Light Laboratory

Light Laboratory: Optical Science Past, Present, Future

Light Laboratory: Optical Science Past, Present, Future is a Citizen Science event that brings the worlds of STEM and Theatre together - and we need you!

Join us during Science Week, November 2025 celebrating the theme Then. Today. Tomorrow. for a novel and illuminating Science of Light journey.

This in-person experience beings at The Granary Theatre, transformed for Science Week into a dynamic Light Laboratory, where Optical Science principles of the past will be demonstrated with dramatic effect. Following this, and adjacent to The Granary Theatre at the Tyndall National Institute, scientists will guide you through cutting-edge research and technologies that build on those foundational principles—offering a glimpse into the present frontiers of Optical Science. We then invite you, over refreshments, to share your ideas and visions for the future. How might these technologies evolve? What could the future of light look like?

Funded by Research Ireland under the Discover Science Week Programme and organised by The Future Humanities Institute and IPIC - Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork.

Join us to spark your Light Laboratory journey! 

This event is open to ages 13+, under 18s must attend with parent/guardian. For group bookings we will contact the ticket booker in advance requesting attendee names in compliance with our health and safety.

When is this event happening and how do I book tickets?

Friday November 14th 14.00-16.00 - Secondary Schools and Youth Groups by invitation, please contact lightlaboratory@ucc.ie for more information 

Sunday November 16th 13.00-15.00 - General Admission (open to ages 13+, under 18s must attend with parent/guardian) booking via Eventbrite - booking will open October 21st  

Where is this event taking place?

This event is taking place in two locations in Cork City, The Granary Theatre and The Tyndall National Institute. Please see Google Maps below.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qTDzB9eYNit46ptH6

How can I get there?

Public transport via Western Road bus route 205 https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/205 and 208 https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/208 

From Carrigaline and Ballincollig bus route 220 https://www.buseireann.ie/routes-and-timetables/220 

On street and accessible parking is available on Dyke Parade.

TFI Bikes the closest bike stand is on Dyke Parade https://www.bikeshare.ie/cork.html 

Is there a charge to attend this event?

This event is free to attend

Venue Information: 

Venues are accessible. Theatres use theatrical lighting effects such as dimming and spotlights. If you have any questions about the venues please contact us in advance for more information. Event ushers will be on hand to guide attendees from The Granary to The Tyndall National Institute. 

I have a question, who do I contact?

Contact the Light Laboratory at lightlaboratory@ucc.ie