Science Week Celebrates 30 Years with €850,000 in Funding

The annual Science Week, marking its 30th anniversary, will take place from November 9 to 16, 2023, across Ireland. This year, 36 projects have received nearly €850,000 in funding from the Ministry of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. The events aim to engage the public in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), fostering curiosity and collaboration.

Dr. Ruth Freeman, director of research for society at Research Ireland, expressed the significance of this milestone. “For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science,” she stated. The anniversary theme, “Then. Today. Tomorrow.,” invites reflection on past achievements while looking forward to future possibilities.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, emphasized the importance of Science Week in connecting communities with science. “I encourage everyone to get involved and attend one of the many events happening around the country this Science Week,” he said.

Several notable projects are benefiting from the funding. The Sligo Science Festival will receive €50,000 to organize a science fair at Atlantic Technological University, featuring workshops, demonstrations, and talks. Similarly, the Midlands Science Festival, covering Co Offaly, Co Laois, Co Longford, and Co Westmeath, is allocated €50,000 for diverse activities, including a concert and a teddy bears hospital.

Other festivals such as the Limerick Festival of Science and Wexford Science Festival will each receive €50,000, while the Kerry Science Festival will host its events with €36,000 in funding. Across the nation, various regions are organizing their own events, receiving significant financial support to do so.

Among the highlights is the installation “Museum of the Moon,” created by internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram. This seven-metre illuminated sphere, showcasing detailed imagery of the lunar surface from NASA, will be displayed at Dublin’s Merrion Square from November 13 to 15. Jerram commented, “There’s something truly special about bringing it [the installation] to Dublin to mark such a milestone for Science Week.”

The Macnas theatre company will also perform in Cork, presenting a story about biodiversity loss featuring drummers, stilt walkers, and puppets at the Marina Market on November 9. Additionally, Rosemary Coogan, a Belfast-born astronaut with the European Space Agency, will participate in a unique event titled “Baking in Space” at An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk on the same day. This event will delve into cooking in zero gravity and share insights from her career.

The Rediscovery Centre is organizing the “Let’s Talk Science Festival 2025,” inviting the public to engage with science through interactive exhibits and activities. An all-day event will take place in Dublin on November 8, featuring science shows and hands-on demonstrations.

In Cork, a dedicated SpaceFest will include exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the week. Highlights will feature a private tour of the Crawford Observatory on November 11 and a panel discussion on queer identity in STEM on November 12.

PhD scholar Iftikhar Umrani from South East Technological University’s Walton Institute will present a talk titled “Drones in Everyday Life – Promise, Potential, and Protection” on November 12 at the Clonmel Library in Tipperary. Umrani, who is developing AI-driven methods for secure drone operations, noted the transformative impact of drones in various sectors, including agriculture and delivery services.

Cork will also showcase the “Light Laboratory: Optical Science past, present, future” next weekend, offering a theatrical presentation of optical science principles. The Irish Astronomical Society is hosting a moongazing event in Dublin on November 12, alongside an astronomy watch in Waterford.

Science Week serves as a vital platform for fostering interest in science and STEM education, encouraging participation from all corners of the country. As the celebrations unfold, opportunities to engage with the wonders of science are set to inspire current and future generations.