We’re delighted to welcome one of Northern Ireland’s most inspiring scientists to the Festival for a discussion about her work and career to date.

Belfast born Caoimhe Rooney is the sole mathematician within a group of astrophysicists at NASA Ames studying exoplanet atmospheres to understand how they formed, what they’re made of, and if they could be home to extraterrestrial life.

She is also co-founder of Mathematigals, an educational initiative to boost representation of women and girls in maths and STEM.

Interview by Ulster University’s Prof Victoria Simms.