EVENT: Annual Conference of the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA)
THEME: ‘Science – Towards A Healthy Future’
DATE: 19-21 March 2010
VENUE: Institute of Technology Sligo, Ash Lane, Sligo
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Prof Frank Gannon, Director, Science Foundation Ireland

In his opening address, Prof Gannon will speak about:

• The importance of research in the Irish economy,
• The value of creating a pool of top quality science and engineering students at third level,
• 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 Mc Crory, Chair of Association for Science Education Northern);
• Chemical Hazards and the Food Chain (Michael O’Mahony);
• New anti-microbial technologies (Researchers at IT Sligo);
• Positive effects of simulated sunlight on skin (Researchers at IT Sligo).

There will be hands on workshops over the course of the weekend. Forensic workshops will include sessions looking at:

• Chemical methods for fingerprint detection;
• How to detect laundered diesel. 

Other workshop topics will include:

• Chemistry,
• Instrumentation,
• Online text books,
• Data logging,
• Fuel cells,
• Electronics.

John Lucey, chairman of ISTA said:  

“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:

“This conference places IT Sligo at the interface between 2nd and 3rd level science and highlights the crucial role of science to Ireland’s economic recovery. We are delighted to support the conference and look forward to an exciting and diverse programme over the weekend.’   

Full information is available at www.ista.ie