Science Week 2022 - The Festival of Farming and Food Events
The Festival of Farming and Food is an educational, inspiring and fun week, packed full of amazing science activities, experiences, talks and exhibitions, for children and grown-ups alike. Running from November 13-20.
Whether you are interested in science or not, we hope to inspire, encourage and challenge people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and understand the world around them.
Find out about the events taking place during The Festival of Farming and Food
Sunday
Trails and Tales - Woodstock, Deerpark, Inistioge, Co Kilkenny - Sunday, November 13th | 11am - 1pm
Woodstock Gardens are located in the south east of Kilkenny just outside the picturesque village of Inistioge. The gardens, overlooking the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day.
Join Teagasc Forestry Advisor Michael Somers for an interesting walk through the forest. Find out about the wonders of the woodlands and benefits of forestry to our lives.
Michael will take us on a looped walk of the forest, explaining all about the benefits of forestry on the way - from carbon sequestration to biodiversity. Not to mention the benefits to our wellbeing.
Teas and coffees and snacks will be provided.
Please note: This is an outdoor event so please check the weather and dress suitably. Trekking shoes, rain gear and drinks of water are advised.
Difficulty level: The difficulty level is easy.
Start time: 11am
Please note that places are limited and early booking is essential.
Monday
Teagasc Vision of Research and Innovation Exhibition - Monday, November 14th - Teagasc Head Office, Oak Park, Carlow
Join us at Oak Park House for an exhibition of this year’s winning entries to the Teagasc Vision of Research and Innovation photo competition, followed by a guided tour of Oak Park House.
Now in its seventh year, the competition is open to all Teagasc staff and students, inviting them to submit digital images created in the course of their work in agricultural and food research, with the aim of finding the most innovative and compelling images showing the range of research and innovation activities taking place across the organisation.
At the event the overall winner of the competition will be announced and certificates will be presented to the twelve shortlisted entrants by Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara. Attendees can also learn about the history of Oak Park House via a short guided tour.
Tea, coffee and finger food will be provided on the night.
Start time: 6pm
Tuesday
60 Minute Science - Food Sustainability - Tuesday, November 15 | 5:30pm - 8pm
The foods that we produce and eat contribute to our health. They also have an impact on our environment. Combating climate change will mean changes to food production and our diets. At this event, Teagasc speakers will address questions of food sustainability, safety and environmental effects. There will be five-minute talks, each followed by time for audience questions. The event will be hosted by broadcaster Jonathan McCrea.
Before the main event, attendees will be able to explore displays of the latest food science research and will have a chance to discuss the research with the scientists in person.
This event will have an Irish Sign Language interpreter present.
Speaker line-up:
- Elena Alex -Ensuring food safety in the face of climate change
- Carlos Alvarez - Two birds with one stone: blood-based films, from environmental concern to sustainable solution
- Sinead McCarthy - Sense & Sustainability: Healthy eating for body and planet
- Eoghan Corbett - How can horticulture be any greener? Why moss-peat is used and what are the alternatives?
- Eduarda Neves - Insects as protein for our future generations
- Diane Purcell-Meyerink - Seaweed for life
Start time: Doors open at 5.30pm for the exhibition, which will be open until the main event commences at 6.30pm.
Location:Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Dublin
Wednesday
Women in STEM - How can your career help the planet? - Wednesday, November 16 | 11am - 12pm
Some of our inspirational women scientists talk about how the work they do benefits the environment and the career path they took to get to where they are.
Find out about the many and varied careers you can get involved in to help save the planet.
This event will be hosted by broadcaster Jonathan McCrea and is aimed at second level students and young adults.
In association with the Gender-SMART project, an EU Horizon 2020 initiative, which aims to achieve gender equality in agricultural and life sciences research and teaching fields.
Start time: 11am
Location: Online
The Climate and Farming - Wednesday, November 16 | 10am - 2pm
Over 250 secondary students from the locality are being invited to Teagasc Moorepark to understand the effects farming has on our climate.
The students will have the opportunity to see the many technologies which are being both researched and implemented on farms to reduce any potential effects of dairying and pig farming on the environment.
Students will also get to interact with Masters and PhD students and ask questions around choosing STEM as a potential career path.
Start time: 10am
Location: Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork
Ewe Want to Know About Sheep? - Teagasc, Athenry - Wednesday, November 16 | 9:30am - 3pm
Animal Science - Here students will see how science is being used to address issues related to reproduction and parasitism in sheep.
Sheep Breeds - View alternative sheep breeds – their attributes and role(s) in Irish farming
Grassland and the environment - different grass and clover species and learn about nitrogen fixation. Dealing with environmental issues, use of slurry and fertilizer, etc.
Expressions of interest for this event can be directed to Norina Coppinger by email at: Norina.Coppinger@teagasc.ie
Start time: 9:30am
Finish time: 3pm
Location: Teagasc, Athenry, H65R718
Thursday
Plant Experiment Packs
Our scientists at Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Carlow have developed a fun and educational experimental pack for primary schools. Students will get petri dishes with media, cotton swab and an experimental manual. They will perform an experiment under supervision from their teachers.
Email ScienceWeek@teagasc.ie for more information.
Friday
The Festival of Farming and Food
Kids' Corner: Say Cheese - Friday, November 18 | 11am - 12pm
Have you ever wondered why milk is white or how cheese is made?
In this fun interactive webinar, Teagasc’s food scientists will take us into the research labs at Teagasc Moorepark and explain why common dairy products in our fridges like milk, cheese and yoghurt, taste, look and smell like they do and what happens if we leave them too long.
Then during the live webinar with host Jonathan McCrea, primary schools from across Ireland will have their chance to ask our scientists questions. Bring your questions, bring your lunch and say cheese!
Start time: 11am - 12pm
Location: Online
Plant Science Festival - Careers Day - National Botanic gardens, Gallery, Teakhouse, Herbarium - Friday, November 18 | 10am - 4pm
Careers day - showcasing education, research and industry based around Plant Science. Dr Shivani Pathania and co. of 'Leaf No Waste' will be representing Teagasc and TU Dublin research. Leaf No Waste explores options for compostable fresh produce packaging, while extending the shelf life of packaged salad crops.
Start time: 10am
Location: National Botanic gardens, Gallery, Teakhouse, Herbarium, D09VY63
Saturday
Trails and Tales - Castlecomer Discovery Park, Co. Kilkenny - Saturday, November 19 | 11am - 1pm
Set in the former grounds of the Wandesforde Estate, Castlecomer Discovery Park comprises 80 acres of stunning natural woodland and lakes and began as a community project to rejuvenate the town of Castlecomer following the closure of the coal mines in 1969.
Join Teagasc Forestry Advisor Michael Somers for an interesting walk through the forest. Find out about the wonders of the woodlands and benefits of forestry to our lives.
Michael will take us on a looped walk of the forest, explaining all about the benefits of forestry on the way - from carbon sequestration to biodiversity. Not to mention the benefits to our wellbeing.
Teas and coffees and snacks will be provided.
Please note: This is an outdoor event so please check the weather and dress suitably. Trekking shoes, rain gear and drinks of water are advised.
Difficulty level: The difficulty level is easy.
Start time: 11am
Please note that places are limited and early booking is essential.
Plant Science Festival - Soil Fauna Workshop - National Botanic Gardens, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture - Saturday, November 19 | 11am - 3pm
'Soil is Alive' Soil Fauna Workshops with invited community groups demonstrated by the tutors and students of Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture.
Start time: 11am
Location: National Botanic Gardens, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, D09VY63
Plant Science Festival - Conserving National Heritage - National Botanic Gardens, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture - Saturday, November 19 | 11am - 3pm
'Conserving Natural Heritage' - Native seed Workshops with invited community groups demonstrated by the tutors and students of Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture.
Start time: 11am
Location: National Botanic Gardens, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, D09VY63
All of the events are free but must be pre-booked. An adult must complete the registration and an adult must accompany all children at events. Science Foundation Ireland and Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority) sponsor this festival.
Teagasc invites you to join us for an unmissable series of virtual and in-person events for Science Week 2022 as part of ‘The Festival of Farming and Food’ (November 13-20, 2022).
The festival is an educational, inspiring and fun week, packed full of amazing science activities, experiences, talks and exhibitions, for children and grown-ups alike.
We’d love to hear from you. Be part of The Festival of Farming and Food journey on Social Media:
@Teagasc @ScienceWeek #FestFarmFood #ScienceWeek