Robert Boyle Summer School Student Research Hub 

Robert Boyle was a 17th-century Anglo-Irish scientist best known as a founder of modern chemistry and for formulating Boyle’s Law, which describes the relationship between the pressure and volume of gases. 

The Robert Boyle Summer School Student Research Hub is a weekend event for adults interested in exploring the role of science in our culture. A Festival, not a School; Science, but not for Scientists. 

It will explore where new ideas come from and how they impact and affect how we see the world today. It brings together speakers across various fields on a particular theme and is held in Lismore and Waterford city from June 4th to 7th 2026. 

This Robert Boyle School and Student Research Hub will focus on the theme Mind and Matter. In addition to the talks and discussions, the weekend features an array of entertainment, social gatherings and a delightful garden party in the stunning surrounds of Lismore Castle Gardens. It will look at the interplay of science, psychology, art and cultural studies and will study where ideas come from and how humans see society and the world today 

Amongst the contributors to the school and student research hub, will be Prof William Waton from Dept of Philosophy and Religious studies from Georgia Southern University, Dr Emma Farrell, Dept of Psychology, Maynooth University, Prof Rose Anne Kennt, Trinity Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Prof Mark Cunningham, Trinity Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Prof Luke Gibbons, Irish Studies at Maynooth University. This event 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, local industry and Lismore Castle Estates. 

The event will run in Waterford city close to the SETU Waterford main campus but one day will run in the beautiful town of Lismore, with return bus transfers provided from Waterford to Lismore morning and evening for this full day session on the Saturday.  

This programme combines theoretical knowledge with real-world application, encouraging students to critically engage with topical issues while developing practical research and communication skills. 

General learning outcomes

• Analyse interdisciplinary perspectives on the relationship between mind and matter through engagement with research in philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, and the humanities.  

• Evaluate how different academic disciplines approach questions of consciousness, perception, human experience, and scientific inquiry through lectures, discussions, and scholarly debate.  

• Develop an understanding of contemporary research methods and pathways in academic research by interacting directly with leading researchers and scholars from Irish and international universities.  

• Strengthen critical thinking, communication, and reflective discussion skills through participation in panel sessions, question-and-answer forums, and collaborative conversations with peers and academics. 

• Explore potential undergraduate research and postgraduate study opportunities by building networks with researchers, institutions, and interdisciplinary academic communities during the Summer School programme