Irish astronaut hopeful Dr Norah Patten of The International Space University is to give a free lecture to the public this evening.

The discussion on how space can inspire people to pick up careers in science, engineering and innovation will take place at Trinity College Dublin.

Patten received her undergraduate and PhD degrees in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Limerick. Dr Patten is currently hoping to become an astronaut and travel in to space

Drawing on her experience with the curriculum planning in science education Norah will inform us how Ireland plans on encouraging our children to become involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths orientated careers.

In 2014, Dr Patten co-ordinated “The Only Way is Up” project which, in partnership with NanoRacks LLC, put the first Irish Secondary School experiment onto the International Space Station. In her talk, Dr Patten will argue that such space exploration, through the intriguing methods it encompasses, provides an excellent platform to foster and nurture interest in Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths. 

Over 60% of Ireland's GDP comes from a science-based economy.

The public lecture will take place on January 9th, at 8 pm, in the Physics Building of Trinity College Dublin.