Science Week Events at DBF25

We are delighted to be part of Science Week again! Taking place each year in November, this week is a national celebration of science and how we engage with the world around us, with events taking place all around the country. To celebrate 30 years of Science Week, this year’s theme is Then. Today. Tomorrow, looking at how the lessons we have learned in the past can help us to face the questions and challenges of tomorrow.

Join us on Sunday 9 November at our Festival Hub in IMMA Venues, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, where we’ll have a series of thought-provoking and engaging events, for adults and children, as part of Science Week 2025. We’ll be illuminating the movers and shakers that helped to shape STEM today, exploring our wildlife and the pressing need to protect our natural world, and delving into the science behind storytelling. We’ll have outdoor walking events that explore through literature and art how we engage with, and capture, the world around us. We have some brilliant children’s events ideal for budding young scientists, and a ‘Plant Your Own’ station to roll the sleeves up and explore how today we can contribute to regenerating our world for tomorrow.

Irish STEM Lives

From natural philosophers to particle physicists, Irish STEM Lives (Royal Irish Academy) spotlights 46 trailblazing scientists who shaped Ireland’s scientific story. Join us for an illuminating and inspiring conversation with the book’s editors Jane Grimson MRIA and Turlough O’Riordan, and biochemist Luke O’Neill MRIA, in conversation with science broadcaster Jonathan McCrea, as they delve into some of these extraordinary lives. BOOK HERE

Immersed in Nature

Join us to explore two immersive nature books, both a celebration of the beauty of nature and a call to action to safeguard it. In Nature Boy (Hachette Ireland) ornithologist Seán Ronayne charts his experience recording the sound of birds throughout Ireland, revealing a journey of self-discovery and connection, and the extraordinary healing power of nature. In Rathlin: A Wild Life (Blackstaff Press), conservation biologist Ruby Free charts her thrilling experience working in one of the wildest and most biodiverse corners of the UK and Ireland. The authors join food and farming journalist Ella McSweeney in conversation. BOOK HERE

The Science of Storytelling

In a captivating event that draws together science and the power of storytelling, neuroscientist Shane O’Mara and master traditional storyteller Niall de Búrca will join science writer Claire O’Connell to delve into communication, connection, and why storytelling remains such a powerful form of human expression. Then kick back and enjoy a storytelling session with Niall. BOOK HERE

WalkShop 

Some of the best ideas have come to the greatest inventors and creators while on the move! Join acclaimed poet and playwright Colm Keegan for this stimulating writing workshop exploring the deeply historic and artistically inspiring grounds of IMMA, where you will use your surroundings, alongside a series of prompts, to create new work. BOOK HERE

From Architecture to Nature

Join photographer and author Carsten Krieger on a guided photowalk through the grounds of IMMA at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, tackling a variety of photographic topics including architecture, nature, woodland landscapes and heritage themes. Using the historic surroundings, gain tips from Carsten on how to capture what you see around you today, leaving a record for tomorrow. BOOK HERE

Poetry and Music Walking Tour

Join poet Liam Carson and saxophonist Seán Mac Earlaine for a walk of the historic grounds of IMMA, engaging with the world around you through the rhythms of poetry and music. BOOK HERE

We have two great family events ideally suited to children age 7 – 10 yrs.

At our indoor event, roll up your sleeves and join scientist Dr Shane Bergin for an exciting adventure from The Experimenters: Luke and Ruby’s Scientific Sleepover (Little Island Books)! This event will test your reaction speeds, just like Luke and Ruby did in one of their science adventures. Ready to join in and help solve a science mystery? Dr Shane needs your help! BOOK HERE

At our outdoor event, join Dr Shane Bergin for another adventure from The Experimenters, where Luke and Ruby visit their grandparents, who teach them how to do science and explore the world around them. Remember your wellies for this walk through the grounds of IMMA, where you’ll grab your notebook and become a nature explorer, learning about the wonders of nature around you! BOOK HERE

‘Plant Your Own’ Station

Every small step makes a difference! Drop by our ‘Plant Your Own’ space, roll the sleeves up and plant your own bulb or sapling to take away with you! Then find out more from our nature expert Jean about all the things you can be growing at home, contributing to regenerating and replenishing our world, one plant at a time. This is a drop-in event taking place 12pm – 3.30pm. FIND OUT MORE

Find out more about Science Week 2025 and stay updated with all events taking place around the country from 9 – 16 November – https://www.scienceweek.ie/

Science Week is supported by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland.