• CPL and the Atlantic Corridor Conference

    Mar
    03

    The Atlantic Conference 2010 was officially opened by an Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD (Click here for image). In his opening remarks, he spoke about the need for Ireland to develop a strong base of skills in science, technology, engineering and maths in order to compete for jobs and investment internationally. After opening the conference, he spoke with students who were taking part in a workshop as part of the conference.  125 students were discussing and debating their attitudes to science, technology, engineering and maths and the Taoiseach told them : "I think it is important for you as young people to know that we will come through this recession." He reminded the students that eight of the world's top 10 information technology and life sciences companies had bases in Ireland. As he left, he was approached by plucky student Aine Donnelly. For her efforts, the Galway native secured the Taoiseach's sponsorship of a national transition year competition.

     

    Over 150 people attended the conference and speakers such as Dr Chris Horn, President of Engineers Ireland and Andrew Parish of Wavebob spoke about the huge opportunities that innovation would provide Ireland. The keynote address by Dr John Mighton of the University of Toronto focussed on the seminal role that maths literacy has to play in education from an early stage in life. He spoke about his belief that everyone has great mathematical potential and his work in Canada developing new methods for the teaching of maths. ESB chief executive Padraig McManus said the time has come to take real and practical steps to entice young people into the engineering profession. A total of 700 professional engineers are employed by ESB and, with an average age profile of 50, must be replaced in the coming years. “The time has come for action and an end to discussions. The glamour has gone from a range of other career options that were seen as highly profitable in the past. In engineering, we must present a future that is exciting and challenging and then the young people will come.” Commenting on the conference, Atlantic Corridor Chairperson John Flanagan said : “ As Chairperson of Atlantic Corridor, I am proud to see this event grow from strength to strength. It is an important event for the discussion of issues relating to science, technology, engineering and maths, skills which are vital for the growth and prosperity of our county.”

    The Conference also included a presentation on an Atlantic Corridor initiative in partnership with Georgia Tech, Atlanta which will go live in a number of weeks. The project involves a high speed broadband connection and video conferencing facilities, which will allow students in Killina Presentation School, Rahan to connect with world-class scientific researchers for science classes in the Georgia Tech Campus in Atlanta. Gerry Buckley, CEO of Network Infrastructure Support, a corporate partner in the project, said the connection will be more than a one-way link to the institute. “the plan will be to connect up with other schools and facilities in North America. The possibilities are endless once the infrastructure and technology are in place.” Dr Jeff Evans of Georgia Tech spoke about his excitement with this project as it is the first time that Georgia Tech have used this technology model outside of the United States and its application in Killina Presentation School will certainly put the school on map in terms of technology use.

    The conference was chaired by well-know science broadcaster Leo Enright who concluded by saying that this conference was yet another successful event by Atlantic Corridor, demonstrating the power of international linkages for the Midlands region as it develops its enterprise and education infrastructure to meet the needs of Ireland’s Smart Economy. Jackie Gorman, CEO of Atlantic Corridor acknowledged the support of a number of people and organisations in the conference and workshop :” the positive and engaged support of our main sponsor Ericsson, other sponsors – Discover Science & Engineering, IDA Ireland, Wellwood Healthcare Park, Tullamore Court Hotel, CPL and the Irish Times must be acknowledged. Their support has allowed us to yet again develop a conference of national significance in the Midlands, from which we anticipate many fruitful outcomes.”


    Source: Irish Times & Irish Independent