A plaque in honour of the induction coil's invention by Irish scientist Rev Nicholas Callan (1799-1864) was unveiled at NUI Maynooth yesterday evening.
The plaque, accompanied by a permanent display outlining his contribution to the field of electrical engineering, was unveiled by Michael Lightner, president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
The institute has also chosen Rev Callan to receive its "Historic Milestone Award" for his pioneering contributions to the understanding of induction and the development of the induction coil. A former professor of natural history at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, he is the first Irish scientist to be honoured in this way.
Previous milestones honoured include the space shuttle, the Japanese bullet train, and colour television.
Yesterday evening's ceremony was attended by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin, NUI Maynooth president Dr John Hughes and president of the Royal Irish Academy Dr Jim Slevin. The permanent display is to be placed in the foyer of the electronic engineering and biosciences building at NUI Maynooth, with the bronze plaque presented by the institute