Sligo Science Festival is back and this year it’s all about Climate and how Science is transforming the planet. The event will run from November 10th – 17th and is packed with talks, performances and demonstrations that will entertain and inform all age groups.
The week-long festival will explore a wide range of subjects from Global warming, forensic science, ancient DNA and the secret life of crows! The week will kick off on Sunday the 10th of November at 12pm with the Annual Science Fair at IT Sligo and will include a wide range of performances, interactive displays and demonstrations for all the family to enjoy. A major attraction for the Science Fair will be the return of AbbVie’s Science roadshow. This year they are Bringing the magic of STEM to life in Hume Hall, IT Sligo with the help of employees from AbbVie’s manufacturing facilities in Sligo and award winning physicist, engineer and RTE presenter, Phil Smyth. Phil and the AbbVie team will deliver a number of exciting, interactive and fast-paced science focused shows throughout the day. This is an event that parents and kids will not want to miss!
The Science Fair will also host theatre performances from Sue McGrath, aka ‘Scientific Sue’ and Dr Ken Farquhar who will demonstrate how we can save the planet in 45 mins! During the Science Fair children of all ages will be entertained through demonstrations and workshops that include a mobile planetarium, archaeological roadshow, Gaming workshops and the wonder of marine life.
Throughout the week there will be many talks, tours and workshops for all ages. Some of the highlights include a talk by Dr Cara Augustenborg on Tuesday the 12th of November at 7.30pm who will be appearing on RTE’s new series on Climate Change. Dr. Augustenborg is an environmental scientist who was named by Image Magazine as one of 18 women to watch in 2018. Cara who is currently co-host of the Down To Earth slot with Ivan Yates on Newstalk FM, will share her experiences and in depth knowledge on our environment and how climate change is affecting and transforming our planet.
On Wednesday the 13th of November, “A Brief History of Nearly Everyone in Ireland” will look at how ancient DNA is being used to uncover our past and how three genetically distinct populations occupied Ireland in its pre-history. Earlier in the day IT Sligo will share how it is currently addressing ecological waste issue in a special event that will also demonstrate how you can “Green Your Life”. At 6pm Aspire with Abbott will host a public talk on the exciting career opportunities that exist within STEM disciplines.
The festival will also host talks on Forensic Science and will end with a talk on The Secret Life of Crows with Ricky Whelan. His talk will discuss the role of crows in folklore and how intelligent they actually are.
For more information please visit itsligo.ie/scienceweek