Awards Underline Importance Of Innovation For Ireland’s Future Economic Success
Business Press | 22nd June 2009
The supply of qualified and skilled science and technology graduates will be integral to Ireland fulfilling its potential as a knowledge economy fuelled by innovation, according to Siemens. Speaking at the announcement of the Siemens Innovative Young Engineer Award, Michael O’Connor, Marketing Manager of Siemens Limited said “A higher level of engagement of science and technology subjects at primary and secondary school level is now critical in helping to increase the level of graduates in the area.”
Dr. Chris Horn, President Engineers Ireland, Colm O'Brien, Michael, John Mulvihill and John Power, Director General Engineers Ireland
While there is growing recognition that innovation is the engine that will power our economic recovery, it is vital that we create an environment that fosters an innovative mindset, according to O’Connor. “Encouraging creative thinking at an early stage will be critical for our future economic success,” he said.
Now in its 11th year, the awards, which are hosted in association with Engineers Ireland, are among a number of initiatives by Siemens to foster innovation in engineering, while promoting the profession as a whole. It also encourages students to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research.
This year’s entries underlined how Ireland’s young graduates are leading the way for indigenous R&D. “I am delighted to see that 11 years on, the standard of submissions for the Innovative Student Engineer of the Year shows that there is no shortage of talent,” O’Connor added.
The winners included Colm O’Brien from Cork IT who examined the use of a wirelessly controlled electrical outlet to automatically control lighting and electrical appliances within a work or home environment. John Mulvihill from University Limerick also won for his project on the reduction of time required for haemodialysis by optimising the mass transport in an idealised dialysis cartridge.
In addition to the long-standing Siemens award, this year the awards were expanded by Engineers Ireland to include new categories for innovative company and innovative engineer. Of the awards, Dr. Chris Horn, President of Engineers Ireland commented “I strongly believe the various categories promote and inspire the ingenuity that is fundamental to our future economic wellbeing with engineering quite clearly having a key role to play in this respect.”
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