Science Week Events at DBF23

This year, for the first time, we are so excited to partner with Science Foundation Ireland for Science Week 2023, the weeklong event that celebrates science in our everyday lives. The programme this year asks us to consider what it means to be human in today’s world and how the decision we make today will impact those who come after us. There is no better place than in literature to consider the creativity and curiosity that comes with that responsibility. To honour and wrestle with this theme, join us on Sunday November 12th as we explore the collaboration of science and literature in a variety of events for all ages.  Most of these events are free but booking is still required.

These Are My People Poetry Walking Tour at 11am in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin [TICKETS HERE]

Join award-winning poet Breda Wall Ryan for a walk through the beautiful surrounds of the National Botanic Gardens, pausing along the way for poems from her third poetry collection These Are My People. In this collection Breda explores themes of family ties, relationships and one’s connection to the natural world. Come out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. 

Wildlife Photography Walking Tour at 12pm in the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin  (Currently booked out with a waiting list in place)

Join photographer, author and environmentalist Carsten Krieger as he shares his expertise in wildlife photography in this unique walking tour. In his book, Wild Ireland, Carsten takes us on a journey across Ireland to explore the nature we pass by every day, flying with our ocean birds to experience their ever-more challenging search for food, hearing the dawn chorus in Killarney, and looking closely at our hedgerows, home to countless animals. Find a taste of wild Ireland in the heart of Dublin.

Family Science Show with Junior Einsteins at 1pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle (Currently booked out with a waiting list in place)

For curious minds and a good dose of family fun, come join us for an interactive science show with Junior Einsteins South Dublin! Cross linking polymer slime, punch the non Newtonian fluid ooblek, bubbling exothermic elephant toothpaste, light a lightsabre with our plasma ball, conductors & insulators, Barbie gets a hair raising experience on our University grade Van Der Graaf generator, flying saucers, sparks of lightning, hand boilers & hand energy circuit sticks, giant smoke cannons & lots of spectacular science! It’s the perfect bit of hands-on fun to break up your day and entertain the whole family. This event is currently sold out, but keep an eye out because more tickets could be released as we get closer to the show. 

Éanna Ní Lamhna

Tackling the Climate and Ecological Crisis at 1.15pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE] 

The climate and ecological crisis can often seem overwhelming, especially as we consider the legacy we will leave behind. Our panel of experts will shed light on the reality of where we are today, and on contributing to shaping tomorrow. With meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, Lorna Gold, author of Climate Generation: Awakening to our Children’s Future and Éanna Ní Lamhna, author of Wild Musings: A Celebration of the Natural World. This discussion will be facilitated by John Gibbons, journalist and founder of climatechange.ie. 

Climate Action: Joining the Fight at 2pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE] 

Now more than ever, the climate and sustainability debate are taking a forefront in our society. At this event, Catherine Cleary of Pocket Forests and Michael Kelly, author of The GIY Diaries: A Year of Growing and Cooking aim to pare back and look at the small, simple steps we, individually and as a community, can start taking today. Foster a connection with our speakers and the other audience members and leave feeling empowered and hopeful about the role you can play in the fight to make our society a more sustainable and environmentally active one. 

Wild Wonders at 3pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE]

Stop by with your young ones for part of our Family and Children’s programme and step into a world where little nature lovers are inspired and encouraged to use their imaginations to create beautiful works of art. In this story workshop, you’ll meet two of the talented minds behind Wild Wonders, an anthology of short nature stories for children. Read and draw along with the creators Aga Grandowicz and Gina McCrudden to bring the story to life. Join us for a bit of relaxation and fun, and an eye-opening look at the nature around us, all in a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Bringing Back Our Forests at 3pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE] 

Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet, and the decimation of our natural forests has become one of the most controversial issues of our time. In response, there is a growing movement vocalising the need not only to protect our remaining forests, but also to replenish the earth’s supply. Join our panel of experts, Catherine Cleary of Pocket Forests, author of Island of Woods Paul McMahon and author of Wild Musings Éanna Ní Lamhna, in discussion with Richard Nairn author of Wild Woods, Wild Shores and the recently released Wild Waters. If you have a passion for trees, forestation, and the outdoors, this is an event you won’t want to miss. 

Words for Change at 4pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE] 

Photo: Ruth Medjber

Writing has always been an important tool in considering our societal impact. More than ever, our society is grappling with the issues affecting our planet and the climate crises we face. It makes sense that authors are struggling with this reality more and more in their work. Sinead Moriarty, author of Finding Hope and Colm O’Regan, author of Climate Worrier: A Hypocrite’s Guide to Saving the Planet, will be in conversation with Oisín McGann, author of A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change as they discuss the many topical themes to today’s climate debate contained within their writing. 

Also part of Science Week at DBF 23 is From Stem Cells to Stars: Poetry and Physics at 4.30pm in The Printworks, Dublin Castle [TICKETS HERE]

Join Institute of Physics Writer in Residence Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan for an afternoon of physics and poetry with writer producer and performer Saoirse Anton, biomedical engineering researcher Rucha Benare, Fellow Emeritus in Physics at Trinity College Dublin Iggy McGovern, and award-winning poet Rosamund Taylor. There will be poetry readings, a panel discussion and Q&A, and the launch of a pamphlet of physics poems by Chandrika Narayanan-Mohan to mark the end of her writing residency. This event will also be recorded and available to watch online.

Our final event as part of Science Week will be a special workshop with poet and writer Jane Robinson to hone your skills in biodiversity and climate writing. And what better place to hold this than up at the heart of the writing community in Ireland and our partners for this event, the Irish Writers Centre. So book your spot now to join us at 6.30pm on Wednesday November 15th. TICKETS HERE. 

We’re so excited to be a part of Science Week 2023 and we’re looking forward to seeing you at these and more events this November! Browse our full programme here to find more literary events for all ages. Keep in mind, as we approach the festival, tickets are selling out fast. Be sure to reserve your tickets as soon as possible to best participate in the change you want to see. Science Week 2023 continues until November 19th, with events all around the country. Visit their website to follow all updates as they unfold!