Public engagement @IPIC, on Thursday 10th October, researchers from Dublin & Cork’s Optical Communication department visited Valentia Island in County Kerry as part of the Valentia Island Subsea Cable Symposium at the Valentia Island Transatlantic Cable Station. Researchers engaged in presentations on the history, security and geopolitics of subsea cables.

Furthermore, they then met with the CEO of the Valentia Island Development Company to discuss potential future collaborations on initiatives being run on the island.

In the midst of all this, they were also able to visit the primary school on the island, where they provided some light educational engagement with the 4th, 5th and 6th class children, where the children learnt about light and got the opportunity to create their own spectroscopes.

Our Researchers have many opportunities to engage with members of the public, outreach events and school visits.  We recently asked colleague Walter Messina, Biomedical Engineer for feedback on his Education & Public Engagement work –
For me it’s a great opportunity to introduce to kids some scientific concepts at an early age to trigger their curiosity to explore science and want to know more. I always want to add a fun element to the experience while adding some practical experiments to be done in class in front of their own eyes to see their excitement. I am always amazed to learn how they see science from their perspective and discover the points of view of a young mind, which makes me, in turn, see science from a different angle.

Should you have any queries on our Education & Public Engagement activities you can contact us at info@ipic.ie