Irish Whiskey Association announces scholarship opportunity on expert-led Distilling Science course at Maynooth University
The Irish Whiskey Association today announced that it is sponsoring a scholarship place on the next intake of Maynooth University’s Brewing & Distilling Science course.
The short-term, focused micro-credential learning programme is specially designed by Maynooth University’s Department of Chemistry together with a number of Ireland’s leading distilling experts.
The aim of the bite-size course is to promote consistent product excellence across the Irish Whiskey industry by covering the technical aspects of distilling, with lectures being delivered by industry professionals.
The course is now in its second year, with the application closing date coming up on Monday, 19th February, and the course set to start on Saturday, 2nd March.
Announcing the scholarship opportunity, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, Eoin Ó Catháin, said: “It’s very important that we support the development of leading-edge scientific knowledge among the next generation of talent working in the Irish Whiskey industry. Irish Whiskey is a premium, world-class product and a vital sector to the Irish economy, as seen not only in our contribution to the domestic economy but also in our export value. Building an advanced education and skills base in Ireland is critical for ensuring that Irish Whiskey retains a competitive edge globally. We’re delighted to see the ties between the Department of Chemistry at Maynooth University and Ireland’s distillers continue to go from strength to strength. They understand the skills needed in the industry, and this course is expertly designed to share the expertise required to ensure the consistent excellent quality of Irish Whiskey products.”
Professor Denise Rooney from the Chemistry Department at Maynooth University (MU), who is a contributor to the micro-credential course, added: “Our micro-credential course in Brewing & Distilling Science is both co-designed and co-delivered by industry experts and academics at MU and will equip learners with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to develop skills relevant to the alcoholic drinks industry. The course was created in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and traditional whiskey industries. Comprising of online lectures, tutorials and virtual lab simulations, this micro-credential course will be run over a 12-week period including a practical experience in Maynooth University’s modern labs. This course is ideal for new entrants into the distilling industry or those wishing to gain more in-depth knowledge in the area.”
Learners on the blended course will be required to attend 10 weeks of one-hour live online lectures and a three-day hands-on laboratory experience. A career development lecture will be led by the Irish section of the prestigious Institute of Brewing & Distilling.
In addition to distillation, topics covered by the course include techniques for yeast analysis; the environment and sustainability; and fermentation analysis.
The course is open to applicants who hold a level 8 honour’s degree in a science discipline with a minimum 2.2 grade, and experienced industry professionals who do not hold a primary or higher degree are also welcome to apply.
For more information about the Maynooth University Micro-Credential Brewing & Distilling course, including about how to apply before the closing date of Monday, 19th February 2024, visit www.mu.ie/brewing-distilling. The course is subsidised by Taste4Success Skillnet.
For more information about the Irish Whiskey Association, go to www.irishwhiskeyassociation.ie.
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Contact: Maisie Lynch / Sara Byrne, Alice Public Relations, Tel: 086-8966298 / 086-3956396 / 01-5582151, Email: media@alicepr.com.
Notes to Editors:
Spokespeople:
- Eoin Ó Catháin, director of the Irish Whiskey Association, is available for media interview via Alice Public Relations.
