Carlow is to have its own science & technology festival following the launch today of Eureka, a fun and interactive festival for Carlow and neighbouring countries which will run from 13th to 18th November.
Led by Dr. Darren Kavanagh, an engineering lecturer at Institute of Technology Carlow, Eureka is a Science Foundation Ireland-awarded project under the discover programme. It will actively promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) though a varied festival programme that includes learning workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, interactive seminars, debates and even a fireworks display!
Eureka is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Institute of Technology Carlow, Carlow Museum and the County Library in Carlow. Through innovative outreach to young and old in STEM subjects and topics, it is hoped that Eureka will become a flagship STEM calendar event for the region. The festival, which has been kindly supported by Science Foundation Ireland, runs during National Science Week.
Kicking off on Monday 13th November, Eureka offers a varied programme of events for primary, secondary and third-level students as well as teachers, academics and members of the public. They include: K’Nex physics prototyping for primary school students; a blueprint challenge for TY students; engineering and robotics workshops; a ‘back of the napkin’ concept challenge; a public debate; a STEM table quiz; coding workshops for teachers; technology and engineering seminars for the public; student poster exhibitions; a movie screening with an applied maths theme; a STEM bake-off and a fireworks display. The last day of the festival will feature Dargan 150, a conference on the work and theories of the Carlow engineer William Dargan.
Speaking about the significance of Eureka, Dr. Darren Kavanagh commented, “Eureka will play a very important role in the advancement of a strong and vibrant STEM culture and ecosystem for the region. We are very grateful to Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) for its financial support and encouragement, which has been instrumental in getting this initiative off the ground”.
Speaking at the festival launch, Dermot Mulligan, Carlow Museum Curator and Eureka project partner commented, “Carlow has produced a number of very important scientists over the centuries and, to further develop and foster future generations of scientists and engineers, it is important to stimulate creative thinking. Eureka is an initiative that promotes science, technology, engineering and maths in a fun and interactive way and will hopefully inspire a new STEM generation”.
For further information www.eurekafestival.ie For Twitter, use #eurekacarlow #believeinscience
-ENDS-
For reference: Alma Feeley, Communications Dept, Institute of Technology Carlow
e: alma.feeley@itcarlow.ie
t: 059 9175098
m: 087 8204934