Kilkenny Science Festival organisers thrilled with public’s reaction

Kilkenny Science Festival organisers, CALMAST at SETU, have paid tribute to the schools, community groups and facilities, library, theatre and museum staffs and everyone who pulled out all the stops to ensure the week-long programme of events drew huge crowds again this year.

Hosting the free programme of over 50 events would not have been possible without the support of so many people and organisations, key among them, Science Foundation Ireland, Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Leader Partnership, the EPA, Glanbia and Abbott.

CALMAST’s Nollaig Healy also commended the teams at the Medieval Mile Museum, Butler Gallery, Newpark Close Family Resource Centre, Ossory Youth, Castlecomer Discovery Park, the National Reptile Zoo and more who worked tirelessly to host events.

“Our mission is to encourage STEM engagement and showcase how relevant science is in our everyday lives. The mix of age groups, of people from all different backgrounds at the events was very encouraging and it shows we’re delivering on our aims.

“The engagement in the schools was particularly encouraging. The young people of Kilkenny are our future scientists, the skilled professionals who will work in our healthcare service, in pharma, in engineering and more. We really have to commend their teachers and their schools for fostering their enthusiasm and bringing out the best in them. It has been a really fantastic Science Festival and while we’re looking forward to a little break now, we’re already plotting and planning for next year,” Nollaig Healy revealed.

The Kilkenny programme included everything from comedy to the science of brewing, to the science behind circus tricks to an insight into the reptile world.