The fourth edition of Kilkenny Science Festival take place this year from 11-19 November 2023 and is co-ordinated by Calmast, the STEM Engagement Centre in the South East Technological University. Working with partners in arts, culture, industry and the community, a range of workshops, talks, presentations and events will be delivered across Kilkenny city and county. 

The 2023 theme ‘Human!’ is weaved throughout the Festival. Local cultural partners such as Butler Gallery and the Medieval Mile Museum will host events on the science related to their current exhibitions. The theme of Health, nutrition and wellbeing, a key component of what it means to be human will see celebrity chef Edward Hayden (a local favourite!) with TV nutritionist Aoife Hearne present a show using local artisan food; while dancer and choreographer Cindy Cummins (former UCD Artist in Residence) will explore how the body can be understood as both medium and text of essential human communication. O’Sullivan’s Brewing Company on John Street will host a pizza and pint night where master brewer will explain the science behind the pint! 

Always a festival highlight, the Science Week Family Fun Day features Dr Ken and his Science of the Circus show and festival favourite Caroline Ainslie of Bubbly Maths exploring the science of bubbles in a highly interactive show that kids (and big kids) always enjoy! In collaboration with Kilkenny Library, the science of gardening is promoted with a Grow your Own Spring Bulb campaign, and our ever-popular workshops in Lego building, art, e-textiles, robotics and biodiversity are scheduled across schools, libraries and communities across the county. 

Start planning your Science Week by visiting our website stemkilkenny.ie to see the full schedule of events.