This November, Tyndall National Institute will take part in the nationwide celebration marking 30 years of Science Week, an initiative led by Research Ireland that celebrates curiosity, innovation, and the spirit of scientific discovery. Reflecting this year’s theme, “Then. Today. Tomorrow.”, Tyndall is presenting an exciting lineup of events that highlight our dedication to science, sustainability, and engaging with the wider community.
Light Laboratory: Optical Science Past, Present, Future
A standout in our Science Week calendar is Light Laboratory, a Citizen Science experience that fuses STEM and Theatre in a journey through the science of light. The event begins at The Granary Theatre, transformed into a vibrant Light Laboratory where the foundational principles of Optical Science are brought to life through dramatic demonstrations.
From there, the experience continues at Tyndall, where participants will explore how those principles have evolved into today’s cutting-edge research and technologies.
Organised by The Future Humanities Institute, the Irish Photonic Integration Centre at Tyndall, and University College Cork, and funded by Research Ireland, this event is now sold out for both school groups (Friday, November 14) and the general public (Sunday, November 16).
Science at the Marina Market
On Saturday, November 15, Tyndall returns to the Marina Market in Cork City for a family-friendly celebration of science and technology. With thousands of visitors expected, our interactive stand will feature hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to meet Tyndall researchers, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Tyndall researchers are also engaging directly with students through:
- Career talks at Cork Educate Together Secondary School
- Electronics workshops at Midleton Educate Together National School
These school visits aim to ignite interest in STEM careers and inspire students to explore the possibilities of science and engineering.
Speaking about this year’s events, Dr Caitríona Tyndall, Education and Public Engagement Officer at Tyndall and IPIC, said
We’re thrilled to collaborate on events that make science accessible and exciting for everyone, especially when it sparks curiosity in young minds and opens doors to future possibilities.
Through these initiatives, Tyndall is cultivating a vibrant culture of scientific engagement, showcasing today’s innovations, and inspiring visions for the future of science in Ireland and beyond.
