Professor Michael Coey, one of Ireland's leading scientists and a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) funded researcher was last night announced Science Foundation Ireland Researcher of the Year 2012. Based in Trinity College Dublin, Prof. Coey's career in science has been marked by remarkable scientific discoveries.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock T.D., on Monday evening at the annual two day SFI Science Summit taking place in Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Attended by over 250 members of Ireland's science and research community, this year's event was titled Sharing Science and focused on science communications, the implementation of research prioritisation, and SFI's new strategic document—Agenda 2020—which Minister Sherlock launched yesterday along with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D.

In presenting Prof. Coey with his award, Minister Sherlock said, "During his extensive career, Michael has contributed to the continued development of Ireland as a centre of excellence for research by translating scientific excellence into societal and economic impact. As the most cited physical scientist in Ireland, he has made important discoveries such as a new iron-based rare earth magnet, while also educating future generations through his textbooks on magnetism and magnetic materials. I would like to congratulate Michael on his invaluable contribution to research in Ireland, and his significant achievement in being awarded SFI Researcher of the Year 2012."

Commenting on Sharing Science, the theme of this year's Science Summit, Minister Sherlock added, "As a country, we must share our science stories—our research and development journey. We must bring the public with us in our endeavours and allow them to realise its importance and its relevance to their everyday lives. We now have a great opportunity to build further on the excitement generated in Irish science following the successful European Science Open Forum/Dublin City of Science events which were held in July."

Also speaking at the Summit, Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of SFI, commented, "The SFI Science Summit offers us the opportunity each year to bring together the best minds in research and innovation and discuss the future of science in Ireland. Importantly, it also provides us with a platform to recognise the outstanding achievements and commitment of those within the science and research community in Ireland and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Prof. Coey on his prestigious award."

Keynote speakers at the SFI Science Summit included multiple award-winning Baroness Susan Greenfield and Director of External Affairs at the Science Museum Group, Dr. Roger Highfield. Panel discussions, workshops and elevator pitches all took place over the two-day Summit, and in addition to the Researcher of the Year announcement, Minister Sherlock also announced the recipient of the SFI Research Image Competition 2012—Rohit Mishra, CRANN, TCD for his image Asteroid Belt.