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PharmaChemical Ireland, the IBEC group that represents the Irish pharmaceutical sector, presented the 2010 Industry Awards for Excellence in Science Teachers at the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA) annual conference in Sligo at the weekend. The awards went to seven science teachers who have demonstrated their ability to make science more current and appealing, and in doing so, motivating young students to study science.

Presenting the awards, Matt Moran, director of PharmaChemical Ireland said: “The pharmaceutical industry is delighted to recognise the positive impact of science teachers on students. Our industry views young scientists as crucial to the long-term future of the Irish economy. Our science teachers are charged with nurturing this talent, and they deserve all the support and encouragement that we can give them.”

Siobhán Coll from DCU won the overall 2010 Industry Awards for Excellence in Science Teachers, and other winners recognised on the evening with cash prizes of €2,000-€3,000 were:

· Jonathan Walker from Trinity, sponsored by Schering Plough;
· Lisa Darley from UCD, sponsored by Merck Sharpe and Dohme;
· Siobhán Coll from DCU, sponsored by Pfizer;
· Alan Kennedy from UCC, sponsored by Novartis;
· Mairead Corridan from UL, sponsored by GE Healthcare;
· Marianne Gardiner from NUI Galway, sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceutical;
· Gwen Travers from NUI Maynooth, sponsored by Genzyme.