The Summer School is a weekend event for adults interested in exploring the role of science in our culture. A festival about science but not for scientists, exploring where ideas come from and how they impact and affect how we see the world today. It brings together speakers across various fields on a particular theme and is held in Lismore and Waterford early summer.
You can view previous topics at the bottom of the page.
The 2025 Summer School will take place in Waterford and Lismore from 5-8 June with a programme full of talks discussions and social events. Learn more about:
2025 theme – the Brain: past, present & future
In addition of the talks and discussion, the weekend features an array of entertainment, social gatherings and a delightful garden party in the stunning surrounds of Lismore Castle Gardens.
Book a session, a day or the whole Summer School. Thanks to supporters we manage to keep ticket prices ranged from €5 to €100. See all ticket prices on Eventbrite: RBSS25.eventbrite.ie – The Lismore Heritage Centre accepts telephone bookings. Call them on (058) 54975
Speakers
The speakers for Summer School 2025 include Prof. Colin Doherty – Head of School of Medicine TCD; Prof. Veronica O’Keane – emeritus professor of psychiatry TCD; Prof. Luke Gibbons – emeritus Maynooth University; Dr David Delany – Lecturer in psychology SETU; Prof. Veronica Campbell – president SETU; Prof. Raymond Dolan FRS – professor of Neuropsychiatry University College London.
Zoom in by clicking on the image; find out more about them by clicking on their names.
2025 Summer School Programme
The programme is available to download – it is subject to change.
| Time | Thursday 5th June – Waterford City | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Night Event: Meet City Hall | ||
| 6pm | Historical Walking Tour of Waterford – Ireland’s Oldest City | Jack Burtchaell |
| Time | Friday 6th June 2025 – Waterford City | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Summer school Day 1 – Waterford City Hall – Garden room (ground floor) | ||
| Morning Session | ||
| 10:00 | Registration with coffee / tea | |
| 10:30 | Welcome to 13th RB Summer School and Introducing the Theme | Eoin Gill |
| 11:30 | Science of Superhuman | Dr David Delany |
| 12:30 | Lunch Break (Lunch not provided) | |
| Afternoon Session | ||
| 2:00pm | Perception – interactive presentation | Dr Nora Salaberry |
| 3:00pm | The Neurobiology of Drawing | Prof Colin Doherty |
| 4:00pm | Closing Remarks by President SETU | Prof Veronica Campbell |
| Time | Saturday 7th June 2025 – Lismore | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| Summer school Day 2 – Lismore Heritage Centre | ||
| Morning Session | ||
| 11:00 | Memory and Consciousness | Prof Veronica O’Keane |
| 12:00 | Hospitality on Holles Street: James Joyce, Evolution, and the Extended Mind | Prof Luke Gibbons |
| 1:00pm | Lunch (Lunch not provided) | |
| Afternoon Session: Commemorating Prof Eleanor Maguire | ||
| 2:30pm | Prof Ray Dolan in conversation with Dr Ida Milne | |
| 3:30pm | Visit to Blackwater Distillery | |
| 6:30pm | Garden Party – Lismore Castle Gardens |
| Time | Sunday 8 June 2025 – Waterford City | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 11.30am | Private tour at the Waterford Gallery of Art |
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This event is organised by CALMAST, South East Technological University’s STEM Engagement Centre in partnership with Lismore Heritage Centre, with support from Waterford City and County Council, local industry and Lismore Castle Estates.
Previous Programmes
Click on the title to see the programme of the previous summer schools.
- 2024: Science & Art
- 2023: Science Writing | Writing Science
- 2022: Science, Ireland and Colonialism
- 2021: Women in STEM – Past, Present & Future
- 2019: Superhuman
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