Mind and Matter
The Robert Boyle Winter School happened at the RDS Dublin, on the 24th of January 2026 from 9:30 am – 4 pm.
Taking place at the Minerva Suite at the RDS in Dublin, this year’s Winter School addressed the topic of Mind and Matter.
Curious about this theme? You can watch the lectures back at the bottom of the page!
For full biographies of our invited speakers and chairs, please click on their names.
Programme
Morning Session I, Chair: Dr SHEILA DONEGAN
Dr Sheila Donegan is a lecturer in Chemistry at SETU and co-director of CALMAST. She is a passionate advocate of STEM and holds many national positions in this area. She also co-founded Maths Week with Eoin Gill – the leading festival of its kind in the world – which attracts over 520,000 participants each year across the island of Ireland.
Eoin Gill, Co-Director of CALMAST, SETU
Introducing the Theme Mind and Matter
Eoin Gill is a founder of the Robert Boyle Summer School. An environmental engineer by profession, his research and professional interests span sustainability and climate action, to the Arts, Philosophy and History of Science and Technology. Eoin has over 25 years experience developing and delivering STEM and STEAM festivals and activities across the Higher Education, Science and Arts sector in Ireland and beyond.
Watch his introduction here.
Prof. James O’Shea, Head of Department of Philosophy, University College Dublin
Philosophy of Mind in the Early Modern Period
Prof. James O’Shea is the Head of School of Philosophy at University College Dublin, whose work focuses on systematic issues in contemporary philosophy based on analysis and logic, amongst other subjects. He considers teaching to be very important to him and has lectured for over 40 years, finding it rewarding and believing that his efforts to expand his teaching help him develop as a philosopher as well.
Watch his presentation here.
MORNING SESSION II, CHAIR: DR NORA SALABERRY
Dr Nora Salaberry is a STEAM Festival and Engagement Executive who creates new, fun and engaging STEAM resources and helps to manage CALMAST events. She holds an MSc and a PhD in Biology – specialising in Neurosciences, both from the University of Strasbourg in France.
Prof. Richard Roche, Department of Psychology, Maynooth University
Mind and Matter – A Psychologist’s Perspective
Prof. Richard Roche is a professor of psychology at Maynooth University. His research interests include memory, spatial representation, psychosis, stroke and decision making. He also established Ireland’s first high-density electroencephalogram (EEG) laboratory. He has been a strong supporter of neuroscience advocacy, outreach and public engagement over the last number of years.
Watch his presentation here.
Brian Trench, Writer, editor, and former lecturer in science communication and cultural history, Dublin City University
Some RDS Boyle Medallists
Brian Trench is a writer, editor and lecturer in science communication and cultural history. He is a former science and technology journalist, and senior lecturer and Head of School of Communications, Dublin City University, Ireland. He is the immediate past president of PCST (2014-21), the global network for science communication.
Watch his presentation here.
Afternoon Session, Chair: NOLLAIG HEALY
Nollaig Healy holds a Bachelor of Arts in English & History from UCD, a Master of Arts in Arts & Heritage Management from SETU Waterford, and most recently, a Higher Diploma in Science in Digital Marketing & Analytics from SETU Carlow. Nollaig has made significant contributions across a spectrum of renowned arts organisations in Ireland, and presently manages the Creative Climate Action initiative, ACT Waterford.
Prof. Kevin Mitchell, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin
Free Agents – How Life Evolved the Power to Choose
Dr Mitchell is an Assistant Professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, whose research seeks to understand how genes map out brain connectivity and influence individual human faculties, such as perception. He is also an active communicator and aspires to promote public understanding of neuroscience and genetics.
Watch his presentation here.
PANEL DISCUSSION, CHAIR: DR IDA MILNE
Dr Milne lectures in history at Carlow College and is chair of the History of Science and Medicine Network Ireland. She is author of Stacking the Coffins, Influenza, War and Revolution in Ireland, 1918-19 (Manchester University Press 2020)
Prof. James O’Shea, Head of Department of Philosophy, UCD
Dr Keith Wilson, Department of Philosophy, UCD
Prof. Kevin Mitchell, Institute of Neuroscience, TCD
Watch the panel discussion here.
For full biographies of our invited speakers and chairs, please click on their names.
Recordings of the presentations
This event was organised by Calmast, South East Technological University’s STEM Engagement Centre in partnership with the Royal Dublin Society, Science Foundation Ireland and Lismore Heritage Centre.
Partners and Sponsors
