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Trish O’Connell assumes role as Co-Director of the Irish National Pint of Science Festival 2026
National appointment showcases ATU’s leadership in science, engineering, and public engagement.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is delighted to celebrate the appointment of ATU’s Dr Trish O’Connell as Co-Director of Pint of Science Ireland 2026, one of the largest international public science festivals, together Ronan Lordan, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI).
Pint of Science is a global festival that brings scientists out of their laboratories and into local pubs, cafés, and community spaces to share their research in relaxed, conversational ways with the public. There’s no need for prior knowledge, just curiosity and a willingness to hear about something new.
Pint of Science began in 2012 when Imperial College London researchers Dr Praveen Paul and Dr Michael Motskin invited people affected by neurological conditions into their labs through an initiative called Meet the Researchers. The experience led to the transformative idea that if people want to come into labs to meet scientist why not bring the scientists to them. A year later, the first Pint of Science festival was born. Today, it continues to thrive as a global celebration of curiosity and conversation. Now active in nearly 30 countries and over 400 cities, Pint of Science is one of the world’s most successful and beloved public science engagement initiatives.
In Ireland, the festival pops up in cities and towns across the country, including Galway, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Sligo, Waterford, and other regions throughout the country. Each location offers lively, informal evenings where people can meet scientists, ask real questions, and explore new ideas over a pint or a cup of coffee.
As Co-Director, Dr Trish O’Connell hopes to expand this reach by bringing the Pint26 festival to ATU’s Mayo and Donegal campuses.
Dr Trish O’Connell (SFHEA) has lectured on science and engineering programmes in ATU Galway for over 10 years, inspiring and guiding countless students in these disciplines. Her new national role reflects her long-standing commitment to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education, communication, and public engagement. Before joining ATU, she worked extensively in industry as a Senior Engineer, Engineering Manager, and Engineering Consultant, bringing substantial real-world experience to her teaching.
Dr O’Connell initiated and leads ATU Galway’s biennial Biopharma Showcase which brings alumni of the ATU Applied Biology & Biopharmaceutical Science degree back to campus to share their career paths and highlights. The event has become a flagship feature of ATU Galway’s STEM community. A physicist-turned-biologist and enthusiastic scuba diver with a love of marine life, Trish brings energy, curiosity, and authenticity to her new national leadership role.
The Pint of Science 2026 festival will once again feature its six popular themes:
Beautiful Mind – neuroscience, psychology, psychiatry; Atoms to Galaxies – physics, chemistry, maths, astronomy; Our Body – medicine, human biology, health; Planet Earth – geosciences, plant sciences, zoology; Tech Me Out – biotechnology, robotics, computing; Our Society – law, history, politics, policy, languages.
If you want to get involved as a volunteer or just find out more and keep up to date with all things Pint of Science keep an eye on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and BlueSky which are currently being updated for Pint26.
Picture caption: Dr Trish O’Connell, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) lecturer, who has been appointed Co-Director of Pint of Science Festival 2026, together with Ronan Lordan, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland (RCSI).
Regina Daly
Tel: +353 (0)91 742826 /Mob: +353 (0)879618355
regina.daly@atu.ie
