Research Week 2017: Public invited to hear about world-class research ongoing at Maynooth

Tuesday, October 17, 2017 - 09:00

Reflections on Ireland's Institutional Treatment of Women and Children; a new census data mapping tool; a piano recital featuring contemporary Irish composers and research on zombies are just some of the highlights of Maynooth University’s Research Week 2017.

Other highlights include a three-minute thesis competition for post-graduate students; a session with our postdoctoral researchers with fast, fun, 5-minute talks using the IGNITE platform, a seminar called: 'Tweeting the smart city: the affective enactments of the smart city on social media'; and a “Thinks and Drinks” event in Brady’s Pub on the subject of “Free Will.”

From October 19 to 26, the University will celebrate the innovation, the impact and the creativity of research undertaken by its world-class professors, lecturers, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, across its three faculties, research institutes and centres.

Maynooth researchers collaborate with partners across the globe to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society today in a dynamic and distinctive inter-disciplinary environment. Research Week 2017 is an opportunity for the public to see its value and impact, with many exciting and creative events running throughout the week.

Professor Philip Nolan, Maynooth University President, will open Research Week 2017 in the Iontas Building – on Thursday, 19 October with three signature events:

  • 11:00 a.m. New Perspectives: Postgraduate Research Symposium (Humanities)
  • 12:00 p.m. Launch of the All-Ireland Research Observatory (AIRO) 2016 Census Mapping Viewer, which provides users with the most detailed census mapping in Ireland.  Iontas Foyer. Public welcome.
  • 5:00 p.m.  Dean’s Lecture and reception featuring Ms. Catriona Crowe, Former Head of Special Projects at the National Archives, who will present: "Guilt, Shame, Acknowledgment and Redress: Some Reflections on Ireland's Institutional Treatment of Women and Children." Iontas Lecture Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.

Other highlights of the week include:
 

  • Piano Recital celebrating Irish music
    Dr Martin O'Leary, a composer with the Department of Music, will deliver a recital of Irish piano music celebrating the centenary of Brian Boydell and featuring the music of contemporary Irish composers, including himself! Taking place in Riverstown Hall on Thursday, 19 October at 1:00pm, this event is free and open to the public. 
  • “I’d like to report a break-in”: Psychology, Inclusion & Technology
    Being inclusive of difference is fundamental to, and challenging for, our humanity. Malcolm MacLachlan, Professor of Psychology at Maynooth University, explains that bringing people together often requires breaking through barriers at multiple levels and outlines the role of technology in helping people break-in to society. The lecture is in JH4, John Hume Building on Monday, 23 October at 5:30pm. The event is free and open to the public.
  • Thinks and Drinks – “Free Will”
    An evening of perspectives on big ideas from across the university to encourage discussion and make connections. Talks by Professor Patricia Palmer, Professor Barak Pearlmutter, and Dr John O'Brennan. Public welcome. Upstairs in Brady’s Pub. Tuesday, 24th October at 7:00pm.
  • The Chemistry of Life
    This symposium will illustrate how chemistry enhances our everyday life, through the development of new drugs, advanced materials and sensors, which improve our understanding of the world around us and increase our capacity to diagnose and treat disease.  The event is in the Physics/Chemistry, Maynooth University Science Building on Thursday, 26 October at 3:00pm.​ Public welcome.
  • Zombie Research
    Just in time for Halloween, Anthropologist Dr Jamie Saris investigates the cultural significance of the zombie and Media Studies Professor Maria Pramaggiore follows with an examination of zombie visions film and television. This talk takes place on Thursday, 26 October in Maynooth (Kildare County Council) Library, Main Street, Maynooth at 6:30pm. Public welcome.

 In June 2017, Maynooth University celebrated the 20th anniversary of its founding as an independent university. Research Week 2017 is part of a year-long series of programmes and activities marking this milestone.

Further information is available at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/research-week