Mammals, music and more at Midlands Science Festival

The Midlands Science Festival returns in November to excite curiosity and encourage people from a variety of communities across the midlands to engage with science. Co-ordinated by Midlands Science, the festival has a variety of events running this year including a cold-water swim with Guinness World Record holder Nuala Moore, astronomy nights in Lough Boora with Midlands Astronomy Club and natural history art workshops with children’s author Anne Brusatte. There will also be the opportunity to learn about the science of rugby with Irish flyhalf Jack Carty.

The festival is delighted to welcome back Sunday Times bestselling author Steve Brusatte, whose new book 'The Rise and Reign of the Mammals' is a delight for all those interested in animals and nature. There are also events exploring the science of climate change, cyanotype workshops (an early version of photography), sustainability workshops and book club events.

CEO of Midlands Science, Jackie Gorman, commented: “We are delighted to be bringing such a wide variety of events to the midlands this year for Science Week and there is literally something for everyone, we have events covering everything from astronomy to zoology and look forward to as many people as possible participating this year. Science Week is a unique chance for all of us to appreciate that science is all around us and informs so many things we do every day, so come along and explore where science might take you next.”

Chairperson of Midlands Science, Dr Craig Slattery, added:“Events this year in the midlands include everything from a cold water swim in Lough Ree to making your own soap in Mullingar to exploring the night’s sky in Offaly. This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to explore science and what science can mean to you in your life. This year’s theme for Science Week is being human and science has a key role to play in helping us all to understand what being human means now and what it might mean in the future.”

Other activities include resources and science workshops in Irish, online animations exploring what it means to be human and a special family event in association with the National Museum of Ireland and a Discovery Day in association with Integra. A special music performance with Bohemian Strings playing a variety of popular tunes and movie themes will explore what happens when we listen to music. This year, whether it’s the world of mammals, the game of rugby or the science of music, it’s all about what it means to be human right now and what being human will mean in the future for all of us.

All events are free of charge and will be available for booking online from late September here