Midlands Science Festival gets off to colourful start in Athlone

A weekend of diverse events took place in Athlone last week to mark the start of this year's Midlands Science Festival.

A varied programme of events brought science to life through music, fun healthcare workshops and film, demonstrating that science is about much more than laboratories and experiments.

The programme began with 'Sing Up for Science', a unique musical experience featuring science communicator Dr Claire O’Connell and the talented Bohemian Strings. Combining live music with insights into the science of sound, the brain, and emotional responses to music, the event invited audiences to discover the science behind something that plays such an important part in everyday life.

The popular Teddy Bear Hospital also returned, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Paediatrics Society.

This fun and interactive initiative was hosted by Athlone Library and gave younger visitors the opportunity to bring along their favourite teddy bears for a hospital experience of their own.

Through a series of engaging stations, including emergency care, phlebotomy, surgery and pharmacy, children were introduced to different aspects of healthcare in a welcoming and accessible environment. The initiative also helps familiarise young children with medical settings and can make future visits to hospital a little less daunting.

The weekend programme continued with an 'All Living Things Environmental Film Festival' evening, using the power of cinema to explore science, nature and the environment. Through a specially curated selection of films, audiences were invited to consider important topics including water, biodiversity, climate change and the relationship between people and the natural world.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion bringing together voices from ecology, climate action, environmental law, heritage and community work, connecting global environmental stories with issues closer to home.

Jackie Gorman of Midlands Science said the events provided a great example of the organisation's approach to public engagement with science.

“These diverse events are a really good example of what Midlands Science is all about,” she said.

“We want to show people that science is part of everyday life and that it is relevant to everyone, regardless of age, background or previous experience of science. Whether you are listening to music and discovering what happens in your brain, bringing your teddy bear to hospital, or watching a film that explores relationships with the natural world, there are opportunities everywhere to learn something new. Our aim is to create awareness of science in everyday life, while building confidence and curiosity within our communities. We want people to feel comfortable asking questions, exploring new ideas, and recognising that science is something we can all engage with,” Jackie added.

The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Research Ireland, as part of National Science Week, and forms part of a wider programme of activities designed to make science accessible, engaging and relevant to communities throughout the region.

While Athlone has hosted a particularly varied opening programme, festival activities are taking place right across Offaly, Laois, Longford and Westmeath, with events and workshops organised in collaboration with schools, community organisations, local groups, and a wide range of partners.

There are also opportunities for members of the public to attend events, meet experts, participate in interactive experiences, and explore the many ways science connects with daily life.

Midlands Science delivers science outreach and engagement activities throughout the year, working with pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, community groups, families and the wider public across the region. Its work encompasses science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on inspiring curiosity and confidence, encouraging participation, and demonstrating the importance of science to individuals and communities.

Jackie Gorman added: "Science should be for everyone. By taking science out of traditional settings and bringing it to libraries, schools, community spaces and public events, we can reach people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with it. We are delighted to work with so many fantastic partners who help us bring these experiences to communities across the Midlands. The festival is just one part of what we do. Our outreach work continues throughout the year, and we are always looking for new and interesting ways to connect people with science."

For further information about Midlands Science, upcoming public events and the organisation's year-round outreach programme, visit www.midlandsscience.ie