Penguins to Mars - local Laois space expert set for Portlaoise show

How much water does it take to survive on Mars? Less than one elephant drinks in four days.

That's the kind of question that Earth and space explorer and Laois resident, Dr Niamh Shaw, aims to answer during her new show in Portlaoise that features during Midlands Science Festival 2026.

The Shape of Water is the name of her one-person performance at Portlaoise Library on Saturday, November 14, as part of Science Week 2026. The organisers say Niamh will share her experiences of living on rationed water in a Mars simulator, tracking penguins across the Antarctic, and being swum at by a hungry polar bear in the Arctic.

Midlands Science promise a fascinating and inspiring morning exploring the wonders of science, the breathtaking landscapes of Antarctica and the unforgettable encounters and journeys that shaped Niamh’s journey to one of the most remote places on Earth and many interesting locations in her scientific research.

It draws on her experience travelling to Antarctica in 2023 as part of Homeward Bound, a global initiative supporting women in STEM and climate leadership. The organisers say Niamh will share stories from her expedition, from spectacular glaciers and encounters with penguins to the challenges and discoveries of life at the bottom of the world. The event also aims to shine a light on the some overlooked achievements of Irish women in science.

During her Antarctic journey, Niamh carried a remarkable 12-panel quilt created by a women’s group, celebrating pioneering Irish women.

Dr Shaw, who has worked on a community climate action project in Abbeyleic, is one of only two women awarded a ‘Fellow by Presidential Invitation’ from Engineers Ireland in April and recently won the Network Ireland National Businesswoman of the Year STEM professional accolade.

Now known nationally and internationally as a media commentator on science matters, she spoke about her show.

“The Shape of Water brings together two of my great passions-science and communication- and throughout November I’ll get to share some of the real-life adventures I’ve had in extreme climates. Families will find out who copes better with the cold — humans or penguins, try the ‘blubber glove’ challenge and meet the animals who've cracked survival tricks humans haven't.

“As the broad theme of Science Week 2026, without water, we simply can’t survive, and the impact that climate change is having on our global water supply can already be seen in the plants, animals and humans we share our planet with. The Shape of Water is a fun, interactive performance that aims to answer some of the big questions facing all of us, in ways that make sense for everyday life,” she said.

Jackie Gorman, CEO at Midlands Science, who has programmed Midlands Science Festival 2026, is looking forward to Niamh’s show.

“We are delighted to have Niamh Shaw with us again for Science Week. Niamh’s infectious curiosity for discovery and understanding the world around us is infectious. We can’t wait to hear about her adventures in Antarctica and many other places where her passion for science has brought her,” she said. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Taking place from 11 am to noon on November 14th, admission is free but booking is advised on www.midlandsscience.ie

Science Week 2026, delivered by Research Ireland, is celebrating its 31st anniversary. The week will explore water as an essential building block of life on Earth and how it has shaped the planet, people’s lives and their future. The events, performances and activities across Ireland during Science Week 2026, will celebrate curiosity, collaboration and discovery, and consider how science can help people care for water today, for the communities, ecosystems and generations of tomorrow.

Dr Diarmuid O’Brien is CEO of Research Ireland.

“Each year, the inspiring events put on across the country bring science to the public in a way that relates to their lives. This year’s theme, ‘Water – From Molecule to Ocean’, is one everyone can relate to. It encourages us to take a closer look at how water has shaped our planet and our lives, and at our relationship with this vital resource. Science Week wouldn’t be possible without the incredible local organisers and volunteers who give their time each year to share their passion for science and make it accessible to everyone, so I want to share my sincere gratitude for their efforts,” he said.

Science Week runs from 8th to 15th November. This year’s theme, “Water: From Molecule to Ocean”. For more information, visit www.scienceweek.ie