Have your say on how government funding and efforts towards groundbreaking research should be directed in Ballinasloe this weekend at the Creating Our Future roadshow.
This is a government initiative to create a public conversation, and get ideas from the public in turn, about what the biggest priorities of Ireland’s researchers should be, whether it’s in healthcare, education, the environment, arts, or many other possibilities.
The programme launched back in July, and this Friday, October 22 the Creating Our Future team will be in Ballinasloe for the day for a roadshow event.
The day will start with a set up in St Michael’s Square from 9am to 11am, where you can get tea or coffee in exchange for ideas at their mobile coffee dock.
There will also be a brainstorming session at Gullanes Hotel on Main Street where individuals and interest groups can make their voices heard about the issues affecting their locality, and how research can be directed to improve them.
Galway Senator Aisling Dolan said “This is a fantastic initiative to allow people have the chance to have their say in what we need to focus on as a country.”
“We have excellent researchers in this country finding answers to some of the most difficult questions and challenges. We need ideas and innovation to help us plan for the future.”
“We have seen how research has literally saved millions of lives thanks to the incredible teams who have developed Covid-19 vaccines in the past year,” Aisling Dolan said.
“The acceleration of clinical trials and testing was absolutely incredible and demonstrated how research has such an impact in our lives.”
“If you have time this Friday morning, come along to Ballinasloe and tell the team what you think. The feedback from each of the roadshows will be part of a report submitted to Government for review.”
Anyone who wants to attend the brainstorming session at the Gullanes Hotel should email caroline.lynch@oireachtas.ie to confirm their attendance.
Ideas for Creating Our Future can also be submitted online until the end of November, with the completed report to be presented to the government in the new year.
Researchers and scientists will come to the event to talk about the campaign itself and also existing research that is relevant to current key areas of priority such as smart town planning and sustainable communities.
The Creating our Future coffee truck will be in the town all morning also with the campaign team talking to people on the streets of Ballinasloe about what they want researchers to explore.
Ciara Cotter of Science Foundation Ireland said “Anyone, anywhere can have an idea that inspires research and innovation. It could be based on an opportunity or challenge that someone has identified in their own life, for their community, for Ireland or for the world.”
“Or it could be based on a topic that someone is curious or passionate about. Creating Our Future wants to hear them all – whatever facet of life they relate to.”
“All ideas will be captured, shared, and will help inform the future direction of research and innovation in Ireland.”
