The 2022 Sligo Science Festival returns with “Infinite Possibilities” as we discover the Wonders of Science this winter.
Running from the 13th – 20th of November, this year’s Sligo Science Festival, sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland and AbbVie promises a seven-day programme packed with exciting events to suit all ages.
Taking place during Science Week, the Sligo Science Festival highlights STEM engagement throughout the week by delivering a Science Fair at ATU Sligo, hosting science shows, workshops, demonstrations and displays, together with a comprehensive programme of talks, road shows, exhibitions and debates for all ages and backgrounds during science week.
The Sligo Science Festival is part of SFI’s national Science Week with this year’s themes being; “The Wonders of Science” and “Infinite Possibilities”.
The festival kicks off on Sunday 13th November with the ever-popular Science Fair in association with AbbVie, with a fun and informative science packed weekend for all the family at the ATU Sligo.
Throughout the festival many interesting workshops, demonstrations and talks with take place that will explore the depths of our oceans to the speed in which our universe is expanding!
Chemistry In the Movies! This short and snappy talk will take a scientific and filmographic look at how chemists and chemistry have been portrayed in the movies.
Dr Simon Berrow from ATU explores the fascinating lives of Basking Sharks and how these giant, gentle sea creatures behave off our coastline.
Craig MacFarlane challenges the public to eat more bugs in their daily diet as he shares his experiences of his researching, foraging and farming insects in Scotland, West Africa and South East Asia.
Commenting on AbbVie’s ongoing sponsorship of the Sligo Science Festival Darren Egan, Site Director at AbbVie Manorhamilton Road said: “AbbVie’s commitment to promoting science within our communities is exemplified by the company’s ongoing sponsorship of the Sligo Science Festival. AbbVie’s continued support has helped the festival undertake exciting initiatives including performances, educational exhibits and STEM-focused engagements with local schools.”
Michael Gallagher, Site Director at AbbVie’s Ballytivnan site said: “At AbbVie, our job is to come up with new ideas, discoveries and inventions to improve people’s health outcomes. We’re constantly working to create solutions that go beyond treating the illness to have a positive impact on patients’ lives, on society – and on science itself. The past two years has highlighted the importance of science to society, and we are proud to help light the spark for the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The festival highlights STEM engagement throughout the week by delivering science shows, workshops, demonstrations and displays, together with a comprehensive programme of talks, roadshows, exhibitions and debates for all ages and backgrounds.
AbbVie are also supporting the festival with a number of interactive shows on Sunday 13th of November with science communicator and STEM advocate, Stephen Davitt, who will be joined by AbbVie employees and his team to demystify science and much more. This is an event parents and kids will not want to miss.”
Head of Faculty of Science at ATU Sligo, Dr Jeremy Bird said this year will be extra special marking the first time the Science Festival takes place in the newly established Atlantic Technological University: “In this year when we transitioned to the Atlantic Technological University I am delighted we have another diverse and exciting Sligo Science Festival . The events run over eight days and include everything from the Science of Monsters to Forensic Pathology culminating in our science fair day on Sunday 13th November . Our festival instils a hunger and passion for science in young minds across our northwest region where so many of our career pathways are intrinsically linked to Science disciplines in our regional companies, health services, education, agriculture, Businesses and government. This is reflected in the increasing numbers of students opting to study science degrees at ATU Sligo”
Participants will be asked to rethink revision, train our brains, find the resilient food crops of the future, moon walk and discover the birds, bugs and botany of our land. For a full list of events, visit; www.sligosciencefestival.ie.