Ageing mind and impact of social media set for debate
Eoin Gill and Dr Sheila Donegan of CALMAST in SETU, getting ready for the Robert Boyle Summer School. Picture: Patrick Browne
The ageing mind and impact of social media on the brain will be debated at this year's Robert Boyle Summer School which will take place from June 4 to 7.
Among the topics set to be discussed will be: What effect does social media have on the mind?; What changes take place in the ageing mind, and what goes on in the minds of serial killers?
All will be revealed as avid conversationalists and the culturally curious gather for four days of intriguing discussion and debate.
‘Mind and Matter’ is the theme for this year’s summer school event which promises thought-provoking talks, discussions and entertainment in Waterford City and Lismore.
A spokesperson for the organisers said this year's event will begin with a special opening evening on June 4, with SETU forensic psychologists Dr Lorraine Bowman Grieve and Dr Jennifer O’Mahoney.
They will explore people's fascination with true crime and serial killers.
That opening event will be followed by a weekend full of engaging conversation and social events.
The Summer School is a weekend event for adults interested in exploring the role of science in our culture.
Commenting ahead of the event, organiser, Eoin Gill described it as an annual pilgrimage to the south east for many from across Ireland.
“The annual Robert Boyle Summer School is in the tradition of Irish cultural summer schools -very much a festival for adults, not a school," he said.
"Focusing on science, but not for scientists,” he added.
“We explore where ideas come from and how they impact and affect how we see the world today," said Mr Gill.
"The annual Robert Boyle Summer School brings together speakers across various fields on a particular theme relevant to society," he added.
"This year’s 'Mind and Matter' theme will resonate with our audience, and we look forward to really good, mind-opening conversations and debate."
Mr Gill said it was an honour that this year will see the event joined by excellent speakers and experts in their field.
Among them will be: Prof. William Eaton - Head of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Georgia Southern University; Dr Emma Farrell from the Department of Psychology at Maynooth University, and Regius Professor Rose Anne Kenny, from Trinity College.
Prof. Kenny leads the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing and is author of the best-selling, 'Age Proof : The New Science of Living a Longer and Healthier Life'.
“We’re privileged to also have Prof. Mark Cunningham, from Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, with us for the 2026 festival, along with Prof. Luke Gibbons from Maynooth University," said Mr Gill.
"In addition to the talks and discussions, the weekend features an array of entertainment, social gatherings and the iconic Garden Party in the stunning surrounds of Lismore Castle Gardens,” he added.
The Robert Boyle Summer School is organised by CALMAST, South East Technological University’s STEM Engagement Centre, in partnership with Lismore Heritage Centre, with support from Waterford City and County Council, Lismore Castle Estates, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local industry West, Waters, Sanofi, Haleon and Bausch and Lomb.
Book a session, a day or the whole Summer School on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/robert-boyle-summer-school-2026-tickets-1981338115640?aff=website
