Science Week activities in Westmeath
There’s something for everyone in Westmeath this year for Science Week from November 10 to 17, with Midlands Science exploring everything from music to menopause and from swifts to swimming.
Midlands Science CEO Jackie Gorman commented; “Events in Westmeath this year include everything from a discussion with the holder of two Guinness World Records for ice swimming Nuala Moore to learning more about music with a free concert with Bohemian Strings.”
The Midlands Science Festival is supported by Research Ireland and is part of a national network of festivals during Science which encourage people of all ages to engage with science.
A special event exploring drug use and abuse takes place in Athlone on November 12 at the Radisson Blu Hotel at 8pm with Sean Kinsella, a leading advocate for recovery, whose own journey through addiction and homelessness is an inspiring real story of triumph and transformation.
In no other issue does science and society interact so profoundly as in this topic and this event will be of interest to a wide range of people. It is presented in association with Athlone Drugs Awareness Group.
Other activities include an evening with Dr Deirdre Forde in Mullingar exploring the menopause, and an evening with the National Museum of Ireland all about swifts. Those amazing aerial acrobats of the sky have been recorded in strong numbers recently in Mullingar and the event will include the winners of a schools drawing competition and a Science for Nature competition for voluntary and community groups.
A free music concert in Athlone with Bohemian Strings will have everyone’s feet tapping in no time, as MC for the evening Dr Claire O’Connell will explain between tunes what is happening in our brains as we listen to music and why heavy metal lovers and classical music lovers are the two types of music fans who are most alike in terms of personality.
From AC/DC to Vivaldi, you’ll be singing up for science in no time. This event will take place on November 14 at the Aidan Heavey Library, Church Street, at 6:30 pm.
Bestselling author Prof Rose Anne Kenny will also be speaking in Athlone in the Buccaneers Rugby Club on November 15 about her book 'Age Proof', which explores the science of ageing well. It is based on her years of research into ageing, and she has lots of tips and tricks to share about how you can improve not just your life span but also your health span.
All events are free but must be booked in advance on www.midlandsscience.ie