The annual celebration of Science takes place from the 7 – 14 November and shines a spotlight of the importance of Science in our lives. The theme for Science Week 2021 is Creating Our Future.

For Science Week, Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology’s STEM Engagement Centre with Waterford and South Tipperary Library Service , have just announced a programme of events for South East Science Festival. The festival is part of national science week, coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland. This programme is set to give the public inspiration by providing an opportunity to explore how science is important in everything we do and how science can contribute to a better future. We are delighted to be working with partners Waterford ETB, Birchwood House, Brothers of Charity, Respond Housing, Oceanview House, Meals on Wheels, Coppercoast Geo Park, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford City and County Library Service, Waterford Childcare committee and local industry . Due to ongoing will Covid restrictions, this year’s festival will be mostly be online. Details and booking can be found at www.calmast.ie

Schools have always played an important part in Science Week and this year is no different. There are a multitude of stimulating events including the ultimate LEGO building workshops for selected community groups with Bricks 4 Kidz; Cas Kramer Human Variation – Genes, DNA and DNA fingerprinting, an interactive exploration of DNA; South African Global Teacher award winner and two times Tedx speaker Steve Sherman will deliver workshops for pre-schoolers; Talks from Chief Mathematical Entertainer at Bubbly Maths Caroline Ainslie; Science and Libraries with Executive Librarian, Tracy McEneaney; The Science of Extreme Sport delivered by Bruce Wardrop from the Department of Sport & Exercise Science, WIT.

Specially developed science kits are being provided for a range of school , and community groups.

As Waterford IT and IT Carlow, are merging to form a Technological University of the Southeast including a careers event for secondary schools pupils featuring scientists from industry in the Waterford, South Tipperary and Carlow areas.

In addition to the programme of events for primary and secondary schools, we have a raft of events lined up for adults including The Science of Gin from Blackwater Distillery; Beer sommelier Judith Boyle and independent drinks consultant Susan Boyle will deliver The Bitter Truth on why some people crave these bitter drinks yet others are repulsed; an Agri Debate on the subject of ‘There is no viable future for farming in Ireland; A talk with coastal erosion expert Dr. Keiran Craven from the department of The Environment, Climate and Communications in the Copper Coast Geo Park and The science of Happiness with Waterford GP Dr Mark Rowe who will emphasise the importance of self-care to enable us to learn from adversity and overcome burnout.

A highlight of the week will be our Science Family Fun Day which takes place on Sunday 7 November with events such, Zoom Zoo, Family Scavenger Hunt and Super Science with Mark Langtry (RTE).

On behalf of the festival Nollaig Healy said “Science is all around us, it impacts on everything we do and how we work and live – it really is fascinating. Science Week allows us the opportunity to examine areas of science that we don’t normal stop and think about. It takes science out of the classroom and lets us explore and interrogate how we can shape our future. ”

Details of the festival, and booking can be found at: www.calmast.ie

For Science Week 2021, Science Foundation Ireland are encouraging people to engage with the “Creating our Future” national conversation on research in Ireland and have their say in what are the most important aspects of their lives they would like science and research to improve.

The Creating our Future campaign is an initiative of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and is taking place across 2021. If you would like to get involved with Science Week and #CreatingOurFuture in some way – submit questions through the #CreatingOurFuture platform, in the conversation on social media. The public can submit ideas and questions that could be addressed through the online platform – www.creatingourfuture.ie.

Science Week 2021 will be taking place all across Ireland from the 7th – 14th November with events for all ages. Visit www.calmast.ie for more information. Supported by Science Foundation Ireland, Waterford County Council, the festival brings World renowned scientists and science presenters to the South East.

For more information, please contact Nollaig Healy, Calmast, Waterford Institute of Technology
Nollaig.healy@wit.ie or by phone 086 0558081