Dr Ronan Lordan, NeuroAdapt MSCA Fellow at FutureNeuro, will step into the role of Co-Director of Pint of Science Ireland for 2026, bringing his passion for brain research and science communication to one of the country’s most engaging public outreach initiatives. 

Pint of Science is an international festival that brings researchers out of the lab and into social spaces such as pubs, cafés, and bars, making science accessible and reaching new audiences. The 2026 festival will run from May 18–20, with events planned across 14 locations nationwide, from Letterkenny to Waterford and Tralee. 

What the Role Involves 

As Co-Director, Ronan will support local organising teams, coordinate volunteers, and help shape the strategic direction of the festival.

“I am particularly motivated by the chance to showcase the work of outstanding scientists from across Ireland and to create informal, welcoming environments where people can connect with research, ask questions, and share in the enthusiasm that drives scientific discovery over a pint,” he says. 

Bringing Science to the Community 

For Ronan, Pint of Science’s informal setting is central to its impact, particularly for brain and health research.

“Bringing research into informal, community spaces is important because it removes barriers that can make science feel inaccessible or intimidating,” he explains. “Discussing research in relaxed settings encourages open conversation and allows people to feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing their own experiences.” 

The festival supports researchers at all career stages, offering early-career researchers in particular an informal platform to develop science communication skills. Talks are designed to be accessible to a broad audience, with free training and guidance provided to speakers. This approach is especially valuable for topics such as neurological conditions and mental health, which can be complex and highly stigmatised. 

“Initiatives like Pint of Science show that scientists are members of the community, neighbours and friends, who are passionate about their work and happy to share it over a pint,” Ronan notes. 

Research at the Forefront 

At FutureNeuro, Ronan’s research focuses on how the body’s internal circadian clock regulates brain function and mental health, with a particular emphasis on bipolar disorder. As a NeuroAdapt Fellow, he studies how disruptions to circadian rhythms affect microglia, the brain’s resident immune cells, which are increasingly implicated in the condition. 

A key aspect of his work will explore whether optimising the timing of medication could improve treatment outcomes.

“Currently, only around 30% of patients respond to lithium, the gold-standard treatment for bipolar disorder,” he explains.

His research connects to broader questions around brain health by advancing the field of chronotherapeutics—using biological timing to personalise treatment. 

From Teacher to Science Communicator 

Ronan’s commitment to public engagement is shaped by a diverse career path that began in secondary education.

“I began my career as a secondary school teacher, where I became acutely aware of the importance of science outreach,” he recalls, while also noticing a lack of opportunities for adults to engage meaningfully with science. 

His first experience speaking at Pint of Science during his PhD proved transformative. After moving to the United States, Ronan took on national coordination roles, overseeing events in cities including Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. 

“One of the strengths of being part of a research institute such as FutureNeuro is the strong value placed on outreach, public and patient involvement, and engagement at all career stages,” he reflects. 

Looking Ahead to 2026  

Looking ahead to Pint of Science Ireland 2026, Ronan hopes to reach a wide range of communities and highlight the role research plays in everyday life.

“Whether it’s realising that touchscreen smartphones or contactless payments emerged from publicly funded research, Pint of Science provides a valuable outlet for people to connect with research that directly shapes their lives,” he says. 

Through initiatives like Pint of Science, FutureNeuro supports approaches that make research more accessible, inclusive, and connected to everyday life. 

Find out more about Pint of Science Ireland and how to get involved at https://pintofscience.ie — and follow their social media for the latest updates.