Empey launches Undergraduate Awards

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today launched the 2010 Undergraduate Awards of Ireland and Northern Ireland (UAINI).

The Minister was joined at Stormont by representatives from Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis University College and St. Mary’s University College, together with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Awards, Jim Barry and Aine Maria Mizzoni and Awards founder Óisin Hanrahan.

Sir Reg Empey said: "This unique initiative aims to enhance Northern Ireland’s prospects of becoming a leading global knowledge economy. I believe it is increasingly important to recognise and promote the potential of our undergraduates. We must harness their talent, passion and energy for the long term benefit of all.

"The creation of an entirely new and unique set of incentives and rewards for undergraduates, supported by academic and corporate stakeholders, will enthuse Northern Ireland’s most innovative young knowledge creators. It can become a catalyst for achievement for our brightest students and will provide inspiration for all our undergraduates."

Sir Reg congratulated Queen’s University student Raymond McQuaid who was announced as a Gold Medal winner at the 2009 Undergraduate Awards Ireland and Northern Ireland for his essay in Physics.

Jim Barry, Chair of the UAINI and Chief Executive of NTR plc, said: "Rewarding excellence and promoting academic achievement encourages students to strive for the highest standards possible across their chosen field of study. By acknowledging and celebrating those achievements the awards program encourages further education, raises academic standards and provides the building blocks for a smart economy."

Notes to editors:

1. The Undergraduate Awards of Ireland and Northern Ireland (UAINI) was established on 20 October 2008 to recognise and reward the most innovative young knowledge creators, further the development of the brightest undergraduates, and inspire all undergraduates to achieve.

2. The awards are open to final and penultimate year undergraduates in round one, who are taking degree courses across those educational institutions operating under the auspices of the Department of Employment and Learning and the Higher Education Authority. The deadline for round one is 15 March, round two deadline is 3 May and round three deadline is 30 June 2010.

3. Submissions are drawn from the best papers, essays and dissertations produced as a normal part of course work during each academic year.

4. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.

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