Astronaut Rosemary Coogan to participate in Science Week event in Louth

Belfast-born European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Rosemary Coogan will be in Louth on Sunday, 9th November to take part in Baking in Space and share her story of becoming an astronaut, her day-to-day work at the ESA Astronaut Centre and her participation in future space missions. Baking in Space is part of Science Week 2025 which is marking its 30th anniversary this year.

Dr Coogan will be sharing her experiences and inspiring story with families and space enthusiasts in An Táin Arts Centre in Dundalk at 3pm Sunday, 9th November. A family-friendly free event, Baking in Space is an interactive, fun event exploring how astronauts prepare food and protect their health in deep space and brings audiences on an adventure where baking collides with space exploration.  Baking in Space is presented by Town Scientist and space explorer Dr Niamh Shaw, aerospace engineer and Great British Bake Off finalist Andrew Smyth, and special guest Dr Lisa McNamee, space medicine specialist.

Dr Rosemary Coogan was one of 17 candidates chosen from over 22,000 applicants to join the ESA’s Astronaut Class of 2022. Having completed her training, it is anticipated that Dr Coogan will be sent on a space mission by 2030. This year, the ESA is marking its 50th anniversary, and the upcoming ESA Ministerial Meeting at the end of November will set out Europe’s future space funding and programmes for the coming years.

Read Next: Over €250K from proceeds of crime allocated to projects in Louth

The event is free but booking is required: https://www.antain.ie/event/baking-in-space/.

Baking in Space will also take place in Dublin at 3pm Saturday, 8th November in the F2 Centre, Rialto, Dublin (Dr Coogan will not be in attendance at this event), and is free to book via ScienceWeek.ie.

Town Scientist programme of events announced for Science Week 2025

A host of other Town Scientist events will take place over the course of Science Week as part of Louth Science Festival. Town Scientist is dedicated to bringing science into everyday family life and is supported by Research Ireland.

The events include:

Whales of the Arctic: Monday, 10th November at 6.30pm in Louth County Library, Dundalk

What can a drone photo tell us about a whale? Join PhD researcher Seán O’Callaghan as he reveals how aerial photo‑identification is transforming what we know about one of the ocean’s most mysterious giants — the sperm whale. Based at ATU Galway, Seán’s trail‑blazing work uses drones to identify and measure individual whales, offering new ways to understand and protect them. Registration required here: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/whales-of-the-arctic-tracking-giants-from-the-sky-tickets-1902282641589?aff=oddtdtcreatorv

Live from Australia – Cave Diving: Schools Webinar at 5.30pm Wednesday, 12th November

What lies beneath the Earth’s surface? How do caves form, and what can they tell us about water, climate, and our changing planet? Australian explorer Josh Richards will bring school pupils deep underground to explore real limestone caves in Australia and Southeast Asia. Josh is a trained scientist, Marine veteran, and experienced cave diver who has discovered new cave passages and surveyed hidden underwater tunnels, many never seen before by humans. Registration via https://events.zoom.us/ev/Arr6aubsSxb8F_I0Dan55QAGsv_5_G48uo59wEO5A4DmldmH4jJw~AhWOawqttiVTYTIbO4_zODag0cP0tEQpx1nCne4ecZreMteGw4wCownXjA.

Live from Antarctica: Online Webinar for Families Thursday, 13th November at 4.30pm.What’s it like to live in a place where the sun never sets, the ground is made of ice, and emperor penguins wander past your window? Jac Madsen, an engineer, dive instructor and adventure-seeker will join families live from Antarctica to share her daily life – from fixing wind turbines to watching penguin chicks hatch. There will be a chance for viewers to ask her anything they’ve ever wanted to know about Antarctica — the cold, the wildlife, the work, the isolation, and what it’s like to live where everything is white in every direction. Registration via https://events.zoom.us/ev/AtgtkEktNXa0-phQIq_DGvBxCAPt7ndrmjrgvSi8WtTlGwVqVc_d~AvEJ_jhvHSyyFpyBkTLG3BzBDjVo2DK0A8tnHn3u7gHF6Y8-3MWmMX-Suw.

Dublin Zoo Family Workshop: Dundalk County Library Friday, 14th November at 4.30pm

Dublin Zoo comes to Louth! Led by a Dublin Zoo conservation educator, families will take part in experiments and activities that explore the wonderful ways wildlife has adapted to thrive in habitats from the dusty savanna to the forest floor. Registration via https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/dublin-zoo-conservation-station-workshop-for-families-tickets-1922317997879?aff=ebdsoporgprofile. 

Dundalk Careers Night: Thursday, 6th November at 6.30pm in Louth County Library.

Are you a parent wondering how best to support your teen in choosing the right college course or career path? Or a student curious about what a real job in science, engineering or tech actually looks like? Join Dr. Niamh Shaw, Mary-Ellen Kelledy (DKIT & Overhaul), and recent STEM graduates working across Louth’s thriving industry and research sectors for an informative, family-friendly event that lifts the lid on careers in STEM. Hear real stories, ask honest questions, and explore the many routes into exciting science and tech roles.

Find out more about Niamh Shaw and Town Scientist here: https://niamhshaw.ie/