iCRAG Celebrates Science Week with Public Events and Podcast Feature

iCRAG, the Research Ireland Centre for Applied Geosciences, is celebrating Science Week 2025 with a series of public events and outreach activities across Ireland. The programme highlights how geoscience connects with nature, climate, creativity and everyday life.

As part of this year’s celebrations, iCRAG-supported research is featured on The Blindboy Podcast. Professor Jennifer C. McElwain joins Blindboy for an in-depth conversation exploring Earth’s deep past, fossils, climate change and how ancient plant life can help us understand our future. The episode brings palaeobiology and climate science to a broad public audience through Blindboy’s signature mix of humour, curiosity and storytelling.
Listen to the episode here:

(opens in a new window)https://open.spotify.com/episode/4BCUURTMe6uzwPmcV6ORUM

Science Week Events Featuring iCRAG

Across the country, iCRAG researchers and collaborators are engaging with schools, families and local communities through interactive events, performances and exhibits.

STEM Career Expo at Louth Science Festival
Wednesday, 6 November | Dundalk Library
iCRAG hosted a stand at the Louth Science Festival STEM Career Expo, offering visitors the chance to explore careers in geoscience. Attendees met researchers, asked questions and tried hands-on activities that revealed how geology, engineering and environmental science shape the world around us.

Un-Natural Frequency at Aillwee Cave, County Clare
Friday, 8 November | 19:30 to 21:30
The musical performance Un-Natural Frequency will take place inside the spectacular Aillwee Cave. The production combines music, art and science to explore how the Burren landscape is influenced by nature, climate and people. The event features original choral works created with communities, climate voices, scientists and artists. It includes Inception Horizon, performed by the Mellow Tonics choir and inspired by Professor Laurence Gill’s research into how water travels through karst landscapes. The Mellow Tonics are delighted to be associated with iCRAG’s outreach activities.

Science at The Marina Market, Cork City
Saturday, 15 November | 11:00 to 16:00
This family-friendly event brings science to the heart of Cork City. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, try creative STEM activities and meet researchers from across disciplines. iCRAG’s exhibit will highlight the role of geoscience in daily life, from the materials used in modern technology to the water systems beneath our feet.

Celebrate 30 Years of Science Week in Merrion Square

The Museum of the Moon installation will light up Merrion Square from 13 to 15 November, with evening performances celebrating science through music. The Mellow Tonics, who are associated with iCRAG, will perform as part of the programme on Thursday and Friday.

(opens in a new window)Event link: Museum of the Moon

Bringing Geoscience to the Public

Science Week provides a national platform to spark curiosity and create new opportunities for people to engage with science. Through live performances in caves, outdoor art installations, hands-on exhibits and national media, iCRAG continues to share the importance of understanding the planet beneath us and the science that supports a sustainable future.