You’ve got to make time for Science Week.
Science Week is here from November 10-17th with hundreds of events happening across the country.
This year, it’s all about regeneration. The decisions we make today don’t just impact us – they affect future generations. That’s why we’re learning from the past and investing in our future.
We’re looking at everything from biodiversity and renewable energy to health and living with AI. How do we restore nature and regrow ecosystems? How can we as a country capitalise on natural energy resources? What about investigating new solutions around our healthcare? What does it mean when we say humans regenerate? AI has been a huge development in 2024 – what will the world look like when we embrace generative AI into everday life?
There are so many questions for us explore and answer as a part of Science Week this year, and there are events for people of all ages.
Biodiversity Events
A Stroll in the Park
Nov 15: 10am-12pm
Location: People's Park, V94 E67F
Embark on a guided biodiversity trail with a discussion about regeneration in Limerick City. Afterwards, visit the People’s Museum with teas and coffees.
For more information: https://stemcraft.mic.ul.ie
Beginners Guide to Climate Change and Biodiversity
Nov 12-14: 9:30am-2pm
Location: Tralee Bay Wetlands
Ever wondered how climate change can affect our daily lives? Learn all about it – and what little changes we can make to create a big impact – in this full days workshop.
For more information: www.kerryscience.ie
Swimming Upstream
Nov 11: 3:30-4:30pm
Location: The Printworks, Dublin Castle, Dublin 3
Since the hydro-electric station opened in Ardnacrusha in 1929, salmon numbers have plummetted. Swimming Upstream (The O’Brien Press), written by Patsy Peril with Deirdre Nuttall, charts Patsy’s mission to save the wild salmon in the Shannon and all over the Atlantic. Now you can join Patsy in conversation with environmentalist Eoghan Daltun.
For more information: https://dublinbookfestival.com/event/swimming-upstream
Renewable Energy
Ballyhoura Science Fair
Nov 16: 10:30am – 3:30pm
Location: Croom, Co. Limerick
A free festival open to all members of the public. This year, all exhibits will be looking at sustainable development goals.With a range of different STEM fields represented, visitors can get hands-of with these exhibits, demonstrations and talks. Attendees with receive their own ‘SDG Passport,’ so make sure to visit as many exhibits as you can to get them stamped!
For more information: https://www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/
Regenerating Our Forests
Nov 10: 11am-12pm
Location: The Printworks, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2
Trees are one of our greatest renewable resources – but our natural forests continue to be decimated. Preserving trees is crucial for the health of our planet and one of our most pressing issues. Join journalist and author Sylvia Thompson to discuss the latest work of Donal Magner (author of Why Forest? Why Wood?) and Richard Nairn (author of Future Wild) to discuss sustainable forestry and how we can create a richer environment for generations to come.
For more information: https://dublinbookfestival.com/event/regenerating-our-forests
Health
Genetic History of the Irish People
Nov 12: 1-2pm
Location: UL, V94 PX58
Explore the genetic evidence of the Irish landscape and learn its fascinating story with Dr. Edmund Gilbert, RCSI. Learn about the migrations that have shaped it, and how our Irish migrations have influenced the world.
For more information: https://stemcraft.mic.ul.ie
Age Proof – The Science of Ageing
Nov 15: 8-9:30pm
Location: Bucaneers Rugby Club, Clonbrusk, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
After years of research, best-selling author Prof. Rose Anne Kenny will spend an evening exploring the science of ageing. Not only will you hear about health span as well as life span, but you’ll come away with some practical tips for your own life.
For more information: https://www.eventbrite.ie
Living with AI
The Bigger Picture: Reimagining Images of AI
Nov 1-17: All day
Location: The Digital Hub, Thomas Street, Dublin 8
The images we associate with Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be eye-catching, but they rely on clichés are can be misleading. AI can seem like a distant fantasy – when really, it has an impact on society, creativity and daily life. It’s time to explore outdated tropes in this exhibition that offers a more realitic portrayal of AI. See how AI quietly, but powerfully, shapes our world – and explore the ethical challenges and societal implications for the world we live in today.
For more information: https://www.adaptcentre.ie/discussai/bigger-picture
Unsettling The Algorithm
Nov 1-17: 12-6pm
Location: The Digital Hub, Thomas Street, Dublin 8
More and more, our lives are being lived within digital systems. What we browse and click on is a key part of technical systems designed and optimised for profit through surveillance and tracking. Algorithmic systems not only tack and predict but determine what information we see and what realities we make from it. Unsettling the Algorith masks how we can reclaim our agency and highlights subversive strategies to push against the mechanisms of control.
For more information: https://2024.betafestival.ie/exhibitions/unsettling-the-algorithm
Let’s celebrate our innate ability to reinvent, rejuvenate and regenerate. For more information on Science Week, see ScienceWeek.ie.
