20th science week supports Ireland’s appetite for science, technology, engineering & maths
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) launched, at the beginning of October, the 20th national Science Week by publishing the findings of its most comprehensive and significant public research project, the “SFI Science in Ireland Barometer”. The event also marked the launch of the 20th national Science Week, “Science Week 2.0 Design Your Future”, which takes place nationwide from the 8th to the 15th of November 2015.
Launched by Mr Damien English T.D, Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation, the SFI Science in Ireland Barometer analyses the public’s perception and awareness of the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) research to the Irish economy and society.
According to it, 87% of the Irish public believe that research in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) will lead to an improvement in the quality of life in Ireland in the next 20 years.
Although 51% of the public feel un-informed about STEM, 58% are interested in STEM R&D, highlighting that a lack of knowledge does not mean a lack of interest. The report found that a quarter of the Irish public have tried to find information on science in the past year indicating some interest in science and 70% believe STEM is too specialised for them to understand.
Actually, the 20th annual national Science Week aims to address this by increasing the public’s general understanding of STEM and encourage engagement in STEM through the 800 events to be run right across the country this year.
With over 800 events planned, and an expected 250,000 participants, Science Week 2.0 will be an opportunity to attend and participate in science debates, experiments, creative talks, shows and workshops.
Events will be held all around the country in schools, colleges, research institutes, companies, libraries and community centres, with festivals in Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and the Midlands Science Festival.
From magic science shows, ‘100 years of relativity’, a ‘Medi-Evil Medicine Show’, explosive science shows, virtual reality displays, science busking, opportunities to meet with a European Space Agency (ESA) Astronaut, and a nationwide science workshop and roadshow tour, including school movie screenings.
For more information you can visit the official website here.
