Robert Boyle Summer School

The Summer School is a weekend event for adults interested in exploring the role of science in our culture.

A Festival, not a School ; Science, but not for Scientists.

We explore 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 RB Summer & Winter Schools are highlights of my year, every year. The range of topics is always interesting. As a non-scientist, non-historian who loves to think, enquire & learn, the RB Schools provide a wonderful opportunity to learn from top-class thinkers & educators. Thank you CALMAST for these bi-annual intellectual treats.

Clodagh, Dublin
RBWS 2026

Would you like to learn more about the Irishman who brought law and order to world science and chemistry? Then come to the Robert Boyle Schools next outing.

Anonymous comment
RBSS 2025

The Robert Boyle summer school is always well planned and thought provoking, but what I really love about it is the close connection between audience and speakers, making it a warm and inclusive event.  It is, simply, fun, as well as being intellectually stimulating.

Anonymous comment
RBSS 2025

An unforgettable day for curious and creative minds. For me the highlights of this blissful day of learning and creation was the anatomy lesson by Professor Una Sealy and the botanical watercolour workshop by Gooee O’Brien. The sensory experience of lush Lismore Castle Gardens took this event to the next level. Definitely going again next year! 🙂

Anna, Waterford
RBSS 2024

I absolutely loved the Saturday and Sunday of the summer school – and wish I could have made it to the earlier sessions.

I particularly enjoyed the blending of science and art, presenting science to us not as world of its own but as part of the the world around it.

Tom
RBSS 2024

Wonderful opportunities for anyone, scientist or layperson, to learn about science, including history of science, current issues in science and topics related to science and society. I so enjoyed the events I have attended.

Liam, Galway
RBSS 2020

The 2025 Summer School took place in Waterford and Lismore from 4-7 June with a programme full of talks discussions and social events. Learn more about:

Speakers
Programme
Booking
What to do in Waterford

2026 theme – Mind and Matter

In addition to the talks and discussions, 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 price at €110 for the whole summer school. Early bird discount is available until 17 March! See all ticket prices on Eventbrite: RBSS26.eventbrite.ie - The Lismore Heritage Centre accepts telephone bookings. Call them on (058) 54975.

Speakers

Amongst our list of speakers, we have Prof. William Eaton from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Georgia Southern University, Dr Emma Farrell from the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University, and Prof. Rose Anne Kenny from the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin.

The full list of speakers and topics will be available at a later date!

2026 Summer School Programme

The programme will be released at a later date - it is subject to change.

TimeThursday 4th June - Waterford CitySpeaker
Opening Night Event
TimeFriday 5th June - Waterford CitySpeaker
Summer school Day 1
Morning Session
Lunch Break (Lunch not provided)
Afternoon Session
TimeSaturday 6th June - LismoreSpeaker
Summer school Day 2
Morning Session
Lunch (Lunch not provided)
Afternoon Session
Garden Party - Lismore Castle Gardens
Coach Transfer: depart Waterford for Lismore | depart Lismore to Waterford
TimeSunday 7th June - Waterford CitySpeaker
Cultural event
Priority given to the full summer school attendees
Click on the image to book

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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.

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