First ‘European Researchers Night’ in Ireland to happen in Galway


8 Aug 2011

European researchers are making themselves available to the Irish public in September to celebrate science in inner and outer space at an event called Sea2Sky, funded under the EU’s Marie Curie Programme and Discover Science & Engineering.

Organised by NUI Galway in collaboration with the Marine Institute and Galway Atlantaquaria, this free event on 23 September at Leisureland in Salthill offers the opportunity to experience research facilities not usually open to the public, such as laboratories, research centres and museum collections.

People will be able to use some of the most recent technologies and instruments, with the guidance of expert scientists, participate in experiments, competitions and quizzes, watch demonstrations and simulations and exchange ideas with the researchers.

Exhibits exploring marine science, atmospheric science and astronomy will be set up throughout the venue. Participants will have a chance to learn more about whales and dolphins in Irish waters, see a mini-sea exploration vehicle, take a 3-D tour of the universe, check out live demonstrations and take part in a host of hands-on activities.

The organisers are running an art competition for eight to 18-year-olds in the run up to the event, asking entrants to design a new research vessel for the Sea2Sky scientists for the year 2040. More information on the competition can be found here.