Science Week 2026 explores water at every scale – an essential building block of life on Earth and a powerful force that has shaped our planet, our lives and our future. From rainfall, rivers and lakes to peatlands, wetlands and more than 7,500 km of coastline, our island has been shaped by water for thousands of years. It has guided early settlers, enabled trade and travel, sustained communities and inspired enduring myths, from the Salmon of Knowledge to the Children of Lir.
Today, researchers across Ireland are deepening our understanding of water in all its forms – from its role in everyday life and the natural world, to its importance in biodiversity, climate resilience, conservation, health, food, energy and innovation.
Together we will celebrate curiosity, collaboration and discovery, and consider how science can help us care for water today, for the communities, ecosystems and generations of tomorrow. Stay tuned for more information about the full Science Week programme, available in October.
Science Week is delivered by Research Ireland.
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2025
Science Week celebrated its 30th anniversary with the theme Then. Today. Tomorrow., reflecting on three decades of curiosity and collaboration while looking to the possibilities of the future.
2022
With the theme ‘Infinite Possibilities’, Science Week returns to in-person events. Thousands of activities take place across the country, including the spectacular BODY installation in Dublin’s Merrion Square.
2021
Science Week contributes to the national campaign ‘Creating Our Future’, which gathers over 18,000 public submissions on the future of Irish research.
2019
Science Week adopts the theme ‘Climate Action’, inspiring a nationwide tree-planting initiative.
2015
Science Week celebrates its 20th year, with the theme ‘Science Week 2.0 Design Your Future’. This year also marks the launch of the dedicated Science Week Funding Call.
2012
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) assumes responsibility for organising Science Week for the first time, with the theme ‘Everyday Experimenting’.
1996
Former state agency Forfás takes over the coordination of Science Week, beginning a 15-year tenure, with events including a speakathon organised by the Irish Research Scientists’ Association.
1995
National Science Week is launched by the Royal Dublin Society and several partner organisations to engage the public with science.
Visit our Downloadable Resources page to use our Science Week logos on your event.
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Our News and Media page keeps you up to date on all things Science Week. You can find information about current news and learn more about Science Week events from the past.
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