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FUTURE ISLAND ***New Live Series***

Liz Bonnin portrait Image Name: Liz Bonnin portrait
Liz Bonnin Image Name: Liz Bonnin
Liz's CC Image Name: Liz's CC

Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November at 7PM

In the midst of a pandemic, 2020 has been Irish science’s finest hour. But how will our brightest brains equip us to thrive in a future that’s safe and sustainable? And how can Irish citizens actively participate in shaping and choosing this future?

Across three consecutive nights, FUTURE ISLAND will curate Ireland’s most exciting and inspirational stories and voices into a family-friendly celebration of our nation’s experts and innovators.

Presented by Liz Bonnin, a science, natural history and environmental broadcaster, this will be will be a television homecoming for the former Dublin resident who has built an acclaimed career in the UK over the last decade.

With an infectious passion for science and the natural world, Liz is in her element picking the brains of scientists and bringing the latest laboratory breakthrough advances to a mainstream audience.

Liz will be aided by her former mentor in Trinity College, Professor Luke O’Neill. One of Ireland’s best known and most trusted scientists. Luke heads up a world-leading immunology research lab in Trinity College and is a gifted communicator comfortable on many topics.. Luke’s latest book NEVER MIND THE B#LL*CKS, HERE”S THE SCIENCE sold out of Irish bookshops in its first week on sale.

Completing the presenting trio is Phil Smyth. From Weather Live to Home School Hub, Phil has become a familiar face on Irish television.

Throughout the week, Phil will stage madcap experiments to explain and inspire around topics like the future of transport and the future of energy.

Across three episodes, this trio will dig deep into questions that will decide Ireland’s health, wealth and happiness.

How will science help us to keep well in the future?
How will science drive Ireland’s future prosperity?
How can science allow us to rediscover the joy in our life?

Episode 1 – Tuesday night

On the first programme, one of Ireland’s greatest sports stars – Brian O’Driscoll – will join Liz to talk about future proofing our health and wellbeing. Adventurer Mark Pollock searches for a cure for paralysis with the help of medical technology and human willpower. While entrepreneur Bill Liao brings us inside the restaurant of tomorrow as we examine the future of food.

In Episode Two on Wednesday night, astronaut Chris Hadfield floats in to talk about the future of space exploration while comedian PJ Gallagher sits behind the wheel of the autonomous world. From force-gale wind energy with Ger Fleming to Norah Patten’s g-force challenge, this show takes a fun-filled look at Ireland’s future prosperity – with a bit of VR and AI thrown in for good measure.

The final show on Thursday at 7PM, features Dara Ó Briain, who gives his take on the science of comedy and future of entertainment. UN environmental scientist Tara Shine outlines a blueprint for the Ireland’s climate future and we honour Ireland’s Nobel Laureate Bill Campbell in his 90th year. 

Across the series, Ireland’s leading scientists including Cara Augustenborg, Ian Robertson, Suzanne Little and Arlene Gallagher will also feature prominently.

Plus the brightest minds of the future are showcased including the award-winning dementia app developers Memory Haven, sustainable bee-conservation expert Niamh Damery and Eirsat, the brains that will send Ireland’s first ever satellite in the orbit.

Future Island will be broadcast live from Explorium, Dublin’s sport and science centre, on the outskirts of the city.

Tune in to Future Island on RTÉ ONE at 7pm on Tuesday 10th, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November.

For more information please contact Trisha Canning on trisha@loosehorse.ie