Robert Boyle
SUMMER Gathering
The Summer Gathering features an array of entertainment, social gatherings, and discussions over a 4-day weekend in waterford and lismore.
2027 THEME: To Be Announced
- 10-13 JUNE, 2027
- WATERFORD & LISMORE
A gathering for curious minds and critical thinkers
The annual Robert Summer Gathering is celebrating Robert Boyle’s life and legacy, bringing topics about the place of science in our culture to curious minds. It is a gathering for curious minds and critical thinkers, both scientists and non-scientists alike.
The 2026 Summer School took place 4-7 June in Waterfor and Lismore, exploring the theme Mind & Matter.
2027 marks the BOYLE 400, a celebration of the 400th birthday of Robert Boyle. Keep an eye out for the 2027 programme.
THE SPEAKERS
Programme of Events
Opening Night Event
19:00
Our Fascination with True Crime and Serial Killers
Dr Lorraine Bowman-Grieve and Dr Jennifer O’Mahoney
Morning Session
Summer School Day 2
Waterford City Hall
10:30
Welcome and Introduction
Eoin Gill
11:30
Boyle’s Theory of Mind
Dr Bill Eaton
12:30
Lunch Break
*Lunch not provided. There are several pubs and cafes nearby.
Afternoon Session
14:00
Mind, Matter and Malfunction – What Epilepsy Reveals About Consciousness, Neural Dynamics, and the Fragility of the Self
Prof. Mark Cunningham
15:00
Mind in Society: Joyce, Vygotsky, and Inner Speech
Prof. Luke Gibbons
Evening Session
18:00
Poetry and the Mind
Waterford Arts Officer Margaret Organ in conversation with poets Jackie Gorman and Clodagh Beresford Dunne
Morning Session
Summer School Day 3
Lismore Heritage Centre
11:00
Future of the Mind in a World of Social Media and AI
Dr Emma Farrell
12:00
The Legacy of Robert Boyle
Eoin Gill and Sheila Donegan
12:45
Lunch Break
*Lunch not provided. There are cafes and pubs nearby.
Afternoon Session
14:15
The Ageing Mind
Prof Rose Anne Kenny
15:15
Panel Discussion
Dr Emma Farrell and Prof Rose Anne Kenny
17:00
Guided Tour of Lismore Castle Upper Gardens
A guided tour of Ireland’s best preserved Jacobean gardens.
18:00
Garden Party at Lismore Castle Gardens
Coach transfer from Waterford to Lismore will be available to book.
Summer School Day 4
Waterford Gallery of Art
12:00
Guided Tour of the Waterford Gallery of Art
Follow us on Social Media to stay updated
This event is organised by CALMAST, South East Technological University’s STEM Engagement Centre in partnership with the Royal Dublin Society, and Lismore Heritage Centre. Thanks to the sponsors, this event is free but booking is essential.
Partners & Sponsors
