RDS / Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience
Professor Valeria Nicolosi recipient of the 2012 RDS / Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience presented a public lecture on November 20, 2012. A webcast of the presentation will be available to view shortly.
The RDS organises a number of public lectures, seminars and business networking events throughout the year. These events form an integral part of the Society's mission to provide a neutral forum to increase awareness and promote discussion on matters of topical interest.
RDS National Crafts Competition & Student Art Awards Travelling Exhibitions
The RDS National Crafts Competition and Student Art Awards Travelling Exhibitions went on tour from September until November 2012. For full details click here.
Honorary Life Members
On June 28, 2012, Honorary Life Membership of
the Royal Dublin Society was conferred on Loretta Brennan Glucksman for her philanthropic contribution throughout the educational sector and Patrick J. Murphy in recognition of his contribution to the Arts in Ireland..
The Biological Physics of Sickle Cell Anemia - Dr. William A. Eaton
The final lecture in the UCD Physics - RDS Distinguished Speaker Series 2012 took place on May 22, 2012 in the RDS Merrion Room.
Allergy epidemic - will a worm a day keep the doctor away?
On May 17, 2012 Professor Padraic Fallon discussed how aspects of modern life are contributing to an epidemic of allergies among Irish children. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Lasers in the Fast Lane - Prof. Wilson Sibbett
The third lecture in the UCD Physics - RDS Distinguished Speaker Series 2012 took place on May 15, 2012 in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on a Spring Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On March 5, 2012, David Keating and Aengus Kirakowski (guitars), from the Cork School of Music performed an exciting programme as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Weapons of Mass Destruction of the Immune System
On Friday, March 9, 2012 the RDS presented a morning of short immunology lectures for schools organised in collaboration with the Irish Society for Immunology.
Music on a Spring Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On February 27, 2012, Benjamin Shaffrey (piano), a finalist in the Dublin International Piano Competition
performed an exciting programme of Beethoven Brahms and Liszt as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on a Spring Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On February 20, 2012, Nadene Fiorentini (piano), a finalist in the Dublin International Piano Competition
performed an exciting programme of Messiaen, Ravel and Liszt as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on a Spring Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On February 13, 2012, Máire Carroll (piano), a finalist in the Dublin International Piano Competition performed an exciting programme of Bach, Ravel and Schumann as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
The Big Bang - is it true?
The annual RDS Tyndall Lecture on Physics for Schools, in collaboration with the Institute of Physics in Ireland took place on February 2, 2012. This was a fantastic opportunity to hear the evidence underlying this famous scientific theory!
RDS Primary Science Fair
Students from 120 primary schools across Ireland exhibited projects at the RDS Primary Science Fair, January 12 - 14, 2012. This year saw topics including exploding volcanoes, the human heart and the large hadron collider on display.
Music on an Autumn Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On October 18, 2011, Gary Beecher (piano), Sinead O’ Halloran (cello) and Brendan Garde (violin) from the Cork School of Music performed an exciting programme of Beethoven and Barber as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on an Autumn Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On October 11, 2011, Carla White (violin) and Seán Rooney (piano) of the Royal Irish Academy of Music performed an exciting programme as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
People, Places and the Joy of Discovery: Fast X-Rays from Fast Lasers
On November 29 Margaret Murnane was awarded the 2011 RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal for Scientific Excellence for her pioneering work which has transformed the field of ultrafast laser and x-ray science. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Music on an Autumn Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On October 4, 2011, Edel Shannon (soprano) accompanied by Aoife O’Sullivan (piano) from the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama performed an exciting programme as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on an Autumn Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On September 27, 2011, Louise Sheehan (flute) and Eoin Ducrot (violin) accompanied by Sabine Ducrot (piano) from the Cork School of Music performed an exciting programme as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
RDS Science Live 2011
From Battleship Maths to Fire! The RDS Science Live Demonstration Lecture Series brought science and maths out of the classroom to thousands of students across Ireland.
Tales from the Nanoworld, billions of magnets for billions of people
On September 27, Professor Michael Coey, recipient of the inaugural RDS / Intel Prize Lecture for Nanoscience, presented a lecture highlighting how cutting edge research in nanoscience is transforming everyday life. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Maths - In and Out of the Zoo!
On October 21, Professor Chris Budd, Professor of Applied Mathematics at University of Bath presented the 2011 RDS Maths Week Ireland lecture for schools.
Culture Night @ the RDS
On Friday, September 23, 2011 the RDS Members’ Club was open to the general public from 6.00pm until late for an evening of culture and entertainment.
Music on a Summer's Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On June 28, 2011, the DIT Guitar Quartet performed an exciting programme as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recital Series in the RDS Concert Hall.
Music on a Summer's Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On June 21, 2011, the DIT Violin and Piano Duo comprised of Elina hakenen and Aileen Cahill, performed in the RDS Concert Hall as part of the RDS Rising Stars Recitals.
Music on a Summer's Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On June 14, 2011 the RDS continued its series of lunchtime recitals by some of the most exciting young musical talent in Ireland today. The performers were the Brontë Ensemble a string quintet formed by students from DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College Dublin.
Music on a Summer's Day - RDS Rising Stars Recitals
On June 7, 2011, the RDS began its series of lunchtime recitals by some of the most exciting young musical talent in Ireland today.The DIT Chatham Saxophone Quartet performed in the RDS Concert Hall.
The Offensive Side of Immune Defences
On May 19, 2011 Dr Kate Fitzgerald, recipient of the 2011 ISI Public Lecture Award, discussed what happens when the body’s own defences turn offensive and attack its own cells. A webcast of the presentation is available.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Energy Efficiency in the Home
On Thursday, May 5, 2011 as part of the RDS Energy Lecture Series, speakers Josephine Maguire and Joe Durkan of SEAI presented a talk on how to save on energy bills through implementing simple energy saving measures in the home.
Weapons of Mass Destruction of the Immune System
On Friday, March 25, 2011 the RDS presented a morning of short immunology lectures for schools organised in collaboration with the Irish Society for Immunology.
Celebrating 150 Years of the RDS Taylor Art Award
From February 25 to March 20, 2011, a major retrospective exhibition of great Irish art and the RDS Taylor Art Award took place.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Geothermal Energy in Ireland
On February 17, 2011, as part of the RDS Energy Lecture Series, Mr Padraig Hanly, Managing Director of GT Energy presented a talk on the potential of geothermal energy in Ireland. A webcast of the presentation is available.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
The annual RDS Tyndall Lecture on Physics for Schools, in collaboration with the Institute of Physics in Ireland, took place on February 1, 2011. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn the science behind light and colour!
RDS Primary Science Fair
Students from 100 primary schools across Ireland exhibited projects at the RDS Primary Science Fair, January 13 - 15, 2011. This year saw topics including Food Science, Lighthouses, and Eco Classrooms on display.
2010 RDS International Chamber Music Gala
Renowned artists Arabella Steinbacher (violin), Daniel Müller-Schott (cello) and Robert Kulek (piano), performed in a Gala organised in association with the KBC Music in Great Irish Houses on November 13, 2010.
2010 RDS Science Live Demonstration Lecture Series
The 2010 Series took place in the RDS during October and November and provided something for everyone including earthquakes, maths and DNA!
RDS Horticulture Student of the Year
The RDS awarded James Sherlock from Skerries, Co. Dublin the 2010 RDS Horticulture Student of the Year. The Award recognises an exceptional student of horticulture in Ireland.
RDS Science Live for Teachers
On Saturday, November 6, 2010, a free one-day workshop for primary school teachers provided hands on, practical ideas for teaching outdoor science, drama in science, C.A.S.E. and maths! A photogallery of images from the day is available.
RDS Chamber Music Weekend
On Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2010, the Irish Chamber Orchestra performed Barber’s Mesmeric Adagio, Mozart’s landmark Symphony No. 29e, and pieces by Puccini and Mendelssohn.
Rising Stars: Lunchtime Recitals
This autumn talented young musicians performed in the RDS Concert Hall as part of the Autumn lunchtime recital series. Pianist Fiachra Garvey performed on October 4, pianist Dimitri Papadimitriou performed on October 12, and soprano Gabriela Istoc performed with Derbhla Collins on November 1.
RDS Climate Change Seminar
On Tuesday, October 26, at 4.00pm in NUI Maynooth, a Climate Change Seminar took place to address current issues and concerns that climate change will have on agriculture in Ireland.
RDS Energy Lecture Series - District Heating in European cities - Potential in Dublin
On October 21, 2010 as part of the RDS Energy Lecture Series, Mr Gunnar Kjaer, Senior Energy and Waste Specialist with COWI, discussed the potential of district heating in Ireland. A webcast of the presentation is available.
The Secret Mathematicians
On October 11, 2010 Professor Marcus du Sautoy OBE presented a lecture exploring the artistic side of mathematics. From composers to painters, writers to choreographers, Prof. du Sautoy illustrated how the mathematician’s palette of shapes, patterns and numbers provide powerful inspiration for creativity. A webcast of the presentation is available.
The Num8er My5teries
Professor Marcus du Sautoy, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford and Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, presented the 2010 RDS Maths Week Ireland lecture for schools on October 11, 2010.
RDS Energy Lecture Series - The Future of Transport in Dublin
On September 30, 2010 as part of the RDS Energy Lecture Series, Dublin City Engineer and Director of Traffic, Michael Phillips discussed the growth and future of public transport in Dublin. A webcast of the event is available.
RDS Music Bursary Award Winner Performance
On September 28, the 2009 Music Bursary Award winner, saxophonist Patrick Hughes, performed an exciting programme in the RDS. The RDS Music Bursary is awarded each year to a promising young Irish musician.
Culture Night @ the RDS
An exciting programme of events including craft workshops, science shows, tours of the RDS and storytelling took place on September 24. This was a free and fun evening of entertainment for all the family. Images from the night are available to view.
Robert Mallet: Irish Engineer And Scientist, A Commemorative Exhibition
The RDS curated an exhibition celebrating the work of Robert Mallet, one of Ireland's many unsung scientific heroes. On display in the RDS Library during August and September 2010, this exhibition is now travelling to venues around Ireland throughout 2011.
Feature Show Jump Design Competition
The RDS Equestrian Comittee and Comittee of Arts together awarded the design of a feature show jump featured in the 2010 Dublin Horse Show. Garvan de Bruir 's jump was the winning design, he received a cash prize as well as a feature in the RDS International Programme for the 2010 Dublin Horse Show.
Cancer Treatment - Does the Immune System have all the Answers?
On Thursday, May 20, 2010 Professor Jim Johnston, recipient of the 2010 ISI Public Lecture Award, discussed his cutting edge research which is helping to identify the causes of cancer and is making great strides in terms of improving methods of diagnosis and treatment. A webcast of the presentation is available.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Ecars - The Transformation of Transportation
On Thursday, May 6, 2010 Paul Mulvaney, Managing Director of ESB Ecars, the new Electric Vehicles (EV) division within ESB, presented a lecture about Ireland's role in the promotion of Ecars. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Science Speak
On Tuesday, April 27 2010, the best postgraduate science communicators from each of the seven Irish Universities came together to compete for the annual Science Speak title. On the night, Charles Nwankire from UCD was awarded the top prize. View a photogallery of the evening and a webcast of the winning presentation.
RDS Student Innovation Award Winners
On April 20, 2010, five students from, Árd Scoil Tríonóide, Co. Kildare, with their company, ‘Bundles of Joy’, were announced winners of the RDS Student Innovation Award.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Energy Security
On March 25, 2010 Mr Declan Murphy, founder and CEO of The Ecology Foundation presented a lecture which outlined the challenges that Ireland faces as a result of our overreliance on imported fuels. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Weapons of Mass Destruction of the Immune System
On Friday, March 12, 2010 the RDS presented a morning of short immunology lectures for schools which explained how our body seeks and destroys invaders.
Multifunctional Plantation Forestry in Atlantic Europe
The annual Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture took place on Thursday, March 11 with a presentation by Professor Ted Farrell, UCD.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Nuclear Energy for Ireland - Facts and Fiction'
On February 18, 2010, Professor Ian McAulay, Professor Philip Walton and Mr Denis Duff outlined their case for adopting nuclear power as an important part of Irelands energy mix.
Tyndall Lecture on Physics for Schools
The RDS annual Tyndall Lecture took place on February 1, 2010 and was a fantastic showcase of of real-world 'Physics in Action' through fun and engaging demonstrations by Dr Cathal Flynn, DIT.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: 'Capturing Ireland's Low Carbon Opportunity'
On January 21, 2010 Dr Brian Motherway, Head of Strategy at SEI gave a lecture outlining the opportunities for Ireland to become an international leader in many key technologies for reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel dependence. A webcast of the presentation is available.
RDS Primary Science Fair
Students from 100 lucky primary schools across Ireland exhibited projects at the RDS Primary Science Fair, an integral part of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, which took place from Thursday, January 14, 2010 to Saturday, January 16, 2010. Images from the event are available to view.
RDS Energy Lecture Series: Wavebob
On November 26, 2009 Mr Andrew Parish, CEO of Wavebob Ltd, outlined how his company has been at the forefront of developing unique technologies to harness the immense power of the ocean to produce clean, renewable energy for the benefit of all. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Fragile Web - What Next for Nature?
In celebration of Darwin200 and to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, Professor Jonathan Silvertown addressed the RDS on the matter of biodiversity on November 24, 2009. A webcast of the presentation is available.
RDS Irish Times Boyle Medal
Conferral & Public Lecture
The 37th Boyle Medal was presented to Professor Luke O’Neill (TCD) on November 16, 2009. Prof. O'Neill gave an enthralling public lecture ‘From Passion to Practical Benefits: Why it's Great Being a Scientist’. A webcast of the presentation is available.
RDS Speaker Series: 'Dublin Nazi No 1 - Adolf Mahr, Former Director of the National Museum of Ireland'
On November 4, 2009 Gerry Mullins gave a talk on Adolf Mahr. His slideshow included Mahr family photographs from their holidays in Skerries, Hitler Youth camps in Balbriggan, the arrival of a German battleship to Dun Laoghaire and its crew’s visits to Monasterboice and Kilmacurragh.
RDS Speaker Series: 'Byzantium'
On October 14, 2009 John Julius Norwich, author of a three-volume history of Byzantium, gave a lecture tracing the Empire's history from its foundation by Constantine the Great in 330 AD to its conquest by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in 1453. A webcast of the lecture is available.
RDS Speaker Series: 'Arthur Guinness - Founder of the Dynasty'
On October 7, 2009 Patrick Guinness, descendent and biographer of Arthur Guinness, gave a lecture on the origins and background of the man in this, the 250th year since the founding of his world famous brewery.
Culture Night @ the RDS
On 25 September 2009, the Royal Dublin Society hosted a number of events as part of the Culture Night national initiative. Images from the night are available to view.
Learning From Patients: How Rare Diseases Inform Immunology
On May 21, 2009, Professor John O'Shea discussed how doctors can learn from patients who suffer from rare diseases by providing the rationale for the development of a new class of immunosuppressant drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. A webcast of the presentation is available.
Science Speak
A humorous analogy of drunken flies trying to avoid a collection of dangerous obstacles formed the basis of the prize-winning presentation from University College Cork's Julie O'Donovan at the Science Speak competition which took place on April 27, 2009.
Weapons of Mass Destruction of the Immune System
On March 19, 2009 a morning of five short immunology lectures looking at how our body seeks and destroys invaders was organised for those in Transition Year and above. A copy of the presentations are available by request from the RDS Science Department.
The Human Body is the Ultimate Physics Laboratory
Think of any topic in physics and the human body has a great practical example in operation. On February 2, 2009, under the auspices of the Tyndall Lecture, Dr Kevin McGuigan provided an opportunity for students to learn more about the exciting world of medical physics. A copy of the presentation is available (PDF, 1.6MB).
The Large Hadron Collider: Shedding Light on the Dark Universe
On November 24, 2008, the RDS hosted the first public lecture in Ireland by the new Director General of CERN, Professor Rolf-Dieter Heuer who provided a wonderful overview of the remarkable Large Hadron Collider. A webcast of this lecture is available.
Obesity: Treating the Epidemic, Preventing the Pandemic
A growing concern to the Irish population, obesity has been linked to serious health problems such as diabetes, cancer and dementia in later life. In their presentations on November 4, 2008, Professor Niall Moyna and Dr Donal O'Shea focused on the medical and social significance obesity will have to the future health of Ireland. A copy of the presentation is available (PDF, 4.8MB).
Bringing Significance to the Classroom
Statistics is one branch of mathematics that students will encounter throughout their lives. Inevitably, those statistics will influence behaviour; as individuals, corporations and world leaders make decisions based on statistics. On October 13, 2008, Dr Sue Starlings used real life examples to explore the world of statistics. A copy of the presentation is available (PDF, 3.35MB).
Nuclear Energy: Why is it on the Agenda?
In this lecture on May 12, 2008, Dr William J. Nuttall addressed the changing fortunes of nuclear energy and explained what aspects of European energy technology and policy have changed to make nuclear energy worthy of consideration. A copy of the presentation is available (PDF, 4.95MB).
Global Warming: The Last Word on the Best Science
Coordinating Lead Author for the 2007 assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Professor Richard Somerville, presented a lecture outlining the latest research on climate change science on September 5, 2007. A copy of the presentation is available (PDF, 3.08MB).
