Family Genomics Team at Science Night 2025

On Friday the 14^th of November, the Family Genomics Group were proudly involved again this year in the hugely successful annual Science Night at Maynooth University. Across the campus, up to 2,000 visitors from around Maynooth explored everything from Robot Soccer and Maths Through Magic Tricks to CSI Maynooth, Chemistry Shows, Stargazing and an array of Biology Lab Demonstrations.  

In the Biology Labs, the Family Genomics Team hosted fun science stations to introduce families to science from cuddly chromosomes and neurons, to sleep research and circadian biology. Using real research tools like polysomnography (PSG) and creative hands-on activities, we showed how sleep, biological rhythms and genetics connect to overall health.  

The Science of Gaming – Then, Today, Tomorrow 

Aung guided visitors through the evolution of gaming, reflecting the Then, Today, Tomorrow theme of Science Week 2025. Attendees explored classic arcade games(Pac-man)along with puzzles like Rubik’s cubes. Our Modern games were represented by Roblox and an interactive loot box activity, and finally, attendees were then invited to imagine healthier games for the future.  This display fostered great conversation on how games have changed over the years and how gaming habits develop.  

PhD Student Aung with our loot box

Sleep and Circadian Biology 

Benji introduced attendees to the technology behind polysomnography, explaining how sleep studies track brain waves, eye movement, breathing and other physiological signals to understand what happens while we sleep. He demonstrated how this equipment is used in Family Genomics projects such as AmbientBD. 

Holly, with the help of the FamilySleeps Keepers mascots helped children engage with sleep patterns in a fun and interactive way, supporting our FamilySleeps research. Visitors were able to see the devices we use in our FamilySleeps study, including activity watches, the Somnofy sleep monitors and saliva collection kits for DNA collection, they learned how these tools help us collect data on sleep, circadian rhythms and genes. Use this link to know more about our study and consider participating. ( Participate | Family Genomics MU )

From left to right, research assistants Holly, Benji and PhD Student Jake. 

Mailton with the help of Luca the Lion (the successor of Touca the Toucan), demonstrated how our internal body clocks work, and the importance of medication routines and timing and how this is impacts seizure management.  

Hands-On Fun and Learning 

Seán unveiled his newly designed board game, created to illustrate healthy sleeping habits in an easy to understand and engaging way. Giving an accessible way for visitors to explore what supports good sleep and what can disrupt it.  

Enya and Jake were in charge of hands-on activities. Once again, we brought our colouring sheets and paper brain hats to engage in light conversation with children and parents while having fun paper crafting. 

These creative activities made complex science approachable and engaging for visitors of all ages. Science Night once again showcased the power of hands-on learning to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists. 

Thank you to everyone who visited and engaged with our displays and a big thank you to the organisers of the event for another fantastic Science Night at Maynooth University. We're already excited for next year!