The 8th Robert Boyle Summer School will take place in Waterford City and Lismore from 20 - 23 June 2019.

This is Ireland's only cultural summer school for adults dedicated to exploring ideas in science, technology and society.

This year the school will address the theme SUPERHUMAN, considering the possibilities and perils of human modification and performance enhancement. Leading experts will explore genetic modification, designer babies, bionics, prolongation of life and enhancement of mind.

Down through history mankind has dreamt of achieving superpowers. Mythology tells us of Daedalus and Icarus and Nuada of the Silver Arm: flight and bionics achieved by technological mastery. In the 17th Century Robert Boyle wrote a list of predictions for the future. Starting with the “prolongation of life” several of the items involved enhancement of the human body and human performance. Now, science and technology is catching up with mythology and poised to create Superhumans. Come to Waterford and Lismore to explore this brave new world.

Ireland has an established tradition of cultural summer schools for adults interested in engaging with new ideas and people. Science and technology has enormous influence on our lives and the Boyle Summer School was established to explore this influence and consider the place of science in Irish culture. Most of the participants are not scientists but people interested in ideas, creativity and culture. Join us for a relaxed programme of discourse, discussions and social events at this boutique festival.

Speakers include:

• Prof Annraoi de Paor Emeritus UCD
• Dr Natalie Kaoukji, University of Cambridge, History of Science
• Prof Luke O’Neill TCD, Weekly contributor to Newstalk’s Today with Pat Kenny, immunologist and author of “Humanology".
• Prof Niall Moyna, Star of “Doctor in the House”, Health and Human performance, DCU.
• Prof Madeleine Lowery, UCD Centre for Biomedical Engineering, expert in neuromuscular systems and neural engineering.
• Prof Tomás Ryan, TCD, expert in neuroscience and memory. SFI Young Researcher of the Year, 2018.
• Nuala Clarke, Artist, her latest exhibition "Experiments and Considerations Touching Colour" explores Boyle's book of the same name
• Dr Oliver Feeney, NUIG, UNESCO chair of Bioethics, Ireland

This year the festival will be based in Waterford City with a coach transfer to the heritage town of Lismore. Stimulating talks from leading thinkers will be balanced with social activity. A highlight of the festival will be the garden party in Lismore Castle’s Jacobean Gardens with gourmet food, Robert Boyle Gin and baroque music complete with costumed recreations of Boyle’s Life.