Photo: Cristoir Buckley and Roland Mircuks of CBS Primary School, Nenagh pictured at the Launch of the Tipperary Science Week at the Nenagh Arts Centre.
The 6th annual Tipperary Festival of Science takes place this November, with an exciting line-up of science, sports, superheroes, skincare and STEM in-person and online events, shows and workshops guaranteeing something for everyone. Sponsored by Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish American Partnership, the popular event returns from 13 to 20 November 2022.
The Tipperary Festival of Science aims to stimulate interest, excitement and debate about STEAM through accessible and entertaining interactions with the public and to engage and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds. All events planned for the week-long Tipperary Festival of Science involve partnerships and collaborations with relevant local, regional and national stakeholders. The Festival was launched by Cllr Hughie McGrath at a special event at Nenagh Library in October, attended by local primary school students who also enjoyed ‘The Climate Change Show’ hosted by Sue McGrath, also known as Scientific Sue!
According to Dr Maeve Liston, Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement at MIC and Organiser of the Tipperary Festival of Science: “The Office of Enterprise and Community Engagement at Mary Immaculate College, launched the first ever Tipperary Festival of Science in 2017. At the time, SFI identified Tipperary as an area of the country that traditionally children, teachers, and the wider public, did not regularly engage with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) outreach. We are delighted to share that over the past five years we have organised 238 events involving nearly 25,000 participants across Tipperary.” She added: “The Tipperary Festival of Science addresses both the National Skills Strategy 2025 and Science Foundation Ireland’s Strategy 2025, developing individuals’ and families Science Capital, and also their social and cultural capital, further contributing to the new Tipperary County Development Plan 2022 – 2028.”
The Enterprise and Community Engagement team at Mary Immaculate College have been busy organising and planning sixty-five free events for this year’s Tipperary Festival of Science, including:
- Secrets of Superhero Science
WHEN: Tuesday 15 November, 6.30pm
WHERE: Nenagh Library, E45 AK50
WHAT: Barry Fitzgerald takes you through the science behind the superpowers of some iconic superheroes such as the amazing Iron Man suit, the real-life scientists trying to make artificial spider silk, and the technology behind invisibility, and lots more. More info.
- What next for the Wild Flower Meadows?
WHEN: Tuesday 15 November, 7pm
WHERE: Online
WHAT: MIC Thurles will host Richard Mee from Grow It Yourself (GIY) Waterford to discuss how to care for your wildflower gardens and meadows. More info.
- STEM JOBS FAIR
WHEN: Wednesday 16 November, 4.30pm – 7pm
WHERE: The Abbey CBS, Tipperary Town, E34 PD87
WHAT: An opportunity to meet with local companies right across the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sector. Registration is not essential but is advised. For further information or to register please email Trish@countytipperarychamber.com
- Smart Sliotars. Smart Pitches. Smart Players. Science and the GAA.
WHEN: Thursday 17 November, 8pm
WHERE: Online
WHAT: Join Tipp Festival of Science with Fiserv and Tipperary GAA for a discussion on the science behind some of the practices of our GAA players. More info.
- The Science behind the Beauty of Ageing
WHEN: Thursday 17 November, 8pm
WHERE: Online
WHAT: Fidelma ODowd, Dermatology Nurse practitioner in Beaumont Hospital, lead clinician and co-founder of The Healthy Skin Clinic, Dublin and Longford will discuss what goes into skincare products, and active ingredients that work for acne, anti-aging and how to protect your collagen. More info.
- Ancient & Modern: The Science of Construction & Restoration of the Rock of Cashel
WHEN: Saturday 18 November, 10.30am
WHERE: Rock of Cashel, E25 KX44
WHAT: Heritage in Schools panelist James Duggan gives fascinating insights into the Rock of Cashel and in particular Cormac's chapel. Discover the science of the building and architecture, as well as the scientific methods used to restore its beauty. More info.
Trish O Sullivan, Enterprise and Community Engagement Manager at MIC states that: “The theme for year’s Science Week is ‘Infinite Possibilities’. There is something for everyone at the Tipperary Festival of Science. I would encourage everyone to get involved and engage with science through our many informative and creative events and to explore the Infinite Possibilities of science.”
Further information on Science Week and the full schedule of events taking place can be found here.
Follow Tipperary Festival of Science on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram for further updates.
