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SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT 2015
The Investigators Programme in 2015 , in collaboration with a number of other research funders , was aligned to areas of common interest with H2020 ; these proposals are currently under review . The call was run in partnership with other research funders : Teagasc , the Geological Survey of Ireland , the Irish Research Council , the Environmental Protection Agency , the Marine Institute and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland .
Science Foundation Ireland offered 62 H2020 Catalyst awards in 2015 aimed at supporting preliminary activities that seek to build EU consortia and teams for future H2020 applications . Preliminary activities include workshops , symposia and face-to-face meetings with potential consortium partners .
Public Engagement and Education
Science Foundation Ireland is committed to achieving the most engaged and scientifically informed public in Ireland . We view an engaged public as one that understands the role of science , can judge between competing priorities and arguments , encourages young people to take science , technology , engineering and maths ( STEM ) choices at school and further education , and feels that it has the appropriate level of engagement with , and influence upon , research .
It is important to create a science culture in Ireland where people value the underpinning role of science and technology in their lives and how it addresses the economic , social and environmental challenges we face as a society . Through our education and public engagement programme , Science Foundation Ireland aims to build public confidence and pride in Ireland ’ s STEM achievements to date and our future potential . The programme supports a portfolio of programmes that helps the public better understand the scientific process and that opens the window of opportunity in STEM careers to a greater population .
In 2015 , Science Foundation Ireland directly managed Science Week and the Smart Futures , Discover Primary Science and Maths and ESERO Ireland programmes . It also supported the wider research community to engage with the public and , through the Science Foundation Ireland Discover programme call , funded 56 new projects with a reach of approximately 4.6 million engagements .
How the Public Value STEM
56 48 57 53
88 % 83 % 87 % 83 %
32 35 29 30
|
1 . It is important to support training and education in STEM
Strongly agree
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2 . Science is important for addressing key challenges affecting our society
Slightly agree
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3 . Research in STEM will lead to an improvement in the quality of life in Ireland in the next 20 years |
4 . Government investment in STEM is worthwhile |