The Galway Science & Technology Festival is celebrating 27 years of sparking curiosity and inspiring both young people and the general public to explore the world around us. Since its inception in 1998, the festival has grown to become Ireland’s largest event promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM ).
The theme for the 2024 festival is “The Power of Regeneration”. This captivating theme spans multiple fields, from biology and medicine to environmental science and technology. Through a range of activities and exhibits, the festival will engage a diverse audience and encourage a deeper understanding of the many facets of regeneration.
The festival will kick off with the Galway Science & Technology Festival Exhibition on Sunday, November 10, from 10am to 6pm at the University of Galway campus. This free event will feature interactive stands from world-leading companies, local universities, research centres, and primary and secondary schools. Tickets for shows and workshops will be available starting Saturday, November 2 at 9am, at www.galwayscience.eventbrite.ie The one-day event will be an exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, featuring more than 20 educational workshops and shows that promise fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Running from November 10 to 22, the festival will feature more than 200 free events for 35,000 primary and secondary school students. There are a variety of shows and workshops for schools with a Sue McGrath Science and Engineering Kit available for every primary school. The festival has partnered with Galway City Museum, Galway Atlantaquaria, Brigit’s Garden and Galway Libraries who will host workshops by Foróige to provide STEM related workshops and tours for schools throughout the two weeks.
Anne Murray, festival manager is reminding all schools to place their bookings for an event for their school on the website. “There will be a fantastic virtual Sue McGrath Science and Engineering kit available for every primary school and a number of in-person shows and workshops for secondary schools,” she said. “Booking forms are available on our website.”
The programme of events will include a special evening with astronaut Niamh Shaw who will give a talk on her trip to Antarctica and also taking place will be a talk and demonstration on Artificial Intelligence at the University of Galway on Wednesday 15th November in the O’Donoghue Centre, University of Galway.
Paul Mee, Chairman of the Galway Science & Technology Festival, urged the public to participate, saying, “This year’s events offer many opportunities for the public to learn more about the world around us and witness how fostering curiosity in young children nurtures the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
The Festival is proudly supported by Medtronic, its main sponsor for the last 25 years and lead academic partner, University of Galway.
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