Mary Hanafin, Minister for Education and Science presented the prize to Suzanne, a postgraduate student with Dr Thomas Busch's Ultracold Quantum Gases group in the Physics Department, UCC.  Her talk titled "Calculations with Quantum Whirlpools" explained how quantum vortices created with ultra-cold atoms could be used to store information in quantum computers.

Organised by Irish Universities Promoting Science, ScienceSpeak competition aims to encourage young scientists to communicate the results of their research to the general public in an easily understandable manner. All of the finalists were already winners in their respective universities having gone through selection competitions to reach the ScienceSpeak final.

Dr Alan Kelly, Dean of Graduate Studies of UCC, congratulating Suzanne, said:  "Communication skills are one of the most important attributes of successful researchers, and communication with the public about science has never been more important that it is today.  I am thus delighted to see students participating in this hugely valuable programme, and particularly proud to see UCC win the trophy for the first time".

RTÉ presenter Pat Kenny acted as compère for the event, introducing the students and keeping them within the time limit for presentations. The panel of judges this year included Peter Brabazon of Discover Science and Engineering, RTÉ meteorologist Evelyn Cusack, Robert Fossett of Fossett's Circus, RTÉ's Education and Science correspondent, Emma O'Kelly and Dick Ahlstrom, Science Editor, Irish Times.

This intervarsity event is a joint initiative organised by the RDS and The Irish Times, in association with Irish Universities Promoting Science. It is supported by the Discover Science and Engineering programme and Wyeth Ireland at Grange Castle, Dublin.

Picture: Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin TD, 2008 Science Speak winner, Suzanne McEndoo and compere for the evening, Mr Pat Kenny.
 

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