Vote for Ireland’s greatest scientist. The circus comes to science. Geometry meets crochet. The history of diet and digestion. And join me for a talk about some torch-bearing Irish women astronomers.
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Vote for a great scientist! as a prelude to a new prime-time documentary series in the autumn, RTE is asking people to vote for the greatest Irish person ever. But their short-list of 40 candidates includes not one scientist or engineer. So I’m organising an alternative campaign, and the good people at Science.ie have come on board. We’ve suggested some historic Irish scientists to get you started, or you can nominate someone you think merits the title of Greatest Irish Person. So, y’all get on over there now, and start voting. And spread the word!
Geometry meets crochet:
It’s surely one of the wonders of the world — not the Great Barrier Reef, but the hyperbolic crochet version now on display at the Science Gallery, created and curated by Australian sisters Christine and Margaret Wertheim, of the Institute for Figuring. An amazing work of craft, that draws attention to the impact of climate change and plastic waste. Until June.
Circus scientifico: prepare to be amazed and enthralled as the mysteries of science are explored through the elements of circus in an evening of illusion and aerial dance. Blackrock Castle Observatory this Easter Saturday, April 3, 10pm till late.
Genes, breast cancer and personal medicine: a public talk by Prof Mary-Claire King, who discovered the first gene associated with breast cancer (BRCA1). Renowned for her work on breast cancer genetics, she has also worked with Amnesty International, using genetics to trace the “disappeared” in many countries. In Dublin to receive the Dawson Prize in genetics, she will give a public talk on Web April 7, 7pm, TCD. Adm free, all welcome.
Lab coats and lace: join me for a talk on the lives and legacies of some pioneering Irishwomen, including solar eclipse expert Mrs Annie Maunder ( 1868-1947), physicist and inventor Alice Everett (1865-1949), and Mrs Anne Jellicoe, who founded the first vocational training college for women in Ireland or Britain at Dublin in 1861. RDS, April 28 6pm, followed by refreshments. Adm free, all welcome.
History, digestion and society: hunger strikes, forensic stomach analysis, food shortages, the temperance movement… it promises to be a fascinating two-day conference at the Centre for the history of medicine, UCD. April 30-may 1. Adm free.
Galaxies that changed our view of the Universe: it all began in Birr, Co Offaly, in 1845, with the world’s largest telescope, and the discovery of a spiral nebula. Today, studies of nebulae and galaxies are helping us understand how the universe formed and evolved. DIAS public lecture by Prof Ronald J Buta (University of Alabama), Dunsink Observatory, Dublin. Saturday, April 17. Booking essential: hod@cp.dias.ie
How many friends does one person need? Should you suspect someone who has more than 150 friends on Facebook? The Science Gallery bookclub discusses the latest book by anthropologist Robin Dunbar. Adm €5 April 30, 6.30pm
From trash to cash — sustainable innovation: “rethink recycle remake”. One-day forum on sustainability and design and recycled products. Dublin, April 27.
20/20 Vision: what will the world look like in the year 2020? that’s the question for a symposium exploring ideas for the future on Wed April 14, part of TCD’s week-long Trinity Week Festival April 12-18. Other events include a scavenger hunt, talks and exhibitions.
World astronomy month: the days are getting longer, but there’s still time to look at the heavens. Events taking place around the country include talks, star parties and exhibitions, and a Cosmic Star party in Tullamore (April 9-11)
Calendar of events:
April 3, Circo Scientifico, 10pm, Cork
April 7, Genetics and breast cancer, TCD & WITS talk, 7pm Dublin
April 9, Harnessing biomass energy, Transforming Ireland seminar, 12.30 Dublin
April 10-11, Orchid fair, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin
April 12, Mercury — new insights, Astronomy Ireland lecture, 8pm Dublin
April 13, Spirit of Ireland project, seminar, 6.30pm Tralee
April 14, Ignite #4, 8pm Dublin
April 14, National Digital Learning Resource, AGM, Dublin
April 14, 20/20 Vision symposium, TCD
April 14, The flora of Ireland’s bogs and eskers, National Botanic Gardens talk, 3pm Dublin
April 17, Dunsink Observatory talk, 8pm Dublin
April 27, Science Speak, public talks & competition 7pm RDS
April 27, Sustainable Innovation Forum, Dublin
April 28, Lab coats and lace, talk, RDS 6pm
April 30-May 1, History of digestion, conference, UCD
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