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At the launch of the Kerry Science Festival were, back row, from left: Dr Joseph Walsh, Head of School of STEM at IT Tralee; Cian Ó Cianáin, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee; Conor Ó hOrgáin, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee; Dr Noel Mulligan, Head of Department of Biological & Pharmaceutical Sciences at IT Tralee; Darragh Mac Aogáin, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee. Middle row, from left: Triona Uí Mhaolchatha, Teacher at Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee; Catherine Keane, Administrator at the Tom Crean Business Centre; Pat Grandfield, Kerry Astronomy Club; Kevin Lawlor, Kerry Astronomy Club; Dr John O’Donoghue, Royal Society of Chemistry. Front row, from left: Aisling Ní Fhuaráín and Jade Ní Chatháín, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tralee. Photo by Domnick Walsh
THE inaugural Kerry Science Festival, which is a week-long schedule of science events taking place across the county, takes place between Sunday, November 13 and Sunday, November 20.
People of all ages will be invited to enjoy and participate in a programme of free public engagement events, community talks, exhibitions, shows and school workshops.
According to Dr Joseph Walsh, Head of School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the Institute of Technology Tralee, the Kerry Science Festival offers the opportunity to engage in science at multiple levels.
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“Our programme includes an exciting STEM showcase day on Saturday 19th November,” he said. “The day will include a Careers in STEM exhibition and panel discussion facilitated by broadcaster and lecturer Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin. Company representatives will also talk about the varied STEM careers available to graduates in Kerry and beyond.”
Families with children of all ages are also in for a treat on the day, with many free workshops and shows like Mathsworld, Lego WeDo, Cell Explorers, Designer Minds and Spec in a Suitcase featured on the jam-packed agenda. These interactive workshops will engage and intrigue both children and adults alike and will bring to life the world of STEM.
Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí students Conor Ó hOrgáin and Jade Ní Chatháín with Dr Joseph Walsh, Head of School of STEM at IT Tralee. Photo; Domnick Walsh www.dwalshphoto.ie
To add to this exciting schedule of events, Saturday 19th November is also the date for the very first Girls Hackathon in Kerry, which will take place in association with Microsoft. The event aims to enlighten more young women about the opportunities in the digital technology sector and encourages them to get creative with code.
Also featured on the Kerry Science Festival calendar is a variety of industry and community group-led events, demonstrating STEM across Kerry. Kerry Education and Training Board schools across the county have been twinned with local companies and will jointly host events.
The list of partnerships includes Coláiste na Sceilge in Cahersiveen and Met Eireann, Killarney Community College and Liebherr Cranes, Killorglin Community College and FeXco and Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Trá Lí and Raidió na Gaeltachta to name but a few.
Companies operating in the STEM sector are also encouraged to consider hosting their own events as part of the festival, showcasing where STEM can be found in what they do.
