Over 300 TY Students Visited Marine Institute

Over 300 transition years students from Galway and further afield visited the Marine Institute today (Thursday, 11th November 2014)as part of the Galway Science & Technology Festival.

The students met scientists and staff, discovered the wide ranging work of the Marine Institute and got a glimpse of what it would be like to work in marine research.

Dr Peter Heffernan said, "We're delighted to open our doors to students today and we hope they'll be inspired by the people they meet here and by the work that we're doing to understand our unique ocean resources.

Some of the students may even go on to become ocean explorers as marine biologists, oceanographers, geographers, mapping the seabed or as engineers, developing novel marine renewable energy devices. There are many opportunities, particularly with a national and EU focus on the potential of the 'blue economy' with the Government plan – Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth and the European Commission's Atlantic Strategy."

The visit included a talk by Helen McCormick, Fisheries Ecosystem Advisory Services on the work of the Marine Institute, a Sea for Society video showing the importance of our ocean resource, and an exhibition on marine careers and training opportunities, including our own annual bursar programme for third level students.

Staff and scientists demonstrated their work using, touch screen interactive seabed maps, fish samples and even a mini submarine. They answered well thought out questions on their work in fisheries science, seabed mapping, seafood safety, oceanography, ocean chemistry and research vessel operations.

For more information on the Galway Science & Technology Festival visit www.galwayscience.ie or the Marine Institute visit www.marine.ie.

For more photos of the Transition Open Day see the Marine Institute Facebook page

ENDS

Photography: Andrew Downes Photography
Email: andrew@andrewdownes.net
Phone: 00353 (0)876391500