Tag: Science week

River Liffey rescue exercise showcases how drones can support emergency services

A pioneering research and innovation exercise in Dublin has demonstrated how automated drone docking station technology, supported by artificial intelligence, can help first responders deliver faster and more effective search-and-rescue operations in busy urban environments.

The live demonstration, part of a national Drone Innovation Partnership led by Maynooth University in collaboration with Dublin City Council, the Irish Aviation Authority, and Dublin Fire Brigade, simulated a water emergency incident on the River Liffey.

The rescue will be featured in RTÉ One’s new series of Futureville Ireland, which will be broadcast next week to mark Science Week, which begins on Sunday, 9 November.

In the demonstration, Dublin Fire Brigade personnel responded to a report of a person entering the water. An automated drone launched from a remote docking station, autonomously navigated to the scene, and streamed high-resolution data and video to incident command teams. Artificial intelligence tools supported real-time assessment, helping responders rapidly locate the casualty and understand their condition.

By providing critical situational awareness within moments of an emergency call, the drone system enhances response coordination and decision-making — helping first responders make the right decisions faster where every second counts.

Commenting on the exercise, Teresa Hudson, Station Officer, Organisational Intelligence Unit, Dublin Fire Brigade, said: “Drone dockstation technology, properly deployed and operated, will ensure our fire-fighting and rescue teams can respond more efficiently to emergency incidents where time is always critical.”

The Drone Innovation Partnership project, which is led by Maynooth University, in close collaboration with Dublin City Council and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is funded through Research Ireland’s LERO Research Centre (Grant 13/RC/2094_P2).

It examines innovative drone technologies, operations, and public-sector applications, building on previous drone traffic management research at Maynooth University as well as Dublin City Council’s Smart City and Drone Strategy initiatives.

Speaking about the research, Principal Investigator Professor Tim McCarthy of Maynooth University, said: “These real-world search-and-rescue exercises allow us to understand both the capabilities and limitations of automated drone networks. This helps us scale AI-enabled emergency response in a structured, responsible, and effective way for the benefit of wider society.”

Enda Walsh, Manager of the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Division at the IAA, said: “This exercise, leveraging both automated UAS and AI, demonstrates how the safe and pragmatic application of these technologies can have significant and positive societal impact. The Drone Innovation Partnership continues to investigate how UAS Ecosystems comprising Drone Regulatory, Technology, Operations, Services and Applications can be rolled out across cities and busy urban environments in a fair, accessible and transparent fashion.”

Science Week celebrates 30th anniversary

Marking its 30th anniversary, Science Week, will take place across Ireland from 9-16 November, with 14 festivals and a huge variety of events set to take place nationwide. Coordinated by Research Ireland, Science Week is an annual week-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

With this year’s theme of ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’, Research Ireland is encouraging people to explore how science and research have shaped and improved the lives we live today, while also looking at the questions and challenges of tomorrow, and how insights from the past can influence our future decisions.

A wide range of festivals and events will take place across Ireland as part of Science Week, from an Immersive Sustainable Escape Room to an Otter Spotters Roadshow, there is something for everybody.  There will be two showcase events in Cork and Dublin that are not to be missed:

 

  • Cork: Renowned spectacle theatre company Macnas will make its Cork premiere at Marina Market for Science Week 2025. On Sunday, 9 November, Macnas will bring its vibrant troupe of drummers, stilt walkers, sculptures, and puppets to Cork city to tell a powerful story about biodiversity loss and the gradual disappearance of the corncrake across Ireland. Known for its distinctive and recognisable call, the corncrake’s decline serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to protect habitats and biodiversity. An installation inspired by the performance will remain at Marina Market, alongside the Science Week-funded SpaceFest, until Thursday, 13 November.
  • Dublin: Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon Lands in Merrion Square to celebrate 30 years of Science Week. Internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram will bring his breathtaking installation, Museum of the Moon, to Merrion Square, Dublin, from 13–15 November. The seven-metre illuminated sphere, featuring detailed imagery of the lunar surface from NASA, offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience the Moon up close. Suspended in one of Dublin’s most iconic city parks, the artwork invites reflection on our relationship with the night sky, the planet, and beyond.

Some other events taking place not to be missed include:

  • Then, Today and Tomorrow – Exploring a Changing Ocean Around Us – Galway – November 15th, 10am – 5pm

Join the aquarium team and friends to explore the past, present and future of the ocean and waters of Ireland. Explore our marine heritage and past, meet our animals and discover the habitats they live in, and consider the ocean and waterways of the future. Visitors will be to join hourly feeding tours and meet our team at activity stations around the aquarium.

  • The Science of Storytelling – Dublin – November 9th, 4 30pm – 5 30pm

Storytelling is as old as time, but what about the science behind it? Join neuroscientist Shane O’Mara, author of Talking Heads: The New Science of How Conversation Shapes Our Worlds, master traditional storyteller Niall de Búrca and science writer Claire O’Connell as we delve into communication, connection, and why storytelling remains such a powerful form of human expression.

  • Let’s Talk Science Festival – Dublin – November 8th, 10am – 4pm

The Let’s Talk Science Festival is back at the Rediscovery Centre – and this year we’re celebrating 10 years of science, curiosity and fun! Join us on Saturday 8th November for our special anniversary festival with the theme “10 Years of Let’s Talk Science”. It’s an all-day, family-friendly event packed with exciting STEM activities for all ages.

  • Teddy Bears Hospital – Athlone

This event is part of the Midlands Science Festival and will be hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Paediatrics Society through a special pop up teddy bears hospital in Athlone. This event introduces children to healthcare in a fun and friendly way, helping to ease any worries they may have surrounding the hospital environment. Through a number of stations such as the emergency station, phlebotomy, or pharmacy, every teddy bear brought along will receive a wide range of care and a fun experience through the Teddy Bear Hospital.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland said: “For 30 years, Science Week has been sparking curiosity and bringing people together through science. Our anniversary theme of ‘Then. Today. Tomorrow.’ is a chance to both celebrate the endeavours of yesteryear that have brought us to where we are today, and to consider what may lie ahead for individuals, families, communities, Ireland, and the entire planet. We’re delighted to see such a wide range of events taking place across the country again this year. The success and appeal of Science Week is due primarily to the creativity and tireless work of local organisers and volunteers. I want to sincerely thank them for making Science Week such a vibrant, nationwide celebration.”

 Speaking about the Museum of the Moon installation, Luke Jerram said: “The Museum of the Moon has travelled the world, but there’s something truly special about bringing it to Dublin to mark such a milestone for Science Week. It’s about inspiring wonder — and seeing our shared world from a new perspective.”

For more information on how to get involved, please visit https://www.scienceweek.ie/. You can also follow developments using the hashtags #scienceweek and #ThenTodayTomorrow.