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Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz sparks curiosity in Limerick school children

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Pictured at University of Limerick for the Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz as part of Science Week 2025 were, Holy McSweeney, Hope Keogh, New O’Dwyer and Peter Hourigan. Picture: Alan Place

The Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz with UL AccessCampus has sparked STEM curiosity in Limerick’s schoolchildren

Pictured at University of Limerick for the Kathleen Londsdale Science Quiz as part of Science Week 2025 were, Robbie Power and Lexi O’Dwyer, Le Chéile National School. Picture: Alan Place

This exciting Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz is a collaboration between UL’s AccessCampus and Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) – Adult Education Solutions and the Muslim Sisters of Éire, Limerick, along with four local DEIS Band 1 primary schools — Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Lourdes, Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy, and Le Chéile National School.

The aims were to encourage younger pupils to engage with and enjoy science-based subjects at an earlier age and to positively imprint science activities in the minds of young girls.

With the support of LCETB’s Lorraine Markham (Adult Literacy Coordinator) and Maria Kelly (Resource Worker), the project quickly gained momentum thanks to the enthusiasm of participating schools.


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Pictured at University of Limerick for the Kathleen Londsdale Science Quiz as part of Science Week 2025 were the winning team, Angry Nerds, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Bryan Jose, Obi Nwodo, Lara Lecash and Chris Varghese with Ruqquya Greey, Muslim Sisters of Eire. Picture: Alan Place The Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz, hosted by UL AccessCampus, was created to spark curiosity in science and chemistry among local schoolchildren and their families. This exciting initiative is a collaboration between UL’s AccessCampus and Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) - Adult Education Solutions and the Muslim Sisters of Éire, Limerick, along with four local DEIS Band 1 primary schools — Our Lady Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Lourdes, Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy, and Le Chéile National School. The aims were to encourage younger pupils to engage with and enjoy science-based subjects at an earlier age and to positively imprint science activities in the minds of young girls. With the support of LCETB’s Lorraine Markham (Adult Literacy Co-Ordinator) and Maria Kelly (Resource Worker), the project quickly gained momentum thanks to the enthusiasm of participating schools. The programme included a series of hands-on workshops led by James Ryan (LCETB), where pupils, paired with a parent, created fun science projects such as lava lamps, lemon-cell batteries, and DIY volcanoes. They were also guided by postgraduate volunteers from UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and supported by local industry professionals. The initiative culminated in the Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz, which took place on Friday, November 14, as part of Science Week events at University of Limerick. The event brought together students, parents, educators, and industry experts to celebrate science, teamwork, and discovery - continuing the spirit of Dame Kathleen Lonsdale, a pioneering Irish c
Pictured at University of Limerick for the Kathleen Londsdale Science Quiz as part of Science Week 2025 were the winning team, Angry Nerds, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Bryan Jose, Obi Nwodo, Lara Lecash and Chris Varghese with Ruqquya Greey, Muslim Sisters of Eire. Picture: Alan Place

The programme included a series of hands-on workshops led by James Ryan (LCETB), where pupils, paired with a parent, created fun science projects such as lava lamps, lemon-cell batteries, and DIY volcanoes. They were also guided by postgraduate volunteers from UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering and supported by local industry professionals.

The initiative culminated in the Kathleen Lonsdale Science Quiz, which took place on Friday, November 14, as part of Science Week events at University of Limerick.

The event brought together students, parents, educators, and industry experts to celebrate science, teamwork, and discovery – continuing the spirit of Dame Kathleen Lonsdale, a pioneering Irish crystallographer and advocate for science education.

Pictured at University of Limerick for the Kathleen Londsdale Science Quiz as part of Science Week 2025 were, Our Lady of Lourdes Primary Schools, Bryan Jose, Chris Varghese, Lara Lecash and Obi Nwodo. Picture: Alan Place
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