An essay discussing food for thought and another on how chemical reactions occur have claimed top prizes in two chemistry-writing competitions.
The Government's chief science adviser, Dr Barry McSweeney, presented the prizes yesterday at a reception in Dublin, including cash awards worth €2,200. The chemistry essay competition is open to second- level students and the young chemists competition is open to third-level students.
The competitions are organised by the Royal Irish Academy and The Irish Times, with sponsorship from AGB Scientific, the Royal Society for Chemistry and the Society of Chemical Industry.
Dr Zhipan Liu, of Queen's University Belfast, won the young chemists competition, awarded for the best essay describing Irish PhD research.
He received a cheque for €1,000 and a John Coen bronze statue. His essay on enzyme reactions also won an international prize for young chemists organised by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Caroline O'Donovan, of Maynooth Post-Primary School, was the winner of the chemistry essay second-level competition with her essay, "Elements: Food for Thought". She received a cheque for €600 and a John Coen statue. The runners-up were Aaron Mulvihill, of Causeway Comprehensive School, Tralee, and Stephen Kenneally, St Gerard's School, Bray. Each received a cheque for €300.
Further information is available on the Royal Irish Academy website at www.ria.ie
