Hackathons, Internet, Stars, Miniature Technology and Equality With Dr Niall Smith, Head of Research MTU

Speaking recently with Dr Niall Smith was an education.  He spoke about the Cassini Hackathon happening before the end of the month and how and why he is part of this hackathon which is taking place in 10 different global locations simultaneously.  He will be working alongside the team at the National Space Centre as well and looking for hacks in Space Technology.   Be sure to mark your calendar for 18-20 June 2021 to join the first hackathon.

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He also touched on how important low-earth-orbit WiFi is important on a global scale that can see an improvement in education and personal and even national circumstances.

Then we ventured into Einstein, Star Shades and Miniature Moon Rovers and more.  If you’re into Space, listen to this.

Dr Niall Smith

Niall studied astrophysics at UCD, and became CIT’s first Head of Research in 2005, now providing strategic oversight of a budget of €14m per annum across disciplines from science and engineering to arts and music. He led the establishment of a Researcher Career Framework for CIT researchers, which was central to the Institute being awarded the EU Commission HR Excellence in Research badge.

He is the Founder-Director of the award-winning Blackrock Castle Observatory (BCO), which celebrated its 12th anniversary with over 1.2 million visitors. BCO staff have trained over 800 teachers to use space in the classroom, have engaged with over 35,000 primary and post-primary students in formal science workshops and an additional 40,000 in informal workshops, with over 120,000 members of the public attending events at Blackrock Castle Observatory.

It's the final week to toss your hat in the ring for this #CASSINIHackathons round with @blackrockcastle @MTU_ie and @blacknight ?? Win cash and prizes for applying #EUSpace data to our planetary challenges! https://t.co/22X6DQhZad pic.twitter.com/4jAmHdtXPP

— National Space Centre | Elfordstown Earthstation (@Elfordstown) June 14, 2021

In 2017, Niall was the host site lead for the International Space University Space Studies Programme, which is the largest conference programme ever to come to Cork, lasting 9 weeks and involving over 320 global space experts. The conference published a document entitled ‘A Roadmap for Emerging Space States’, which helped to catalyse the development of a National Space Strategy for Enterprise. Niall was the HEI representative on the National Steering Group for the space strategy.

He focuses on space topics including ultra-high precision photometry and the use of small satellites in low earth orbit for a range of functions from high resolution imaging to space cybersecurity to rural broadband. He has secured over €1m as PI on competitive grants, €400k as co-I, and through BCO approximately €2m for outreach. Niall writes a monthly column in the Irish Examiner called ‘Skymatters’, and is a Board Member of the National Sculpture Factory and a member of several national committees.