can achieve a better understanding of what research is and what it can accomplish. It is also a powerful way to tap into the natural curiosity of children in the hope of igniting a spark that could in time lead to a career in the sciences.
Forfás and its Science, Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme count on the goodwill of the third level institutions to make the week a success. Add to this the efforts made by councils, local communities and companies who stage tours, lectures and science fairs. It shows a great willingness on the part of disparate groups to come together during one week of the year to make science accessible to the broadest possible audience.
Clearly the public has an appetite for things scientific. Waterford Institute of Technology's programme had already attracted more than 1,200 visitors as of yesterday. More than 3,500 attended last weekend's Sunday Funday in Galway. Students visiting the showcase events, The Bug Show, Belfast's W 5 Science is Magic programme and the Shell Ferrari racing car display - being moved from centre to centre by Forfás during the week - have been intrigued and amazed.
While it is all good knock-about fun, there is a clear purpose behind Science Week Ireland. The Government hopes it might help stem the ongoing rejection of science subjects by second and third level students. Student numbers taking chemistry, physics and engineering in the Leaving and, subsequently at third level, have been in decline for a decade. Equally, many who might consider a degree in the sciences are put off by the lack of an obvious career path and job opportunities.
This startling decline comes at a time when the Government has embarked on a major research spending initiative under the National Development Plan. Its success is dependent on the ready supply of trained graduates willing to take up the emerging research opportunities.
Far from child's play, Science Week Ireland represents a way to tempt fresh young minds back into the sciences and to foster an innovative society, as the Tanaiste put it at the official launch last Monday.