Waterford to host free events as part South East Science Festival

Waterford will host a number of free events as part of the upcoming South East Science Festival, details of which have been just announced. 

The connections between geology, soil and nuanced flavours in whiskey, the unique customs behind the traditional Irish wake and the perils and benefits of artificial intelligence are among dozens of practical, pragmatic and fascinating topics to be explored and debated throughout the South East Science Festival.

The free programme of over 50 events for adults, families, students and the wider public runs throughout Waterford city and county, Carlow, Clonmel and Carrick and Suir from November 9 to 16.

The important role of science in everyday life and in everything from skillful circus tricks to crafting patterns and our mental wellbeing will be unveiled to captive audiences ranging from primary school children to adult groups in schools, libraries, theatres, community hubs and more. For information on all of the South East Science Festival events, log on to www.calmast.ie

The action-packed programme includes a host of engaging and fun events, quizzes and competitions for primary and secondary school audiences and a family Sunday in Theatre Royal Waterford on Sunday November 13th.

This year’s South East Science Festival also has a very serious and solutions-driven agenda. Discussion and debate will take place in key areas such as tackling coastal erosion with Copper Coast geologist, Robbie Galvin,  and the science behind networking at a Networking Ireland event at Faithlegg House Hotel.

With the theme of this year’s Science Week being ‘Human and What it means to be Human’, invaluable tips and insights into how to increase your ‘healthier life span’ and optimise wellbeing will be shared by renowned Waterford-based medic, Dr Mark Rowe, at SETU . South East Astronomy and Copper Coast Geopark team up for an unmissable exploration of the dwarf planets in our solar system. That event takes place in the Geopark itself.

It’s the 26th year of the Festival and there’s something on the 50 plus events programme for everyone from school groups to knitters and crafters and those with an interest in comedy, whiskey and Sci-Fi films. Over the past 20 plus years of the Festival, the organisers are reaching out into the community to show how relevant science is to everyday life and how technology, engineering and maths play a key part of everything we do.

CALMAST’s Dr Sheila Donegan said the South East  Science Festival programme has evolved over the past 245 years to meet advances in science, technology, engineering and Maths and offer the general public an insight in pressing areas such as artificial intelligence, healthy ageing and general wellbeing.

“People think of Science Week and they automatically think that everything is focused on schools and on children. South East Science Festival has something for everyone. Whether you’re curious about what makes whisky taste different, want to know more about combating coastal erosion, learn more about our solar system, our events show just how relevant the scientific principles of physics, chemistry and biology are in our everyday lives.

“The South East has become a magnet for science, technology and pharmaceutical firms. The growing sector offers  great job prospects for graduates with science-related skills and a world of opportunities,   rewarding salaries and a chance to travel the world. We want to showcase how exciting and wonderful science is to all age cohorts, all groups and further boost the take-up of STEM-related programmes in SETU and other universities.

“Our Festival has grown over the past 25 years and has evolved with the times. We are encouraging anyone with a spirit of adventure and who is curious about the world around us to have a look at the programme, book their free place now. Wherever you live in Waterford, there is something on your doorstep and we’d love to have you along,” she said.

South East Science Festival is run by CALMAST in SETU with support from Science Foundation Ireland, Waterford City & County Council and local industries such as MSD, WEST Pharma, Bausch and Lomb, Sanofi, Abbott and Haleon.