Festival hoping to awaken children’s interest in science

A festival with a difference is to be held in a Co Cork town which aims to get more children interested in science and turn it into a hub for research and innovation.

Leading professionals in sport, medicine and business are joining forces with the country’s top education and research institutions to create Mallow’s first Festival of Science.

Details of the festival, to be held at the local GAA complex, were announced yesterday.

It’s aimed at broadening an understanding of the impact of STEM — Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics — on everyday life.

Science and innovation minister Sean Sherlock said it was “a wonderful opportunity to showcase the microcosm [of technological innovation] going on in Cork.” The minister said he saw Mallow “as a national test bed for STEM education”.

Talks, discussions and practical demonstrations will form part of the festival which starts on Oct 7 and culminates in the Mallow Maths and Science Family Fair on Oct 13.

A main organiser Jim Barry, managing director of the Barry Group, said he believes a push to create greater scientific awareness in the Mallow area will make it more attractive in the years ahead for multinational companies.

“I want the IDA to assist us in this. Science is critical for our local and national economy going forward,” Mr Barry said.

The festival is being organised by Mallow Development Partnership, the National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and Learning at UL, Mallow Primary Health Care Centre, Mallow Systems Innovation Centre and Mallow Chamber.

The town already has a ground-breaking maths and science project in place with NCE-MSTL at University of Limerick, involving 21 primary and secondary schools in the area.

John McDonnell, chair of Mallow Development Partnership, said “the aim is to increase community-wide proficiency in maths and science which will help to position Mallow and North Cork for new vistas in education and future employment opportunities.”

Among the speakers lined up for the event are Prof Fergus Shanahan, chairman of UCC’s Department of Medicine; Aidan O’Connell, Munster’s strength and conditioning coach; and Aoife Hearne, former Irish international athlete and dietician.

www.mallow.ie