Thursday, 30 October 2025
Science Week 2025 in Sligo: Celebrating 30 Years of Curiosity and Collaboration Events across Sligo will take place from 9–16 November as part of Science Week 2025, which marks 30 years of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) through Research Ireland, Science Week celebrates the role of […]
Events across Sligo will take place from 9–16 November as part of Science Week 2025, which marks 30 years of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Coordinated by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) through Research Ireland, Science Week celebrates the role of science in our everyday lives and encourages people of all ages to engage with discovery and innovation.
This year’s theme, “Then. Today. Tomorrow.”, invites everyone to explore how science and research have shaped our past and present, while also looking ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the future.
The Sligo Science Festival 2025 will take place as part of the national campaign, featuring more than 40 events across the county. The programme includes engaging talks, immersive experiences, and outdoor adventures suitable for all ages.
Monday, 10 November | 6:00 PM–7:00 PM | ATU Sligo
Step inside Sligo’s own nuclear bunker for a captivating evening of science and survival. This event features expert talks from Atlantic Technological University (ATU) specialists in nutrition, engineering, and environmental science. Blending Cold War intrigue with modern-day innovation, it promises an unforgettable experience that connects history, science, and imagination.
Thursday, 13 November | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM | ATU Sligo
Hosted by Dr. Martin O’Neill, this lively science social explores how immersive technology and virtual tools can support wellbeing and education. With guest speakers, demonstrations, and opportunities for discussion, the event brings together science, art, and community in an accessible, engaging format.
Friday, 14 November | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM | Slishwood Forest, Sligo
A favourite among past festivalgoers, this guided night hike combines adventure, astronomy, and storytelling under Sligo’s dark skies. Participants will hear ancient myths, learn about constellations, and enjoy hot drinks beneath the stars, making it a perfect experience for families, explorers, and lovers of the outdoors.
As global attention turns toward climate action, Science Week 2025 in Sligo places a spotlight on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Many events this year highlight how science informs local and global responses to pressing challenges such as climate change, renewable energy, biodiversity loss, and sustainable living.
ATU Sligo, a leader in environmental research, continues to support community-led initiatives in marine ecology, clean energy innovation, and waste reduction. Through public lectures, interactive exhibits, and outreach programmes, festivalgoers will learn how local research connects with Ireland’s broader goals for a carbon-neutral future by 2050.
Science Week also provides a vital opportunity to inspire the next generation. Across Sligo, schools and youth organisations are engaging in creative experiments, science-themed art projects, and competitions designed to ignite curiosity.
Educators are increasingly incorporating environmental literacy and digital skills into classroom activities tied to Science Week’s themes. These experiences not only support STEM learning but also foster awareness of how science affects daily life, from energy use to food production and public health.
The 30th anniversary theme encourages people to think about how Ireland’s scientific landscape has evolved.
Then: Scientific curiosity was often confined to classrooms and laboratories.
Today: Science is everywhere, in the technology we use, the food we eat, and the way we respond to global challenges.
Tomorrow: The future depends on collaboration, between researchers, policymakers, educators, and the public, to build a society grounded in evidence, innovation, and sustainability.
This reflective approach gives Science Week 2025 a dual purpose: celebrating how far we’ve come, while inspiring the collective imagination for what comes next.
Now in its 30th year, Science Week continues to inspire curiosity and collaboration nationwide. The Sligo Science Festival reflects the region’s strong commitment to education, research, and community engagement, showcasing how science connects people and ideas across generations.
As one of Ireland’s longest-running national initiatives, Science Week is more than a calendar of events, it’s a movement to nurture curiosity, trust in science, and community resilience. For Sligo, the festival represents the intersection of culture, creativity, and discovery, where science is not just studied but lived.
In an era defined by rapid change, Science Week reminds us that understanding, of nature, technology, and ourselves, is the foundation of progress.
To explore the full programme of events in Sligo and around the country, visit www.scienceweek.ie.
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