Cork Set to Light Up Science Week 2025 with Marina Market Spectacle and €80,000 in Funding

Cork will be at the heart of Ireland's 30th anniversary Science Week celebrations this November, with Marina Market hosting spectacular theatre performances and space exhibitions as part of four major Cork projects receiving almost €80,000 in government funding.

Science Week 2025, running from 9th to 16th November, will see renowned theatre company Macnas make its Cork premiere at Marina Market on Sunday 9th November. The Galway-based spectacle theatre company will bring its vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, and puppets to Cork city to tell a powerful story about biodiversity loss and the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland.

The performance forms part of a broader transformation of Marina Market into Cork's science hub for the week. SpaceFest 2025, which has received €50,000 in funding, will relocate its central exhibition from the National Space Centre to the bustling Marina Market from 8th to 15th November. The festival celebrates "the art and science of space" and promises exhibitions, performances, tours and workshops for curious adults, art lovers, science enthusiasts, and space explorers alike.

Cork's scientific celebrations extend beyond Marina Market to venues across the city. The Granary Theatre will be transformed into a "Light Laboratory" for Science Week, hosting a unique event combining STEM and theatre to demonstrate optical science principles with dramatic effect. This citizen science initiative has secured €9,855 in funding.

Meanwhile, "Science at the Marina" will provide a free one-day public celebration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) through collaboration between leading Research Ireland Centres APC Microbiome Ireland and VistaMilk, Teagasc, and University College Cork. This initiative has received €10,000 in support.

Cork's commitment to citizen science continues with the "Otter Spotters" roadshow, bringing ecological education about Ireland's native otter directly to communities across Cork City during Science Week. This €10,000 project aims to encourage broader conversations about biodiversity conservation and public participation in scientific research.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:

"Science Week is now a key event across Ireland, connecting people with science through engaging activities. I am delighted to announce my department's support for this year's programme with over €847,000 in funding for 36 projects."

Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, added:

"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."

This year's Science Week theme, "Then. Today. Tomorrow", encourages people to explore how science and research have shaped current lives while looking at future challenges and opportunities. The celebration marks three decades of Science Week in Ireland, coordinated by Research Ireland with 14 festivals and hundreds of events taking place nationwide.

Cork's €79,855 allocation reflects the city's growing reputation as a centre for scientific innovation and public engagement. The diverse programme ensures something for every age group and interest level, from families exploring space science to theatre-goers experiencing optical demonstrations.

All Cork Science Week events are designed to be accessible and engaging for the general public, with most offering free attendance. Full programme details and booking information will be available at scienceweek.ie closer to the event dates.