Kilkenny Science Festival returns with 'Water: From Molecule to Ocean' theme

The countdown has begun to Kilkenny Science Festival and an extended, action-packed programme of free events from November 7 to 15 for everyone from primary school pupils to adult and community group audiences right across the county.

This year’s Science Week theme explores ‘Water: From Molecule to Ocean’ and the nine day-long programme features a series of new events, all focusing on the importance of water.

Among the new additions to this year’s programme are Tasneem Khan’s Tidal Waves library-focused adventures with children and her free floating water lab experience on the water in Graignamanagh. Other much-anticipated new events amid popular favourites are seaweed and home hydro workshops while former weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly’s ‘Storm, Sunshine and Surprises’ talks are set to be a huge hit in Kilkenny. All events are free but pre-booking is essential on stemkilkenny.ie.

All of this year’s events are again coordinated by Calmast, the South East Technological University’s STEM engagement centre with support from Research Ireland.

Speaking ahead of this year’s festival, Calmast’s Nollaig Healy said: “Last year’s Festival broke all previous attendance records. We’ve worked very closely with our supporters and presenters to add interesting and relevant workshops, presentations and events to this year’s programme.

“Schools, colleges, libraries, theatres, pubs and outdoor venues will be a hive of activity throughout the Kilkenny Science Festival and we’re delighted to have many of our top international presenters back yet again, as well as new faces, new events, many of them focusing on our festival theme, water.

“Places are limited and I’d strongly encourage the public to have a look at the programme, book their free tickets and join us as we celebrate curiosity, collaboration and discovery in the heart of our communities and see how science can help us care for water today, into the future and for generations yet to come.”

Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, said: “Science Week is an opportunity each year for a national, intergenerational conversation on a topic of relevance to research and innovation. Water is both simple and complex, connecting so many aspects of our lives, from our health and the environment to energy, technology, and beyond. Understanding water better can help us make more informed choices about how we consume and conserve this vital resource today, tomorrow and beyond,” he said.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, said: “The annual success and impact of Science Week is due to the energy and commitment of the people who bring it to life in cities, towns and villages.

“Across Ireland and particularly in Kilkenny, organisers, researchers and volunteers will create opportunities for people to encounter science in new ways, and to see how research directly connects with the challenges and opportunities facing society,” Dr Freeman concluded.

Kilkenny Science Festival is supported by Research Ireland, SETU, Kilkenny County Council, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local industry and other local organisations and bodies.

For more on Kilkenny Science Festival, log on to stemkilkenny.ie.