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Science in Society Public Lecture Series
Introduction
This fascinating weekly lecture series is delivered by world-leading UCC STEM academics and is open to the public.
The lectures will outline the nature of science, the type of knowledge discovered by science and the types of question that science cannot answer. They will look at the role of science in modern society, in the modern developed economy, and the broad ethical issues raised by scientific and technological advances. The interface between science and religion, and science and the environment will also be examined, along with some of the ways in which science can be misused.
Lecture Details 2025
All lectures will be held in Boole 2, Boole Basement, Main Campus, UCC
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
Note: schedule may be subject to change. For queries, contact Prof Alan Kelly: a.kelly@ucc.ie
Date |
Topic |
Lecturer |
Tuesday 14 January |
How science works |
Prof Alan Kelly |
Thursday 16 January |
Dr Elaine McCarthy |
|
Tuesday 21 January |
Saliva, Swabs, Apps, and Wastewater— tracking SARS-CoV-2 in Irish Universities |
Dr. John MacSharry |
Thursday 23 January |
What has science discovered about the natural physical world (part 1)? |
Prof Paul Callanan |
Tuesday 28 January |
What has science discovered about the natural physical world (part 2)? |
Prof Paul Callanan |
Thursday 30 January |
Prof Jerry Murphy |
|
Tuesday 4 February |
When science goes wrong; Eugenics and the Nazis, weapons of mass destruction and environmental pollution |
Dr Michael Whelan |
Thursday 6 February |
Career adventures with some of the world’s most dangerous animals and pathogens: An African-centred personal perspective |
Prof Ger Killeen |
Tuesday 11 February |
Dr Tom Reed |
|
Thursday 13 February |
Dr Tom Reed |
|
Tuesday 18 February |
From Toxic Legacy to Safe & Sustainable: Rethinking Chemicals in Everyday Life |
Dr. Gillian Collins |
Thursday 20 February |
Rediscovering dinosaurs |
Prof Maria McNamara |
Tuesday 25 February |
Science and the environment |
Dr Michelle McKeown |
Thursday 27 February |
The ethics of artificial intelligence |
Prof Barry O’Sullivan |
Tuesday 4 March |
Plant based foods: sustainable and nutritious? |
Dr Aylin Sahin |
Thursday 6 March |
Advances in Genetic Engineering |
Prof Tommie McCarthy |
Tuesday 11 March |
Mathematics and society |
Dr Tom Carroll |
Thursday 13 March |
The Human Microbiome – Part 1 |
Dr Pauline Scanlan |
Tuesday 18 March |
The Human Microbiome – Part 2 |
Dr Pauline Scanlan |
Thursday 20 March |
Understanding Irish manuscripts through science |
Prof Pádraig O’Macháin |
Tuesday 25 March |
Some milestones in Ireland’s scientific heritage |
Dr Declan Kennedy |
Thursday 27 March |
The ethics of science communication |
Prof Alan Kelly |
Tuesday 1 April |
Evolution of parent-offspring conflict |
Dr Tom Moore |
Thursday 3 April |
Food processing: a problem or a solution? |
Prof Alan Kelly |