Science Week 2025 Officially Launched with €847,820 in Funding and a Nationwide Celebration of Science

Published in News - 8 min read - Oct 27, 2025

Minister Lawless Launches Science Week 2025, Celebrating Three Decades of Discovery

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, announced €847,820 in funding to support a vibrant programme of events and festivals across Ireland for Science Week 2025. The launch marked the beginning of the 30th anniversary celebrations of Science Week, which runs from 9th to 16th November under the theme “Then. Today. Tomorrow.”

The Minister also expressed enthusiasm for the anniversary theme, which encourages reflection on scientific progress and future possibilities: “This year’s theme, ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’, invites us to reflect on past progress and future possibilities, and, above all, enjoy the experiences. I encourage everyone to get involved and attend one of the many events happening around the country this Science Week.”

Coordinated by Research Ireland, Science Week 2025 will feature 14 regional festivals and hundreds of events nationwide. The programme aims to explore how science and research have shaped modern life, while also addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless highlighted the significance of Science Week in connecting communities with science through engaging and accessible experiences.

Science Week is now a key event across Ireland, connecting people with science through engaging activities,” he said. “Science shapes every minute of our daily lives, from protecting the environment to driving healthcare and technological innovation, and so much more besides.

Minister Lawless

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, welcomed the launch and praised the dedication of organisers and volunteers: “For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science. Our anniversary theme of ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’ is a chance to both celebrate the endeavours of yesteryear that have brought us to where we are today, and to consider what may lie ahead for individuals, families, communities, Ireland, and the entire planet.”

Among the standout events announced at the launch:

In Cork, the acclaimed spectacle theatre company Macnas will make its debut at Marina Market on Sunday, 9th November. Their performance will focus on biodiversity loss, using the story of the corncrake—a once-common Irish bird now in decline—as a powerful symbol. An installation inspired by the show will remain on site until 13th November, alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest.
Dublin will host Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon in Merrion Square from 13th to 15th November. This striking seven-metre lunar sculpture, featuring detailed NASA imagery, will be accompanied by a curated programme of performances. The event is free to attend, with booking details to be released on scienceweek.ie.
With the launch now underway, organisers are encouraging people across Ireland to explore the full programme and take part in the many events designed to inspire curiosity and celebrate the role of science in shaping our world.

We’re delighted to see such a wide range of events taking place across the country again this year. The success and appeal of Science Week is due primarily to the creativity and tireless work of local organisers and volunteers. I want to sincerely thank them for making Science Week such a vibrant, nationwide celebration.

Dr Ruth Freeman

From right: Dr Ruth Freeman, Minister James Lawless and Yvonne Tran