Prof Micheal Coey awarded RDS Intel Prize Lecture

The RDS / Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience was established by the RDS in partnership with Intel Ireland in recognition of the significant achievements being made by Irish scientists and scientists based in Ireland to the field of Nanoscience. The award recognises also those individuals who have a commitment to communicating their research to a diverse audience. The award was launched in Nanoweek 2011, an initiative organised by NanoNet Ireland to increase awareness around nanotechnology.

Former deputy Director of CRANN, Professor Coey’s accomplishments are in the fields of magnetism and spin electronics. Through scalability, the reduction in the size of magnets while maintaining their fundamental properties, Professor Coey and his team are breaking new ground in magnetic recording on a nanoscale. Creating magnets which are 1 million times smaller than the head of a pin, these tiny magnets are radically transforming science and industry in Ireland. These advancements will lead to the development of faster, smaller and more powerful computer and other electronic devices in the future.

Professor Coey has a strong commitment also to scientific outreach and communication. This is best illustrated through his proposal to develop the Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s first centre solely dedicated to scientific outreach and engaging the public with science. An enthusiastic and entertaining public speaker, Professor Coey will present a free, public lecture at the RDS in the Autumn where he will be awarded an RDS medal in recognition of his achievement.

The RDS is a non-profit Society supported by commercial activities. Since its inception in 1731 it has furthered the economic and cultural development of Ireland through its Foundation Programme www.rds.ie/foundation. The awarding of the Prize Lecture is an integral part of the RDS Foundation’s Science programme which aims to support excellence in scientific endeavour and communication and emphasise the importance of science and technology in economic and social development.

Back to News Listing