Carnival of Science a success, despite the weather!

8 Jun 2026

Many BEES staff and students contributed to an excellent weekend of education and public engagement activities at the annual Cork Carnival of Science. 

As a School well known for our excellent and exciting Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activities, it is no surprise that a team from BEES was out in force this weekend to represent the School at the Cork Carnival of Science which took place in Fitzgerald Park.

Staff and students from across the School presented an exciting and engaging range of activities at the BEES stand including highlights from many different research projects. From a hands on look at 'Minecraft geology'; to 'Biodiversity Builders'; the hidden world under the sea; flesh-eating plants; and much more besides, the public were given the opportunity to meet BEES scientists and find out more about the work that we do.

Across the two days, and despite some challenging weather conditions, c. 13,500 people visited the carnival, including local civic representatives and representatives from Research Ireland, who co-sponsor the event along with Cork City Council. 

Chair of the BEES Education and Public Engagement (EPE) committee, Dr Eoin Lettice said the event was the result of many months of planning. "Within BEES, the work of many colleagues to prepare materials and to engage with the public on the stand across the two days is a massive commitment and demonstrates the importance placed on effective communication of our message through a range of EPE activities that we are involved with".