On Saturday 14 June 1-4pm, twelve female speakers will share their research in the streets of Dublin City Centre as part of Soapbox Science 2025. Taking place on South King Street next to the statue of Luke Kelly, the public are welcome to drop by any time for this free event. 

"The main goal of Soapbox Science is to showcase the latest scientific discoveries directly to the public, in an accessible, fun and unintimidating way.” says Dr Olga Lastovetsky, Assistant Professor at University College Dublin (UCD) and an organiser of the event.

“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. 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."

Researchers from UCD, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Maynooth University, Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine will explore topics ranging from nematodes and reptiles, to DNA and human health. 

Emily DeMichele, UCD School of Medicine, will share her work focusing on a fascinating metabolic phenomenon observed in cancer cells known as the Warburg effect. Emily explains, "One key adaptation of cancer cells is their accelerated consumption and breakdown of glucose (sugar), known as the Warburg effect. This allows cancer cells to replicate and spread rapidly. My research focuses on identifying cancer-specific adaptations in glucose utilisation that could be targeted therapeutically to help treat the disease, without harming healthy tissue."

Soapbox Science was established in 2011 as a global grass-roots platform to showcase cutting-edge science from women and non-binary scientists. This year’s event in Dublin is supported by UCD through funding from the UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science, UCD Earth Institute and the Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine.

The 2025 talks are:

‘Tiny Particles, Big Problems: How Prostate Cancer Spreads’ - Kate Duffy, UCD School of Biology & environmental Science

‘From Clumps to Chaos: Microbes on the move’, Dibyangshee Singh, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering

‘Tiny Titans: Why Amphibians and Reptiles Matter’ - Jiao Li, UCD School of Biology & environmental Science

‘Gender beyond the binary: Unravelling the sex determination system in Cannabis sativa’ - Ainhoa Riera-Begue, UCD School of Biology & environmental Science

‘Hidden Relics: How Nuclear Mitochondrial DNA Shaped Mammals!’ - Qiqi Zhi - UCD School of Biology & environmental Science

‘Understanding how bad recycling can lead to cancer’ - Teerna Banerjee, UCD School of Biology & environmental Science

‘Cancer has a sweet tooth’ - Emily DeMichele, UCD School of Medicine

‘Story with little worms: The Nematodes’ - Dr Anusha Pulavarty, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM)

‘Breathing New Life into Research:  how can stem cells help to unravel pulmonary fibrosis’ - Amy Duffy - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

‘Gossiping Germs and Antibiotic Resistance’ - Gillian Madigan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 

‘Whiskey Without Worry: Strengthening Barley Against Biotic Stress’ - Stepheine Onyinyechi, Maynooth university in collaboration with Teagasc Oak park.

‘Inside the Bag: Exploring the Science of Peristomal Skin Health’ - Julie Gawenda, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Follow Soapbox Science Dublin via X on @SoapboxSciIRL or on Instagram @soapboxsciencedublin for updates and further information.