This November, Explorium, Ireland’s National Sport and Science Centre, turned Science Week into a month-long celebration of all things 'Regeneration' - the theme of Science Week 2024. From nature’s miraculous ability to heal and adapt to the cutting-edge science of space exploration and human health, the packed schedule brought science to life for hundreds of visitors.
Whether you’re passionate about ecosystems, intrigued by the search for alien life, or inspired by the resilience of the human body, Science Month at Explorium offered something for everyone.
Regeneration in the Wild: Reptiles and Their Amazing Abilities
Did you know that some animals can regrow entire limbs, tails, and even parts of their hearts? During Science Week, Dr. John Dunbar, a researcher and reptile expert, shared his extensive knowledge of exotic creatures and their extraordinary regenerative powers. From axolotls regrowing limbs to lizards losing their tails, his captivating talk showcased nature’s uncanny ability to renew itself.
Visitors also got hands-on with Dr. Dunbar and Fionn Huggard, crocodile expert, in interactive sessions. Their presentations delighted children and adults alike, offering a chance to meet some of nature’s greatest regenerators.
If you missed the excitement, check out
Dr. Dunbar’s appearance on RTÉ News2day
or the Blindboy Podcast, where he discusses venomous creatures and their fascinating adaptations!
Reptile regeneration talk during Science Week.
Crocodile expert giving talk to public during Science Week.
Axolotl talk during Science Week.
Crocodile talk during Science Week.
Insect adaptation discussions with Dr John Dunbar.
Reptile awareness with Midlands Zoo at Explorium.
Crocodile expert talk - Explorium auditorium.
Regenerating Ireland’s Landscapes: Rewilding and Biodiversity
Explorium partnered with UCD Research to host a series of talks on rewilding, renewable energy, and biodiversity. Experts like Dr. Grace Nolan and Jane Faull, a Ph.D. researcher, highlighted efforts to restore Ireland’s ecosystems. From Mattie Purinton’s research on large bird populations to Juan Quintero and Prof. Anna Moulter’s innovative use of technology to monitor pollution, these talks offered insights into the critical work being done to understand global ecosystems and heal Ireland’s landscapes.
A particular highlight was Dr. Corrado Grappiolo’s discussion on how AI is being used to protect peatlands, one of Ireland’s most valuable resources for carbon storage and biodiversity.
Amanda Mathieson, Head of Public Engagement, Education and Communications at BiOrbic, Ireland’s leading bioeconomy research centre demonstrated how sustainable practices can reshape industries by showing visitors how to create eco-friendly plastics.
These sessions left the students and public inspired to drive change, armed with practical steps to support rewilding and recycling efforts in their own communities.
Biodiversity in Ireland talk delivered by UCD researcher, Grace Nolan.
Dr Grace Nolan, UCD biodiversity researcher with Dr Ailís O'Carroll.
Dr Mattie Purinton giving table talk on her avian research.
Prof. Anna Molter discussing temperature change with the public.
Prof. Anna Molter and Juan Quintero- sustainability table talks.
Regenerating Across the Universe: Life Beyond Earth
What role does regeneration play in space? Prof. Oisín Creaner explored the science of finding life on other planets. His talk inspired visitors to think about the cosmos and our place in it in a new way.
Prof. Creaner also stressed the importance of taking care of our own planet, as he searches for life on exoplanets across our universe showing how rare this planet we call home is.
Prof Oisin Creaner talk on life in outer space.
Prof Oisin Creaner talk on exploring our universe.
Engineering and Flight: The Science of Soaring
Visitors were thrilled by talks on the science of flying and renewable energy. Dr. Paul Cuffe, Associate Professor at UCD’s Energy Institute explained the intricacies of electricity generation, while glider pilot Damien Glyder demonstrated the principles of flight, showing how soaring is possible without engines.
Leinster gliding school flying talk.
Leinster gliding school flying talk engagement.
Flying talk in Explorium.
Talk from Leinster Gliding School.
Leinster Gliding School speaker, Damien Molloy.
Flight talk demonstration.
Regenerating Our Bodies: From Health to Performance
Science Week wouldn’t be complete without a focus on regeneration in our own bodies. Students from across the country and members of the public enjoyed engaging discussions with experts. Anna Mulligan, Ph.D. researcher based in the NIBRT Characterisation and Comparability Laboratory- UCD, spoke to students all about the proteins and protein reactions that occur in our bodies and that are mimicked in drug development with her engaging hands-on talk.
Karin Vancikova, Ph.D. researcher engaged with the students demonstrating the incredible science behind muscles and joints, and Dr. Melissa Kinch led an engaging table talk on rare diseases and the body’s ability to heal.
Anna Mulligan Biochemistry table talk.
Anna Mulligan Biochemistry table talk.
Anna Mulligan Biochemistry table talk in our Biology Section.
Hands-On Science Exhibits
Throughout the month, visitors explored Explorium’s interactive exhibits, including our:
Tesla Lightning Show: Learning about electricity through electrifying demonstrations.
F1 Car and G-Force Bike: Experiencing the physics of speed and motion.
Sports Science: Testing their strength, agility, and speed using cutting-edge technology.
Space Exploration: Driving a rover across a Mars landscape and tracking Ireland’s satellite, EIRSAT-1.
Cool It Exhibit: Understanding climate change and discovering actionable ways to reduce their carbon footprints.
Hands on learning at Explorium, Ireland's National Sport and Science Centre.
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