AgWired

Taoiseach Enda Kenny (right) presents The Science Foundation Ireland St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal 2017 to Dr. Pearse Lyons, president of Alltech, at the United States Institute of Peace. Photographed by Nick Crettier.

Dr. Pearse Lyons, founder and president of Alltech, and Professor Adrian E. Raftery, professor of statistics and sociology at the University of Washington, have been presented with the Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) ‘St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal.’ The medal recognizes their outstanding accomplishments and their role in researching Ireland’s ecosystem. The honor is given to an Irish scientist, engineer or technology leader living and working in the U.S.

Dr. Lyons, born in Dundalk, is the first Irish scientist to have created a science-based global business. Alltech now trades in more than 120 countries, employees 5,000 team members and maintains three bioscience centers for research and education, one in County Meath, Ireland.

Congratulating the recipients at an award event held in the United States Institute of Peace in Washington D.C., An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, said: “I am delighted to present the SFI St. Patrick’s Day Science Medal on behalf of Science Foundation Ireland, to these two exceptional leaders. Dr. Lyons and Prof. Raftery have both had a huge impact in their own areas of expertise and played pivotal roles in the development of researchers in Ireland.”

Alltech has finally announced their lineup of renowned keynote speakers for the 2017 ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference. George Blankenship, former executive at Tesla Motors, Apple Computer and GAP Inc. will use his experience to provide unmatched insight into building and creating brand loyalty and awareness, competitive positioning in the market and what it takes to deliver superior customer care.

Jack Bobo, senior vice president and chief communications officer for Intrexon, assesses the relationship between science and agriculture. He will offer his unique perspective on global trends in agriculture, consumer perceptions and science communication.

Dr. Peter Diamandis, international pioneer in innovation and New York Times best-selling author, will share his insight and strategies for making big impacts on the future.

“This year’s audience should prepare for truly disruptive ideas when they hear from these influential leaders,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech’s founder and president. “From changing the car-buying experience to serving as the architect of Apple’s brand-building retail methodology, George Blankenship has disrupted the status quo in several industries. Peter Diamandis taught us how to go big, create wealth and impact the world through his book ‘Abundance.’ And Jack Bobo is a name synonymous with biotechnology and consumer perceptions.”