Eight speakers from the worlds of sport, science, medicine, journalism, academia, creativity, disability rights and advertising will aim to stimulate minds when TEDxGalway returns to the Town Hall Theatre on Thursday, November 12.
Beginning at 7.30pm, the evening promises an exploration of several issues shaping how we live, work and connect, with a diverse group of speakers set to challenge assumptions and share new perspectives.
Renmore native and UCG graduate Vinny Warren brings a remarkable international advertising career to the TEDx stage. After working in New York for advertising legend Ed McCabe, Warren spent ten years at DDB Chicago working on the Budweiser and Bud Light brands. Five of his advertisements aired during the Super Bowl (Whassup? ). Winner of Cannes Lions Gran Prix as well as a CLIO Award, he was twice nominated for an Emmy for Best Commercial of the Year — although, as he puts it, he lost both times.
Hailing from Salthill, Harry McGee is political correspondent of The Irish Times. A former journalist with The Irish Examiner, RTÉ and The Sunday Tribune, and former editor of Magill, McGee has spent decades reporting on public life in Ireland. He authored The Murderer and the Taoiseach and is a regular contributor to political and current-affairs broadcasting.
The event will feature Jessamyn Fairfield, lecturer in the Schools of Natural Sciences and English, Media & Creative Arts at the University of Galway. A passionate advocate for democratising knowledge, Fairfield spent ten years directing Bright Club Ireland, bringing academic research to audiences through stand-up comedy. Her creative work combines science, performance and storytelling to explore subjects ranging from the Corrib River to the climate crisis.
Also among the speakers is Des Ryan, Director of Sport & Physical Wellbeing at the University of Galway. Des has spent more than two decades working at the highest levels of sport, including nine years as Head of Sports Medicine & Athletic Development at Arsenal Football Club Academy, as well as senior roles with Connacht Rugby and the IRFU. He is a member of the Sport Ireland High Performance Committee and the European Football Clubs Medical and Performance unit.
Grace Barnes, a Researcher, explores stereotypes surrounding disability, gender and sexuality. Her work examines the de-sexualisation of disabled women in human rights law and how this shapes their sexual and reproductive rights, bringing an important perspective to questions of equality, identity and human rights.
Annette Kent, Clinical Director at medical-device company Endowave, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the pharmaceutical and medical-device sectors. With previous roles at FIRE1, ICON, Amgen and United Drug, and a PhD in Pharmacology, Annette works at the intersection of clinical research, innovation and healthcare, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
Kristin Ruane is a Behaviour Analyst and educator with more than 20 years' experience in applied behaviour analysis and child development. Her PhD research at the University of Galway examined language development, parent-child interactions and the effects of parental smartphone use. Her recent podcast, F*ck Your Phone, tackles smartphone addiction and the impact of technology on human connection.
Completing the speaker line-up is Michelle Bergin, an occupational therapist, lecturer and researcher at the University of Limerick. Her work examines the everyday environments in which people play, learn, work and live, with a particular focus on children's outdoor play, public spaces and human rights. Her research into unequal restrictions on children's play in schoolyards contributed to the EU Horizon 2020 P4Play project, and she recently completed the first national evaluation of play rights in Irish schools.
Together, the eight speakers represent the spirit of TEDxGalway: different disciplines, different experiences and very different perspectives — brought together on one stage to spark ideas and conversations.
Tickets €38/€33 from www.THT.ie
