This year’s Sea2Sky European Researchers Night was a great success with around 10,000 visitors attending exhibitions in three locations in Galway and at CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.
Star-gazing at Sea2Sky, organised by NUI Galway to celebrate European Researchers Night
The free day-long research festival took place last Friday, 28 September.
The European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, officially opened the festival, saying: “I am delighted to be here at the Sea2Sky Researchers Night in Galway where scientists and researchers are opening up the world of science to the general public and to young people in particular.
“Europe needs to attract more young people into careers as researchers to stay ahead of the game in research and to tackle the biggest issues of our time, such as energy, climate change and our ageing population.
“Exciting events like this, which are bringing science to life right across Europe tonight, will certainly help to achieve this goal.”
Commisioner Geoghegan-Quinn with young visitors to Sea2Sky and NUI Galway’s Dr Andy Shearer
Sea2Sky was part of European Researchers Night (funded by an EU FP7 Marie-Curie Action), which took place across 800 venues in 320 cities.
Throughout Europe, members of the public were encouraged to participate in experiments, competitions and quizzes, watch demonstrations and simulations, exchange ideas and get to know researchers.
Sea2Sky was organised by NUI Galway for the second year in a row, with huge support from partners the Marine Institute and Galway Atlantaquaria, and CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory in Cork.
Visitors to Sea2Sky had access to the “Accelerating Science” exhibition in Leisureland and over 40 stands in the Galway Bay Hotel showcasing local research. The Galway Atlantaquaria was also open for free to the public.
Local scuba divers gave an exhibition in the aquarium, the Marine Institute showcased their Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and a Japanese oyster farmer made a special guest appearance as a tie in with the Galway Oyster Festival.
Thousands visited the Promenade in Salthill and watched a parade with Galway Colour’s Street Theatre, while others viewed the night sky through telescopes from Galway Astronomy Club.
Learn more
Visit the Sea2Sky website
