Annual Irish Science Teachers’ Association (ISTA) Conference
19- 21 March 2010
IT Sligo hosts ‘Science – Towards A Healthy Future’, the annual Irish Science Teachers’ Association (ISTA) Conference later this month. Keynote speaker, Professor Frank Gannon, Director of Science Foundation Ireland, will address the opening audience on the importance of research in the Irish economy, the value of creating a pool of top quality science and engineering students at third level and the key role of Secondary School teachers to deliver this.
The wide ranging programme will include lectures on Stem Cell technologies (Professor Fergal O’Brien, Royal College of Surgeons and Professor Frank Barry NUI Galway); Osteoporosis (Professor Moira O’ Brien TCD); Letting the Fun in Science Out (Paul McCrory, Chair of Association for Science Education Northern Ireland) and Chemical Hazards and the Food Chain (Michael O’Mahony). Researchers at IT Sligo will form a strong part of the programme speaking on new anti-microbial technologies and on the positive effects of simulated sunlight on skin.
Hands On workshops over the weekend always attract much interest. Forensic workshops include sessions looking at chemical methods for fingerprint detection and how to detect laundered diesel. Other workshop topics include Chemistry, Instrumentation, online text books, datalogging, fuel cells and electronics.
John Lucey, chairman of ISTA stated: ‘This annual event is an opportunity for Science Teachers from first to third level to meet and interact. With science and research set to play a key role in our economic recovery, it is important that we continually seek to improve how science is taught at all levels of our education system. The knowledge and interest in science we pass on to our young people will play a significant role in the future of our economy.
Dr Jeremy Bird, Head of Science at IT Sligo commented: ‘IT Sligo is delighted to host the annual ISTA meeting in 2010. With one of the largest Schools of Science in the IoT sector we are very focused on the importance of regional development, working with our partners in industry and promoting the value of science within our community. ‘
Full information is available on the conference, see www.ista.ie
