On Friday September 23 Ireland will host Sea2Sky, its first European Researchers’ Night, in Salthill, Galway. This one day celebration of science in inner and outer space is being organised by NUI Galway in collaboration with the Marine Institute and Galway Atlantaquaria, and is funded under the European Union’s Marie Curie Programme and Discover Science and Engineering.
Sea2Sky is a free event open to all ages and will take place in Leisureland and Galway Atlantaquaria, Salthill from 11am - 11pm. The Galway European Researchers’ Night offers the opportunity to discover research facilities that are usually not open to the public such as laboratories, research centres, and museum collections. People can use some of the most recent technologies and instruments, and with the guidance of expert scientists participate in experiments, competitions and quizzes, watch demonstrations and simulations, exchange ideas and party with the researchers.
For one day only, these ‘ordinary people with unusual occupations’ will come into contact with visitors and will present their research work to the general public. Different 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 3D tour of the universe, check out live demonstrations, and take part in a host of hands-on activities.
In the lead up to the event the organisers are running an art competition for the eight to 18-year-old age group. Entrants are asked to design a new research vessel for the Sea2Sky scientists for the year 2040. Information on the competition can be obtained on www.sea2sky.ie Sea2Sky is a free event that does not require tickets or advanced booking. Visit Leisureland and Galway Atlantaquaria any time from 11am - 11pm on Friday September 23 to take part. For further information visit http://www. *sea2sky.ie/wordpress/
