An event in Galway is part of a European drive to encourage young people to study science at school.
One hundred and fifty students from ten countries arrived in the City of the Tribes this week for the European Union Science Olympiad.
The event taking place in conjunction with Europe Week is a series of events and seminars with speakers from the realms of science, education, politics and business.
Teams of teenage students have been challenged with solving a simulated environmental disaster.
Marit Puusepp from Estonia is enjoying the Science Olympiad which is a chance to meet other young scientists and solve problems together.
Speaking at the Europe Week conference Minister for European Affairs Noel Treacy emphasised the importance of science education in EU countries. Science has the capacity to generate economic activity, and the competition in Galway is not just an educational event, but a step to help foster future employment that will help to drive European economies.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 May 2005. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
