Robert Boyle Summer School 2026
The Robert Boyle Summer School is a unique four-day festival for adults interested in exploring the role of science in culture, bringing together thought-provoking talks, discussions, entertainment and social events in Waterford City and Lismore.
Taking place from 4–7 June 2026, this year’s theme, Mind and Matter, will explore topics including the impact of social media on the brain, the ageing mind, psychology, philosophy and neuroscience.
The programme opens on Thursday evening at Waterford City Hall with an intriguing discussion on our fascination with true crime and serial killers, led by SETU forensic psychologists Dr Lorraine Bowman Grieve and Dr Jennifer O’Mahoney.
Friday’s programme at Waterford City Hall begins with a welcome from Eoin Gill of CALMAST SETU, followed by Prof Bill Eaton of Georgia Southern University exploring Robert Boyle’s Theory of Mind. The afternoon session includes Prof Mark O Cunningham of Trinity College Dublin discussing consciousness and epilepsy, alongside Prof Luke Gibbons of Maynooth University examining Joyce, Vygotsky, and inner speech.
Photograph: Patrick Browne
Visitors can also enjoy a special evening event in the Medieval Museum Vaults, Poetry and the Mind, featuring Waterford Arts Officer Margaret Organ in conversation with Jackie Gorman, Clodagh Beresford Dunne, and Dr Christa de Brún.
On Saturday, the Summer School moves to Lismore Heritage Centre, with sessions exploring the impact of social media and AI on the mind, critical thinking, and the ageing mind. Speakers include Dr Emma Farrell of Maynooth University and Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, who leads the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. The day concludes with a panel discussion, a guided tour of Lismore Castle Upper Gardens, and the iconic Garden Party in the beautiful surrounds of Lismore Castle Gardens.
The programme finishes on Sunday with a guided tour of the Waterford Gallery of Art.
Events will take place in Waterford City Hall, Lismore Heritage Centre, and Lismore Castle, the Medieval Museum Vaults, and Waterford Gallery of Art, offering visitors a unique blend of science, culture, heritage, and conversation.
The Robert Boyle Summer School 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, Lismore Castle Estates, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local industry partners West, Waters, Sanofi, Haleon, and Bausch + Lomb.
Book a session, a day, or the full Summer School experience and enjoy four days of thought-provoking discussion, debate, and cultural exploration in Waterford and Lismore.
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