As part of National Science Week and European Geoscience Day 2024, i CRAG presents

Foram

A collection of images depicting visual research by artist AlanJames Burns from their time on an arctic research cruise. Photographs of vast blue ice and enormous glaciers contrast with close ups of microscopic forum shells.

November 11 to 19, Open Daily 11:00 to 5:00pm

Venue: National Maritime Museum of Ireland, Dún Laoghaire.

We all inhabit a vast, interconnected ecosystem, where every being – no matter how big or small – plays a vital role in fostering a harmonious world. Among these, Planktonic Foraminifera, or Forams, are tiny microscopic organisms with an outsized importance. These tiny beings hold essential clues about the Earth’s ancient climate patterns, helping us to better understand the effects of our rapidly changing climate. ‘Foram’ explores how all things, even what can appear as the most isolated and marginalised elements of our world, play a crucial role in protecting our planet.

‘Foram’ builds on artist AlanJames Burns’ own lived experience and their disability focused arts practice, exploring how Climate Change disproportionately impacts marginalised and disability communities. ‘Foram’ is a celebration of diverse perspectives, voices and lived experiences and how the power of inclusive collaboration can reshape the world towards a more just and sustainable future. 

Through a public talk and installation, ‘Foram’ presents research from Burns’s artistic residency on board the Celtic Explorer research cruise CE23011. This expedition, led by chief scientist and collaborator Dr. Audrey Morley from the University of Galway and iCRAG, ventured to one of the most remote regions on Earth in July 2023. Here, amidst the icy expanses of the Arctic Ocean and the Greenland coast, the research team studied Forams— small yet significant organisms that can help us unravel the mysteries of our planet’s past, and perhaps, safeguard its future.

14 Nov, European Geoscience Day, free event day.

Overview of the Event Day

13:00 – 13:45: Panel Event
A public talk and discussion with AlanJames Burns, Dr. Audrey Morley, and Dr. Fergus McAuliffe (iCRAG), chaired by Dr. Fiona Byrne.

 

For a more relaxed experience with the artwork, we’ll be hosting drop-in sessions throughout the day, where you can engage with the art and meet the team.

 

Accessibility

  • The talk on the 14 Nov, will have ISL interpretation.
  • If you cannot make the event in person a recording and transcript of the talk will be available here one week after the event.
  • We have created a Know Before You Go Document for ‘Foram’ which you can access below.

‘Foram’ is presented by iCRAG Centre SFI Research Centre in applied geosciences hosted by UCD, and is kindly supported by Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, Science Week and European Geosciences Union.

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