Record audiences enjoyed South East Science Festival events in Tipperary

South East Science Festival events in schools, libraries, the museum and community hubs in  Clonmel drew record audiences this year, the local organisers say.

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Engagement in a host of free events from science talks to slithery encounters with reptiles in a local school was very strong this year, a pattern similar to previous Festivals, Dr Sheila Donegan, Director of CALMAST, the South East Technological University’s STEM engagement centre. The extensive programme of free events was offered locally again this year thanks to invaluable support and funding from Research Ireland.

EMPLOYMENT
“Clonmel is a hive of STEM employment and activity and it was very encouraging to see large crowds turn out for a whole series of events built around this year’s Festival theme: Then: Today: Tomorrow,” Dr Donegan said.

“It was particularly encouraging to see entire families join in many of the free events. We’re very fortunate to have large pharma employers such as Abbot, MSD, Camida and Boston Scientific in this area. Their continued success and our continuous efforts to attract more STEM employers into this region depend on us being able to provide an available pool of local talent.

“We added new speakers and new events this year and we’re very thankful to all of our speakers, supporters and all of our partners, particularly the schools and library, the museum,” Dr Donegan said.

MARK LANGTRY
Among the most popular events were Mark Langtry’s fascinating shows which demonstrated the science behind magic. There were also squeals of delight, and some of trepidation, as the National Reptile Zoo arrived into Gaelscoil Cluain Mealla. The Nutty Scientist show was very well received, as was Dr Cas Krame’s thought-provoking insight into all things DNA, genes and genetics and how ground-breaking work in this area can improve lives.

TECHNOLOGY
And despite the wind and the rain, local audiences also gathered for an very informative talk on drones and the security around this evolving technology with a researcher from the South East Technological University’s Walton Institute.

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The South East Science Festival programme for 2025 ran from November 8 to 16 across pubs, restaurants, libraries, theatres, schools and community hubs across Waterford city and county, Clonmel and Carlow.