The 10th Robert Boyle Summer School takes place from 9th – 10th September in Waterford and addresses the theme of Science and Colonialism.

The Robert Boyle Summer School has been running in Waterford since 2012. It is Ireland’s only cultural gathering for adults exploring the place of science in our lives. Over 10 years, the festival has brought leading international and local speakers from history, heritage, culture and science together to introduce new ideas or new ways of looking at old ideas. The gathering ensures time for discussion and conversation and particularly designed to appeal to people with no scientific background.

In the past few years, many universities and other institutions in the western world have been forced to address their colonial pasts with statues and commemorations a particular focus. However, the history of modern science is intertwined with colonisation and The Robert Boyle Summer School 2022 will start a conversation in Ireland about Science and Colonialism.

The starting point this year is the life and legacy of Richard Boyle, the most successful colonial adventurer in 16th /17thCentury Ireland. He owned much of Munster including the towns of Youghal, Dungarvan and Lismore, establishing his family seat at Lismore Castle. His youngest son Robert was to become one of the most important figures in the foundation of modern science. Income from lands in Ireland helped fund Robert’s scientific programme. Robert also had interests in certain colonial enterprises in India and the New World. At that time and in the succeeding centuries, there has been an interrelationship between science and colonialism: science and technology enabling colonialism and colonialism benefiting science. It is timely to examine these issues and consider the Boyle family interests, the relationship between science and colonialism and the part Irish people played in colonial ventures.

To encourage a return to in-person events, the festival is waiving the attendance fee this year. However, booking is essential at www.robertboyle.ie

View the Festival Programme: http://www.robertboyle.ie/programme-summer-2022/

All events are free, to book simply register online www.robertboyle.ie