TCD to host prestigious science festival

The BA Festival of Science, a leading science festival worldwide, will be hosted in Trinity College this year, it was announced today.

It has been 48 years since the festival was last hosted in Ireland.

Visiting a different city every year the BA Festival aims to bring the public together with 300 speakers and representatives from the world of science, engineering, technology to help foster a greater understanding of the value and significance of scientific endeavour.

3,000 people are expected to attend the festival this year in Trinity College Dublin, which takes place from September 3 to September 10.

The festival is organised by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), and this year its main sponsors are the Department of Education and Science, Trinity College Dublin and the Discover Science and Engineering Programme, funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

Speaking at the launch of the festival’s programme of activities in Trinity College, Micheál Martin, Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, said: “As Ireland continues its transition to a knowledge-based economy, so science, engineering and technology are becoming vital instruments in enterprise activity.

“Events such as the BA Festival are crucial in conveying the serious message of how important science and engineering are to Ireland’s continued economic prosperity, but in a way which is fun, engaging and exciting.”