Excitement builds ahead of upcoming Wexford Science Festival

WexSci, the Wexford regional Science Week festival coordinated by CALMAST, the South East Technological University’s STEM engagement centre, is back from November 8 to 16 with even more free and ticketed events for adult audiences, families, schools and community groups….

Part of national Science Week run by Research Ireland, WexSci is delivered in partnership with Wexford County Council and the Wexford STEM Cluster supported by Waters Corporation, EPA and Danone.

This year’s extensive programme of free and ticketed events across the entire county includes even more engaging day-time and evening events in libraries, in the stunning National Opera House, community centres and a scout hall as well as Coolcotts Youth Project..

All of the events across all Wexford are engaging, all fun and all showcase how relevant all things science are in our everyday lives. This year, Science Week, which is coordinated nationally by Research Ireland and on a local and regional level by centres such as CALMAST celebrates its 30th anniversary with the theme Then. Today. Tomorrow.

Managed by Research Ireland, Science Week 2025 marks thirty years of harnessing the power of curiosity and collaboration to advance science in Ireland. Speaking ahead of Science Week, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said: “Since its inception, Science Week has grown into a cornerstone of Ireland’s national calendar, inspiring generations to explore the role of science in shaping our world—past, present, and future.

“Delivered through a dynamic nationwide programme and on the ground through agencies such as CALMAST, Science Week includes in-person events, a widespread media campaign, and engaging educational content for both primary and secondary schools. The Science Week Funding Programme supports a diverse range of activities, ensuring science is accessible and exciting for all.”

Engaging and fun presenters, “Scientific Sue” Carvell and Ken Farquhar are back by popular demand, wooing audiences in the National Opera House in Wexford town. Libraries across the county, among them well-supported libraries in Wexford, New Ross, Enniscorthy, Bunclody and Gorey, will host WexSci events. Community centres in Clonroche and Clonard are among the other local hubs which will be a hive of experimentation and fun.

Eoin Gill, CALMAST, encouraged members of the public to view the programme of events and book their places without delay.

“SETU is proud to deliver Science Week for the people of Wexford. We have great events for schools and families because it is important to get young people interested in science. However, we also have many events for adults to engage with important issues of science including the Wexford Science Café and geneticist Dr Cas Kramer at Wexford Town Library.”

‘Then. Today. Tomorrow’ is central to the extensive programme of events we will host through WexSci in theatres, libraries, community hubs, schools and other venues.”

“STEM is relevant to every aspect of our daily lives, and we’d particularly encourage adult audiences to come along to any of our free events and reconnect with all things science, technology, engineering, and maths.”

“We’re thankful to our partners and sponsors. Without their support and encouragement each year, hosting such a major event would not be possible. We are particularly thankful to Research Ireland, to Wexford County Council and to the growing number of STEM-focused enterprises in the Wexford region for their support yet again this year.”

Speaking to Wexford Weekly, Elizabeth Drwal, Education Officer at the National Opera House said:

“The National Opera House is thrilled to collaborate with CALMAST to celebrate Science Week and announce an extraordinary series of interactive sessions that blend the wonders of biodiversity with the exhilarating power of creative writing, movement, and spoken word. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking to try something new, these events promise inspiration, laughter, and a fresh perspective on our natural world.

“We want everyone to feel welcome and inspired. These sessions are about having fun, sharing ideas, and letting your imagination run wild! In coming together, we aim to explore ways of expressing our appreciation and concerns for the ecological value of native plants and our changing landscape, past, present, and future,” she said.

For more on WexSci, and to book your place, check out https://www.wexfordsciencefestival.ie