Lightning Talks Deliver 120 Seconds of Natural Science

Posted on: 09 November 2015

Lightning talks – lasting just two minutes apiece – showcased the fascinating diversity of research in Trinity's School of Natural Sciences as 25 researchers delivered bite-size chunks of their science to their audience.

The talks by postgraduate students and principal investigators showcased the breadth of current research emanating from the departments of Botany, Geology, Geography and Zoology at Trinity.

Topics ranged from assessing the effect of land-use on pollinators to the age of gold, and from uncovering mediaeval Ireland’s past through Papal tax receipts to investigating bird evolution on the Galapagos.

Professor in Quaternary Ecology and Head of School, Fraser Mitchell, said: “Now in its third year, this event is a fixture in our annual calendar which brings the fascinating diversity of our research together. The event showcases the broad range of our research and the amazing talent of our researchers. It is remarkable how much you can learn in two minutes!”

The lightning talk presentations were judged by a diverse panel comprising Director of Research for the School of Natural Sciences, Prof Jane stout, Assistant Professor in Geography at Trinity, Dr Mary Bourke, Senior Scientific Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency, Donal Daly, Engagement and Communications Manager at the iCRAG Centre, Fergus McAuliffe, Press Officer for the Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at Trinity, Thomas Deane, Project Officer at Systems Biology Ireland, William Fitzmaurice, and Diane McSweeney, from the Education team at the Science Gallery.

Speakers were judged on their content, delivery and use of visual aids. The student prize winners included Conor Owens (Botany), Darren O’Connell (Zoology), Kyle Heron (Geology), and Alwynne McGeever (Botany).