Welcome

 We are truly delighted to welcome you to the 72nd CIRP General Assembly (GA) in Dublin, Ireland, organised by the CIRP members in Ireland and the Irish Organising Committee. The GA promises to be a most interesting and informative event with internationally renowned engineers, scientists, academics and industry leaders coming together on the modern campus of University College Dublin. Valuable exchange will take place on innovative and transformational aspects of advanced manufacturing science and engineering.

Ireland, often referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’ due to its rolling hills and vales of green throughout the country, offers a unique blend of ethereal landscapes and unlimited seascapes. Its natural beauty and the openness and friendliness of Irish people make Ireland a most attractive destination. In addition, Ireland has now developed into a European hub for people and organisations thinking globally and seeking new business opportunities. Once a relatively poor place, Ireland has managed to grow into a wealthy country with the highest employment in high-technology manufacturing in the EU, having almost 30% of manufacturing jobs in high-technology sectors, about four times the EU average. This is due to the fact that clusters of world-class manufacturing operations in sectors such as medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, ICT, electronics and food production have a very strong presence in Ireland. As part of the changing profile and image of a ‘go green’ Ireland, sustainability is at the forefront of many initiatives. This has been built on deep-rooted traditions of excellence as exemplified by Arthur Guinness, an Irish brewer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who founded the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate in the heart of Dublin in 1759.

Dublin has a particularly strong cultural heritage and was home to many important writers, including Nobel Laureates William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett, as well as University College Dublin graduate James Joyce and Trinity College Dublin graduates Oscar Wilde and Jonathan Swift. In recent decades, it has transformed remarkably into a global business and industry centre and an important hub for education, industry, finance, arts, and culture. Dublin has a dazzling nightlife and is one of Europe’s most youthful cities, with an estimated 50% of its population being younger than 25. The city centre, including Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Leeson Street, Harcourt Street, and Camden/George’s Street, is renowned for its vibrant life, excellent pubs, shopping opportunities and great food.

Beyond the city limits, the captivating landscapes of Dublin and the neighbouring counties of Wicklow and Meath await your exploration. They offer a unique cultural experience and a comfortable climate (never too hot and never too cold) with many interesting heritage and cultural attractions, as reflected in this year’s Accompanying Persons’ Programme, which will offer a blend of excellent Irish tradition, nature, modern art, music, and food experiences.

Once again, ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’, we wish you a most enjoyable stay and a highly productive week in Dublin and Ireland!