A stellar honour for Blackrock Castle Observatory

MTU Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO) has been recognised for its outstanding role in science education by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI).

The 15th century five storey castle and observatory located in Cork Harbour is the official winner of the SFI Outstanding Contribution to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Communication Award.

The BCO has established itself as a centre of excellence in science through innovative programs that raise awareness of science, engineering, and technology. The observatory encourages people of all ages to foster an appreciation for the wonders of science, and more than 1.3 million people have visited the castle and observatory in the past 17 years.

The BCO regularly hosts exhibitions and events for the public, featuring showcases such as the permanent exhibition Ireland in Space and the current exhibit Alien Worlds which is focussed on distant exoplanets, and will be open to the public until April 2024. It also hosts the Cork Astronomy Club.

Commenting on the SFI award, MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, said: “This SFI award recognises the hard work and dedication of every team member at Blackrock Castle Observatory and the imaginative ways in which they create engaging STEM-themed exhibitions to reach all ages.”

“As someone from a scientific background and with a deep love of science, it’s a great joy to see the passion and commitment of the team at Blackrock Castle Observatory being acknowledged.

“Their efforts in developing STEM-themed exhibitions that resonate across all age groups are truly commendable. This SFI award serves as a testament to the invaluable contributions they make in promoting science, inspiring curiosity and making STEM accessible and exciting to everyone,” she said.

Dr Niall Smith, Head of BCO, expressed gratitude for the SFI award, highlighting its acknowledgment of the sustained efforts of BCO staff and associates over 17 years in contributing to STEM communication. Emphasising MTU's dedication to science literacy across various domains, Dr Smith commended the professionalism, commitment, and creativity of the BCO team, both present and past.

The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Awards for 2023 were announced on 20 November during the Research Summit in Cork, a collaborative event hosted by SFI and the Irish Research Council (IRC).