23 October 2019
On the 16 October each year, a day of celebrations is held to commemorate famed Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton's quaternion algebra 'Eureka moment' in 1843.
THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY IS IRELAND'S LEADING BODY OF EXPERTS IN THE SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.
Read more about the RIAHamilton Day
Hamilton Day commemorates a ground-breaking discovery by one of Ireland’s most famous scientist. On 16 October 1843, William Rowan Hamilton discovered quaternion algebra, while walking along the Royal Canal from Dunsink Observatory to the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). This was one of those very rare Eureka moments in the history of science. So excited was he by his discovery that he scratched his equation on the wall of Broome Bridge, Cabra.
Hamilton Prize
Each year mathematics departments in Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Dublin City University, University College Cork, NUI Galway, Maynooth University, University of Limerick, TU Dublin and Queen's University Belfast are invited to nominate their "best" student in their penultimate year of undergraduate mathematical studies for the prize.
A Celebration
The day includes an award ceremony to recognise the most gifted third level mathematics students in Ireland, a masterclass for early-career researchers and concludes with the Hamilton lecture which is given by an internationally renowned speaker.
Latest Hamilton Day News and Events
16 October 2019
Today at Broombridge Luas stop Minister Paschal Donohoe TD launched an artwork by emerging artist Emma Ray that celebrates a 176 year old act of graffiti.
04 October 2019
The Royal Irish Academy has collaborated with students from TU Dublin and TII/Luas on a Hamilton promotional campaign.
Previous Hamilton Days
Past Hamilton Day speakers have included Roger Penrose, Robert Merton, Cédric Villani, Lisa Randall and Frank Wilczek. A complete list of all Hamilton Day speakers can be viewed here. See below for more details on our past Hamilton Day events.
Hamilton Day 2018 »
Hamilton Day 2017 »
Hamilton Day 2016 »
Hamilton Day 2015 »
Hamilton Day 2014 »
Hamilton Day 2013 and 2012 »
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