Government Allocates €847,820 for 36 Innovative Science Week Projects

The Irish government has announced funding of €847,820 to support 36 projects across the country during Science Week 2025. This initiative, led by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science, James Lawless, marks a significant commitment to celebrating and promoting science in everyday life. Science Week, now in its 30th year, will occur from November 9 to 16, 2025, and is coordinated by Research Ireland.

The theme for this year’s Science Week is ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’, encouraging participants to reflect on how scientific advancements have shaped modern society while also considering future challenges. Throughout the week, 14 festivals and hundreds of events will take place nationwide, aimed at engaging the public and fostering a deeper understanding of science.

During the announcement, Minister Lawless emphasized the importance of Science Week as a platform for connecting communities with scientific concepts. He noted, “Science shapes every minute of our daily lives, from protecting the environment to driving healthcare and technological innovation. This year’s theme invites us to reflect on past progress and future possibilities.”

Dr. Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, highlighted the longstanding impact of Science Week in igniting curiosity and collaboration through science. “Our anniversary theme is a chance to celebrate past endeavours and consider future implications. The success of Science Week is largely due to the creativity and dedication of local organisers and volunteers,” she remarked.

Festival Highlights and Key Events

This year’s Science Week features a variety of exciting events, including the Museum of the Moon installation by artist Luke Jerram. This remarkable seven-metre-diameter sphere, showcasing detailed imagery of the lunar surface, will be displayed in Dublin’s Merrion Square from November 13 to 15. Accompanying performances will enhance the experience, making it a central attraction for visitors.

Additionally, the spectacle theatre company Macnas will debut in Cork at the Marina Market on November 9. The performance will feature drummers, stilt walkers, and puppets, narrating a poignant story about biodiversity loss, particularly focusing on the decline of the corncrake, a bird known for its distinctive call. This narrative serves as a reminder of the urgency to protect natural habitats.

An installation inspired by Macnas’s performance will remain at Marina Market alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest until November 13.

For further details and event schedules, interested individuals can visit the official Science Week website at scienceweek.ie. This initiative not only aims to celebrate scientific achievements but also encourages public participation in discussions about the future of science and its role in society.