Scans, Surf & Stone: Science You Can Feel

It took a lot of physics for MRI to happen. How is it that billions of tiny magnets inside you can create images that are used in hospitals all over the world? From Joseph Larmor, born in Antrim, discovering how particles wobble in a magnetic field in 1857, to the initially rejected Nature paper from Paul Lauterbur in 1973 showcasing three dimensional images, to Peter Mansfield creating echo-planar imaging. This talk will step through the seminal discoveries that led to MRI being routine in every hospital in the world.

For millennia, people have turned to water for healing, inspiration, and renewal. Today, research in Blue Health is revealing just how powerful these connections can be. Join Easkey Britton as she dives into the science of Blue Mind, sharing insights from surfing, coastal communities, and environmental research to explore how reconnecting with water can support our wellbeing—and help us care for the waters that sustain us.

Lighting the Night Right, an investigation into campus lighting practices.

Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark is being ratified as a UNESCO Global Geopark this spring 2026 and for 4 years. This is due to the immense wealth of the geological record in the region as well as the activities of the local communities toward their sustainable future. This talk will present the hidden riches of Ireland and our local area's geological heritage and how it influences the landscape and culture. It will also highlight how understanding our place is critical to prepare for a sustainable future.