Trinity Physics Postgraduate Triumphs in Intervarsity Science Speak

Posted on: 08 May 2007

Shane Bergin, a Trinity College Dublin, School of Physics postgraduate, won first prize at the RDS Irish Times Science Speak 2007 event, organised in association with Irish Universities Promoting Science (IUPS), with his talk, ‘Carbon Nanotubes: Problems & Solutions’.

Opening to the theme of James Bond, Shane’s presentation introduced the background to nanotechnology, the science behind nanotubes and his research which will further their future applications. Engaging and inspiring the general audience on the night, Shane also impressed a judging panel including Peter Brabazon director of the Discover Science & Engineering programme, Katriona Devereux, presenter of the science programme, Scope, John Creedon, radio presenter, RTE, Dick Ahlstrom, science correspondent, The Irish Times and Éanna Ní Lamhna, broadcaster, RTE.

Compere for the evening, RTE broadcaster, Pat Kenny commented on the very high standard of candidates from all the universities. An article on Shane’s research will appear in The Irish Times on Thursday 10th May.

Organised by the Irish Universities Promoting Science, the event involved seven postgraduate students from Science faculties in each of the seven Irish universities presenting their research to a judging panel and general audience. Candidates aim to convey their research in ordinary language without scientific jargon. The event offers postgraduates an opportunity to consider some of the societal aspects of their work and how they may best convey this to a non-technical audience.