Researchers to quench public curiosity at 2025 Soapbox Science
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
The free event will be happening on the streets of Dublin this Saturday, 14 June. No booking is required, says Soapbox Science.
Soapbox Science is back again this year, set to showcase 12 women scientists sharing their research on the streets of Dublin this Saturday (14 June).
The free event, happening on South King Street in Dublin City Centre, will see researchers from University College Dublin (UCD), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Maynooth University, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) exploring topics ranging from nematodes and reptiles, to DNA and human health in an easy-to-understand, accessible way.
“The main goal of Soapbox Science is to showcase the latest scientific discoveries directly to the public, in an accessible, fun and unintimidating way,” said Dr Olga Lastovetsky, an assistant professor at UCD and an organiser behind the event.
“By presenting ourselves in such an informal way we’re hoping to inspire those who do not normally get exposed to science, especially young people.
“Unlike other science events, learning at Soapbox Science is spontaneous as most of the people we interact with don’t necessarily plan on coming, but just happen to stroll by,” she added. Attendees do not need to book in advance to visit the event.
Soapbox Science was first established in 2011 as a grass-roots platform to showcase the innovative work women and non-binary scientists do in the STEM arena.
Beginning in London, the event soon grew worldwide. According to Soapbox Science, since its first iteration 2,500 scientists have stepped up to speak at its events, with a combined total of 300,000 people in attendance.
This year, the event is support by UCD through funding from the university’s School of Biology and Environmental Science, the UCD Earth Institute, as well as DAFM.
One of the speakers, Emily DeMichele, a PhD student from UCD’s School of Medicine, will be sharing her work, which focuses on the Warburg effect – a metabolic phenomenon observed in cancer cells.
“One key and lethal adaptation of cancer cells is their accelerated consumption and breakdown of glucose, known as the Warburg effect,” she explains.
“This allows cancer cells to replicate and spread rapidly. My research focuses on identifying cancer-specific adaptations in the use of glucose utilisation that could be targeted therapeutically to help treat the disease, without harming healthy tissue.”
Also speaking at the event is RCSI’s Amy Duffy, who will be discussing how stem cells can help unravel pulmonary fibrosis, a condition where the tissue in the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli) scars and thickens, making it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
While, Gillian Madigan from DAFM will be sharing her work on “gossiping” germs and antibiotic resistance, and UCD’s Teerna Banerjee will explain how bad recycling can lead to cancer.
Here’s a full list of the participating scientists:
Kate Duffy, UCD
‘Tiny particles, big problems: How prostate cancer spreads’
Dibyangshee Singh, UCD
‘From clumps to chaos: Microbes on the move’
Jiao Li, UCD
‘Tiny titans: Why amphibians and reptiles matter’
Ainhoa Riera-Begue, UCD
‘Gender beyond the binary: Unravelling the sex determination system in cannabis sativa’
Qiqi Zhi, UCD
‘Hidden relics: How nuclear mitochondrial DNA shaped mammals’
Teerna Banerjee, UCD
‘Understanding how bad recycling can lead to cancer’
Emily DeMichele, UCD
‘Cancer has a sweet tooth’
Dr Anusha Pulavarty, DAFM
‘Story with little worms: The nematodes’
Amy Duffy, RCSI
‘Breathing new life into research: How can stem cells help to unravel pulmonary fibrosis’
Gillian Madigan, DAFM
‘Gossiping germs and antibiotic resistance’
Stepheine Onyinyechi, Maynooth university in collaboration with Teagasc Oak park
‘Whiskey without worry: Strengthening barley against biotic stress’
Julie Gawenda, RCSI
‘Inside the Bag: Exploring the science of peristomal skin health’
Last year’s Soapbox Science saw 12 women and non-binary scientists speaking about their work in sustainability, genetics, advancements in fertility and vaccinations, among other interesting topics.
Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.
