Funding for Science Week festivals

Funding of €600,000 has been announced to help stage events for Science Week 2023, which begins today, November 12th.

The funding will be used to host 15 festivals and

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announced hundreds of events right across the country.

Minister Harris said: “Science Week is a week-long event held each November that celebrates science in our everyday lives. It aims to remind us all of the impact and benefit of science in our daily lives. It also strives to stimulate, supports, and creates awareness of science.

“This year, we have taken areas identified by members of the public through Creating Our Future and focused on them for Science Week.

"The theme is Human? and as part of it, the public is being asked to consider the question of what it means to be human in today’s world, and how the decisions we make today will impact the people and world of the future. From the climate emergency to social interaction and artificial intelligence, how will future generations be impacted?

“There are events all across the country. Please do get involved. We have lots of important announcements coming this week so stay tuned and have fun.”

Running from 12th-19th November, Science Week 2023 will engage the Irish public on the theme of HUMAN? Curiosity about how we interact as human beings – with each other and the world around us.

Support of €644,330 has been provided to several regional Science Week-funded projects which contribute to the national Science Week effort at local and regional level.

Funded by the SFI Science Week Call, there will be a range of projects from across the sciences, arts, media, education, youth and community work sectors which broaden the reach and participation of people in Science Week in ways that are most suited to them.

This year, Science Foundation Ireland has funded 15 Science Week Festivals and seven Science Week Targeted Events, which are smaller, standalone activities for targeted audiences.

Commenting on Science Week, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland, Professor Philip Nolan, said: “Science has a profound impact on individuals, society, and the world at large in a multitude of ways; from technological advancement to healthcare and medicine, environmental conservation, food production, and entertainment.

"Science Week 2023 will explore these themes and more, while we reflect on what it means to be human in today’s world and what lies ahead for future generations.

“Critical to the success of Science Week is the growing community of dedicated volunteers across the country who work tirelessly on delivering stimulating activities each year. We are truly thankful for their commitment to passionately promoting science among the general public.

"We encourage everyone to get involved in Science Week, whether at your local festival, online on social media, or with friends and family.”

For more on funded activities, see https://www.sfi.ie/events/festivals/.