Science Week Ireland

Over the years, Science Week Ireland has grown from a small pilot initiative to a large promotional and event engine to its current identity as a recognised vehicle for regional activity supported by a national promotional campaign.{{cite web|last1=Ahlstrom|first1=Dick|title=Science Week: From small acorn to giant oak tree . . .|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/science-week-from-small-acorn-to-giant-oak-tree-1.2403471|website=The Irish Times|publisher=The Irish Times|access-date=18 December 2017}} In 1995, a National Science week was organised by the Royal Dublin Society and a number of other organisations to inform the general public about science.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9501&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2 |title=Irish Research Scientists' Association E-Zine |date=27 January 1995 |accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}} The first Science Week organised by Forfás was held in 1996. If was run by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation under the name 'Information Technology and Science Week'. The week aimed to raise general awareness of the benefits of science and information technology to people, young and old throughout society. In 1997 it was renamed Science Week. Professional bodies, voluntary groups, colleges, businesses and the public sector combined to organise 50 events countrywide. Events included conferences, lectures, interactive exhibitions, debates, and competitions for primary school students.

SFI took over Science Week from the Forfás Discover Science and Engineering programme in 2012.{{cite web|title=New legislation to focus scientific research on turning good ideas into good jobs|date=12 December 2012|url=https://www.irishbuildingmagazine.ie/2012/12/12/new-legislation-to-focus-scientific-research-on-turning-good-ideas-into-good-jobs|publisher=Irish Building Magazine|access-date=14 December 2017}} Science Week continued to grow and develop over the following years into what it represents today, a week-long{{cite web|title=Science Week|url=http://www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week/|website=sfi.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=19 December 2017}} celebration of STEM public engagement, enhancing the public’s interest in STEM and enabling them to see the relevance of STEM to their daily lives.{{cite web|title=Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme Call 2017|url=http://www.sfi.ie/funding/funding-calls/sfi-discover-programme/1.-SFI-Discover-Programme-Call-2017-FINAL.pdf|website=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=18 December 2017}}

In 1996, Forfás organised the first Information Technology and Science Week beginning on 25 November.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9611&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2 |title=Forfas Science Week|date=4 November 1996|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}}

Science week ran between 10 and 16 November, and was again organised by Forfás.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9709&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R40|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=14 September 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}}{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9710&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=9 September 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}} It was launched by minister Noel Treacy in Galway.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9711&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R51|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=9 September 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}} Events included answering scientific questions for school children and a Speakathon organised by the Irish Research Scientists' Association.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9710&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R261|title=Science Week 1997|date=19 October 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}}{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9711&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R378|title=Science Week and IRSA ICSTI Presentation|date=13 November 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}}

Science Week 1998 ran from 1 to 8 November.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9808&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=5 August 1998|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}} Events included talks in public libraries and another Speakathon.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9810&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=9 September 1997|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}} Forfás sought feedback on the running of Science Week and it was also externally evaluated.{{cite mailing list |url=https://listserv.heanet.ie/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind9902&L=IRSA-IRL&P=R2|title=Irish Research Scientists' Association Electronic Newsletter|date=11 February 1998|accessdate=29 June 2019 |mailing-list=Irish Research Scientists Association |last=Donovan |first=John}}

Science Week 2007 took place between 11–18 November and the theme was "Surrounded by Science".{{cite web|url = http://www.kildare.ie/community/notices/education/surrounded_by_science.asp |website = Kildare.ie |title = Surrounded by Science|date = 12 November 2007}} The programme of events set out to illustrate that behind the everyday objects in our lives is a great inventor, scientist or engineer. This included a series of lectures{{cite web|url = http://www.pkellypr.com/blog/2007/1026/science-week-lecture-series/ |title = Science Week Lecture Series |date = 26 October 2007|website = Piaras Kelly PR|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071031170855/http://www.pkellypr.com/blog/2007/1026/science-week-lecture-series/|archive-date = 31 October 2007}} which featured Craig Johnston, inventor of the Adidas Predator; Joe F. Edwards, Jr., former NASA astronaut; and Dr. Sheila Willis, Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory.{{cite news|url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/understanding-of-forensic-science-frustrated-by-tv-shows-like-csi-1.983059 |work = Irish Times|title = Understanding of forensic science frustrated by TV shows like 'CSI'|first = Rebecca |last = Knowles|date = 17 November 2007}}

2007 was the eleventh year of Science Week and saw an estimated 95,000 people attend lectures, exhibitions and workshops throughout the country.{{cite web|url =https://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2007/1108/ireland/irish-research-ranks-with-the-best-47374.html |work = Irish Examiner |title = Irish research ranks with the best|date = 8 November 2007|first = Niall |last = Murray}}[http://www.ucd.ie/cscb/main_pages/news/news261107.html Article on Science Week - Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology]{{cite web|url = http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1458&Itemid=10107&ed=124 |title = Science Week 2007 'Surrounded by Science'|url-status = dead|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071119075253/http://www.waterford-today.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1458&Itemid=10107&ed=124|archive-date = 19 November 2007|work = Waterford Today|date = 7 November 2007}}

The 2008 Science Week took place between 11–16 November. The theme was 'Science – Shaping Our World' which celebrates the International Year of Planet Earth.

The guest lecturers include Professor Aubrey Manning, distinguished zoologist and broadcaster; Gerry Johnston, director of Special Effects Ireland; Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, Associate Professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Stephen Attenborough of Virgin Galactic; and Patrick Collison, Irish Young Scientist of the Year winner 2005. These can be viewed on YouTube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/DSEvideo#grid/user/0DC6E2B53E5BC483|title = SFIDiscover - YouTube|website = YouTube}}

Science Week 2009 took place between 8–15 November. The theme was 'Science – Inspiring Creativity and Innovation’, which links to the European Year of Creativity and Innovation.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090313202726/http://www.create2009.europa.eu/ European Year of Creativity and Innovation] In the summer of 2009, DSE launched a Twitter account for the latest news on Science Week. A lecture series included speakers from the Tyndall National Institute, Cork and Sustainable Energy Ireland. These can be viewed on YouTube.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/DSEvideo#grid/user/497DA36AD42C7F19|title=SFIDiscover - YouTube|website=YouTube}}

Science Week 2010 ran from 7–14 November. Its theme was ‘Our Place in Space’, which explored the latest happenings in astronomy, Ireland’s role in the space industry, and the vital role played by science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in helping us to make sense of our universe.{{cite web|title=DPSM Newsletter: Science Week 2010|url=http://www.primaryscience.ie/resources_enewsletter_edition22_art6.php|website=Primaryscience.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=14 December 2017}}

Science Week 2011 ran from 13–20 November. The theme was 'The Chemistry of Life', demonstrating the importance of chemistry to our everyday lives – from the atoms that are the building blocks of nature to the chemistry that creates lasting bonds between people.{{cite web|title=DPSM Newsletter: Science Week 2011: The Chemistry of Life|url=http://www.primaryscience.ie/resources_enewsletter_edition25_art01.php|website=primaryscience.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=14 December 2017}}

Science Week 2012 ran from 11–18 November. The theme was ‘Everyday Experimenting’, highlighting how we are all involved in science every day, carrying out scientific processes and experimenting, even when not aware of it.{{cite web|title=Science Week 2012: Everyday Experimenting|url=http://www.explorationdome.ie/science-week-2012-everyday-experimenting/|website=Exploration Dome|access-date=13 December 2017}}

Science Week 2013 ran from 10–17 November. The theme was ‘Exploring the XTRA-Ordinary’, which called on the public to go ‘behind the scenes’ of everyday life and explore the extraordinary processes taking place in front of our eyes.{{cite web|last1=Courtney|first1=Kevin|title=At your service: the complex science behind everyday dilemmas|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/at-your-service-the-complex-science-behind-everyday-dilemmas-1.1585955|website=The Irish Times|publisher=The Irish Times|access-date=18 December 2017}}

An estimated 250,000 people took part in science festivals, demonstrations, seminars and tours across the country during the 19th annual national Science Week, which took place from 9–16 November 2014.{{cite web|title=Key objective of Science Week is to inspire young people to take up careers in area|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/key-objective-of-science-week-is-to-inspire-young-people-to-take-up-careers-in-area-1.1971458|website=The Irish Times|publisher=The Irish Times|access-date=18 December 2017}} The theme was ‘Power of Science’. Over 800 events took place across Ireland, including science festivals in Sligo, Galway, Mayo, Dublin, Cork, Waterford and the Midlands, aiming to "entertain, educate and enthral young and old alike with the power of science".{{cite web|title=Firing the imagination and celebrating the power of science|url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/firing-the-imagination-and-celebrating-the-power-of-science-30735349.html|website=Independent.ie|publisher=The Irish Independent|access-date=18 December 2017}} Jamie Heaslip acted as a Science Week ambassador.{{cite web|title=Jamie Heaslip to line out as the ambassador of National Science Week|url=http://entertainment.ie/trending/news/Jamie-Heaslip-to-line-out-as-the-ambassador-of-National-Science-Week/310775.htm|website=entertainment.ie|date=31 October 2014|access-date=18 December 2017}}

2015 marked the 20th anniversary of Science Week, which took place from 8–15 November.{{cite web|last1=Kelly|first1=Caroline|title=Science Week 2.0: Design Your Future|url=https://www.mykidstime.com/things-to-do/science-week-2-0-design-your-future/|website=mkidstime.com|publisher=My Kids Time|access-date=18 December 2017}} The theme was ‘Science Week 2.0 Design Your Future’. It celebrated how science empowers ‘you’ to ‘Design Your Future’.{{cite web|title=Join the fun at Science Week 2015|date=10 November 2015|url=http://www.limerickpost.ie/2015/11/10/science-week/|publisher=Limerick Post|access-date=18 December 2017}} Numerous events were held in every county, and regional festivals took place in Mayo, Sligo, Galway, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and the midlands.{{cite web|title=20th science week supports Ireland's appetite for science, technology, engineering & maths|date=2 November 2015|url=http://www.researchandinnovation.ie/20th-science-week-supports-irelands-appetite-for-science-technology-engineering-maths/|publisher=Research and Innovation|access-date=18 December 2017}}

Science Week 2016 took place from 13–20 November.{{cite web|title=Science Week: Embracing the world around us|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/science-week-embracing-the-world-around-us-1.2807368|publisher=The Irish Times|access-date=18 December 2017}} The theme was ‘Science Rising’ which looks at how science is key to our success – it is part of our past, an important part of our present and there is endless potential still to be realised.{{cite web|title=Minister Mary Mitchell O'Connor announces recipients of Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award|url= https://dbei.gov.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2016/June/27062016a.html|website=Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation|publisher= |date = 27 June 2016}} Science Week 2016 reached more people, all over Ireland, across a wider demographic than had been achieved before.{{cite web|title=The science of everyday things|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/the-science-of-everyday-things-1.2859338|website=The Irish Times Online|publisher=The Irish Times|access-date=18 December 2017}} Science Week 2016 saw 10 Regional Festivals across the country.{{cite web|title=Science Week 2016|url=https://www.itsligo.ie/science-week/|publisher=IT Sligo}}

Science Week 2017 ran nationwide from 12–19 November 2017.{{cite web|title=Science Week 2017: 12-19 November|url=https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/science-week/2017/1102/917085-science-week-2017/|website=rte.ie|date=2 November 2017|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=18 December 2017}} The theme was ‘Believe in Science’. More than 1180 events took place across Ireland.{{cite web|title=Science Foundation Ireland Events|url=http://www.sfi.ie/events/|website=sfi.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=18 December 2017}} 12 regional science festivals took place in Cavan/Monaghan, Cork, Carlow, Festival of Farming and Food (Teagasc), Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Mayo, the Midlands, Sligo, Southeast and Tipperary.{{cite web|title=Science Week Festivals|url=http://www.sfi.ie/events/festivals/|website=sfi.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=19 December 2017}}

A number of Science Foundation Ireland-funded Science Week events took place throughout the week, including events by the Ark Theatre,{{cite web|title=Science Week at The Ark|url=http://ark.ie/events/season/science-week-at-the-ark|website=The Ark|publisher=The Ark|access-date=19 December 2017}} The British Council of Ireland,{{cite web|title=Art in Mind – Explore the Interplay between the Arts and Science|url=https://www.nationalgallery.ie/art-mind-explore-interplay-between-arts-and-science|website=nationalgallery.ie|publisher=The National Gallery of Ireland|access-date=19 December 2017}} Dublinia,{{cite web|title=Science Week 2017 at Dublinia|url=http://www.dublinia.ie/events_news/from-the-shovel-to-the-microscope-changing-the-perception-of-archaeology/|website=Dublinia.ie|publisher=Dublinia|access-date=19 December 2017}} Dunsink Observatory,{{cite web|title=Science Week at Dunsink Observatory|url=https://www.dias.ie/2017/11/06/science-week-at-dunsink-observatory/|website=dias.ie|publisher=Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies|access-date=19 December 2017}} Foodoppi,{{cite web|last1=Larkin|first1=Aisling|title=Science Week 2017 Eat Your Science|url=http://foodoppi.com/science-week-2017/|website=Foodoppi.com|date=3 November 2017|publisher=Foodoppi|access-date=19 December 2017}} Learnit Educational Solutions,{{cite web|title=Science Week|url=https://www.learnit.ie/science-week|website=learnit.ie|publisher=Learnit|access-date=19 December 2017}} the Science Gallery,{{cite web|title=Science Week Screening: Bodytech|url=https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/events/2017/11/scienceweekscreeningbodytech|website=dublin.sciencegallery.com|publisher=Science Gallery|access-date=19 December 2017}}{{cite web|title=Makeshop on the Road for Science Week|url=https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/events/2016/11/makeshoproadscienceweek|website=dublin.sciencegallery.com|publisher=Science Gallery|access-date=19 December 2017}} ADAPT,{{cite web|title=Irish Mental Health Legacies of the Great Famine|url=https://www.adaptcentre.ie/about/events/irish-mental-health-legacies-of-the-great-famine|website=Adapt Centre|publisher=ADAPT Centre for Digital Content Technology|access-date=19 December 2017}} The Rediscovery Centre{{cite web|title=Lets Talk Science Festival|url=http://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/lets-talk-science-festival/|website=rediscoverycentre.ie|publisher=Rediscovery Centre|access-date=19 December 2017}} and Wexford Co. Council.{{cite web|title=Science Week 2017|url=https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/more-library-services/children/science-week-2017|website=wexfordcoco.ie|publisher=Wexford County Council|access-date=19 December 2017}} The Scintillating Science event with Dara O'Briain launched the beginning of Science Week in the National Concert Hall,{{cite web|title=Scintillating Science with Dara Ó Briain|url=https://dublin.ie/whats-on/listings/scintillating-science-with-dara-o-briain/|website=Dublin.ie|publisher=Dublin.ie|access-date=19 December 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Blake Knox|first1=Kirsty|title=Robots to provide home help for elderly|url=https://www.independent.ie/business/technology/news/robots-to-provide-home-help-for-elderly-36317585.html|website=independent.ie|publisher=The Irish Independent|access-date=19 December 2017}} and the Dublin Science Week Family Open Day at the Convention Centre Dublin was held at the end of the week.{{cite web|title=Dublin Science Week Family Open Day|url=https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dublin-science-week-family-open-day-tickets-39038279545#|website=eventbrite.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland via Event Brite|access-date=19 December 2017}}

During Science Week 2017, SFI launched the #StopAndAsk social media campaign which calls on people to ask questions about the world around them.{{cite web|last1=Kennedy|first1=John|title=Science Week: Why we need to talk more about science|url=https://www.siliconrepublic.com/innovation/science-week-ireland-national-knowledge-conversation|website=Silicon Republic|date = 14 November 2017}}{{cite web|title=Science Week 2017: Finding the science in everyday things|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/science-foundation-ireland/science-week-2017-finding-the-science-in-everyday-things-1.3284570 |website=The Irish Times|date = 9 November 2017|format = Sponsored Content}} Science Foundation Ireland, its partners and the science community answered a selection of these questions throughout the week.{{cite web|title=Science Week Twitter|url= https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopAndAsk?src=hash&lang=en|website=Twitter|publisher=Science Week Twitter Account (Science Foundation Ireland)|access-date=19 December 2017}}

Science Week 2018 ran nationwide from 11–18 November 2018. The theme was a continuation of 2017 #BelieveInScience while also continuing the #StopAndAsk social media campaign.

In 2018 SFI funded 12 regional festivals in Cavan/Monaghan, Cork, Carlow, Festival of Farming and Food (Teagasc), Galway, Wexford, Limerick, Mayo, the Midlands, Sligo, Southeast and Tipperary {{Cite web|url=http://www.sfi.ie/events/festivals/|title=Science Week Festivals|website=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=2019-03-05}} and 15 funded events. The events varied between school visits, workshops and evening events and took place in venues across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://dbei.gov.ie/en/News-And-Events/Department-News/2018/July/02072018b.html|title=Ministers Humphreys and Halligan announce 2018 Science Week Festivals and events supported by Science Foundation Ireland|last=|first=|website=dbei.gov.ie|language=en|access-date=|date = 2 July 2018}}

A show reel of some highlights of Science Week 2018 can be viewed on YouTube.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMTJE9bVMUQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/yMTJE9bVMUQ |archive-date=2021-12-15 |url-status=live|title=Science Week 2018 Highlights|website=YouTube|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland via YouTube|access-date=19 December 2017}}{{cbignore}}

Science Week 2019 will run from 10–16 November 2019.

The SFI website outlines tips on how to get involved with Science Week in Ireland.{{cite web|title=Science Week: How to get Involved|url=http://www.sfi.ie/engagement/science-week/get-involved/|website=sfi.ie|publisher=Science Foundation Ireland|access-date=19 December 2017}}

• Science Week

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.forfas.ie Forfás website]
• [http://www.scienceweek.ie Science Week Ireland website]
• [http://www.djei.ie/ Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website]
• [http://www.discover-science.ie/programmes-and-audiences/science-week Information about Science Week on Discover-Science.ie]
• {{twitter|scienceweek}}
• {{twitter|irelandscience|Science.ie}} - Irish science news, events and links on Twitter

Category:Science education in Ireland

Category:Science and technology in the Republic of Ireland

Category:Science festivals

Category:Science in society

Category:Science and culture

Category:Science events in Ireland

Category:Annual events in Ireland

Category:Autumn in the Republic of Ireland