Science Communication Initiatives: Top Picks

Person in Soapbox science branded labcoat standing on a small wooden stage speaking to a crowd that's gathered in a park.

Ireland's science communication sector is booming! There is an abundance of science outreach projects and activities across Ireland for every age group and interest, from family events and industry conferences to stand-up shows and skills workshops!

We are proud to have been able to support some of these initiatives over the years and delighted that many of our FameLab Ireland Alumni have participated and/or are still involved in their delivery! Below is a list of just some of these wonderful activities to give you a flavour of what to expect if you're just starting your science communication journey.

SFI Discover Funding Programme

The SFI Discover funding programme aims to grow the communities contributing to science and to empower people to shape Ireland’s future through innovation. It is important for SFI to create dialogue with and support greater confidence of the Irish public to be informed and reflective on policies and decisions around the societal challenges we face together. Of equal importance for the Irish economy and our future population is to inspire young people’s aspirations to pursue skills development and career choices in STEM.

Scientifically Speaking

Scientifically Speaking is a training programme, designed and delivered by leading UK science communication expert, Malcolm Love, that helps support you in communicating your research and other topics that matter to you with more impact and effect. Scientifically Speaking is part of the EU Researchers' Night programme, Probe, and in 2022-23 will be delivered by British Council Ireland in partnership with Trinity College Dublin.

Bright Club

Bright Club is a variety night for lateral minds, where researchers become comedians for a night! Each event features academics from science, humanities, and social science talking about their work alongside professional comedians and musicians. Bright Club came to Ireland in 2015 with events in Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Athlone.

Junior Einstein Science Club

Junior Einstein's mission is to nourish a lifelong love of learning through science in all children, (Junior Einsteins™) igniting their natural curiosity by providing exciting and engaging STEM experiments, professionally delivered in a structured, safe, supervised, educational and fun environment.

Pint of Science

Pint of Science invites scientists to your favourite local pubs and cafes to share their research with you. The Pint of Science Ireland team are busy brewing this year's festival, taking place across the country from 09-11 May 2022.

PsychSlam

PsychSlam is a science communication competition for Transition Year Students run by the School of Applied Psychology at University College Cork. Participating teams from across Ireland gain experience in teamwork and science communication, and build connections with other students, researchers and psychologists.

SCI:COM Conference

SCI:COM is a unique event that welcomes great minds from the arena of science communication for exciting talks, panel discussions, and networking events. It allows attendees to gain fresh perspectives from leading science communicators, innovators, journalists, decision makers and educators.

Sense about Science

Sense about Science is an independent charity that champions the public interest in sound science and ensures evidence is recognised in public life and policy making.

Soapbox Science Ireland

Soapbox Science is a novel public outreach platform for promoting women and non-binary scientists and the science they do. The aim is to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy, learn from, heckle, question, probe, interact with and be inspired by some of our leading scientists.