iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 02/10/2026

DIAS was delighted to visit President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin this week. Dr Eucharia Meehan, Professor Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, Professor Ruairí Ó hUigínn, & Professor @davidstifter.bsky.social presented the President with a copy of Navigatio Sancti Brendani. @scs-dias.bsky.social

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 14/08/2026

Today, we said a final farewell to our beloved friend and colleague, Dr Dmitri Grigoriev, at a beautiful and deeply moving service in the Garden Chapel at Mount Jerome. (1/8)

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 28/07/2026

✨️ #49 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS After the Apollo 11 Moon landing, Prof Denis O'Sullivan of DIAS helped develop new techniques to analyse cosmic ray tracks in lunar rocks. The work earned international recognition and led to DIAS experiments on later Apollo missions 🚀 @diasdunsink.bsky.social

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 23/07/2026

✨️#48 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS John Herivel was a mathematician and one of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park during the Second World War In 1956, he joined the DIAS as a visiting scholar, becoming part of the Institute's distinguished tradition of mathematical and scientific research. #DIASdiscovers

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 18/07/2026

✨️#47 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 2023, researchers from DIAS Geophysics installed an induction coil magnetometer in Antarctica. The instrument measures the vertical component of Earth's magnetic field - helping our researchers build a clearer picture of what lies deep beneath the Earth's surface! 🤘

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 14/07/2026

✨#46 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS The 'Grazer' A specialised conservation-grade book cradle which manipulates & focuses on the uneven, contoured parchment of the rare Irish manuscripts being digitised for the Irish Script on Screen - to allow for safe, high-quality digital imaging. @scs-dias.bsky.social

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 14/07/2026

✨#45 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Irish Script on Screen Established by DIAS in 1999, the Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) is the world's largest digital repository of Irish manuscripts, with more than 450 manuscripts digitised. @scs-dias.bsky.social #IrishScriptonScreen #DIASdiscovers

Irish Script on Screen
Established by DIAS in 1999, the Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) is the world's largest digital repository of Irish manuscripts, with more than 450 manuscripts digitised.

These priceless manuscripts are expertly digitised, making centuries of Irish history, literature, law and culture freely accessible online.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 10/07/2026

✨#44 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dunsink Dome & Telescope 🔭 Dunsink Observatory helped shape modern observatory design. The South Dome, built in 1868, houses a 12-inch Grubb refractor telescope Upgrades made in 1909 improved the accuracy of stellar observations & remain part of its historic character

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 06/07/2026

✨#43 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Prof Stephen Hawking visits DIAS In October 1983, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking attended a Symposium held by our School of Theoretical Physics. There he also delivered a lecture exploring quantum mechanics and recent advances in general relativity and supergravity!

Prof Stephen Hawking visits DIAS

In October 1983, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking visited DIAS to attend a Symposium held by our School of Theoretical Physics.

During his visit Prof Hawking delivered a lecture exploring quantum mechanics and recent advances in general relativity and supergravity.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 02/07/2026

✨#42 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS The INSN The Geophysics Section of DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Established in 1980, the network monitors seismic activity across Ireland - with data transmitted in real time to the INSN data centre at DIAS. @dias-geophysics.bsky.social

The Irish National Seismic Network

The Geophysics Section of DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Established in 1980, the network monitors seismic activity across Ireland - through a series of stations. Seismic data is transmitted in real time to the INSN data centre at 5 Merrion Square and shared internationally.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 19/06/2026

🎂 Today, 19 June 2026, we celebrate 86 years of #DIAS! Since 1940, DIAS has brought together researchers to advance knowledge across fields from physics and cosmology to Celtic studies and geophysics Here's to 86 years of collaboration and curiosity - and to all the discoveries still to come! 🎉

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 18/06/2026

✨#41 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Celtica, our leading peer-reviewed journal has been published as a Diamond Open Access journal since 2024 📚 A major milestone for DIAS, ensuring wider access to research for scholars and helping to promoting knowledge without barriers @scs-dias.bsky.social

Celtica is the leading peer-reviewed journal of our School of Celtic Studies and has been published as a Diamond Open Access journal since 2024. 📚

Both new issues and the complete archive are freely available on the DIAS Journals Platform, with no subscription or paywall barriers!

The transition to open access was a major milestone for DIAS, ensuring wider access to research for scholars and the public alike – helping to promoting knowledge without barriers.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 16/06/2026

✨#40 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dunsink Time In 1880, Dunsink Time (officially known as Dublin Mean Team) became the legal time for all of Ireland. Irish clocks ran 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time. Dunsink Observatory kept Ireland’s official time until 1916. @diasdunsink.bsky.social

Dunsink Time
In 1880, Dunsink Time (officially known as Dublin Mean Team) based on observations at Dunsink became the legal time for all of Ireland. Irish clocks ran about 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), reflecting Ireland's position west of London.
Dunsink Observatory kept Ireland’s official time until 1916.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 11/06/2026

✨#39 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS D.A. Binchy's Corpus Iuris Hibernici First published by DIAS in 1978, this six-volume work offers an in-depth exploration of Brehon Law, Ireland’s indigenous legal system and is an essential resource for studying early Irish society and culture. @scs-dias.bsky.social

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 10/06/2026

✨#38 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dr Sheila Tinney Portrait Unveiling In 2019 DIAS unveiled a portrait of Dr Tinney by artist Judith Henihan. The portrait was acquired with the support of the IWF Ireland and benefactors of the Friends of DIAS initiative and has hung proudly within the Institute ever since

Dr Sheila Tinney Portrait Unveiling

In 2019, DIAS unveiled a portrait of Dr Tinney by artist Judith Henihan. The portrait was acquired with the support of the International Women's Forum (Ireland) and benefactors of the Friends of DIAS initiative, and has hung proudly within the Institute ever since.

Pictured: Mary Mitchell O'Connor, then Minister of State for Higher Education, unveiled the portrait alongside the late Dr Tinney's children, Eithna, Hugh and Deirdre Tinney.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 09/06/2026

✨#37 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 1941, Dr Sheila Tinney (neé Power) became the first women Fellow of DIAS - and was one of the first three Fellows to be selected by the inaugural Director of the School of Theoretical Physics Dr Tinney was also amongst the first women elected to the Royal Irish Academy

In 1941, Dr Sheila Tinney (neé Power) became the first women Fellow of DIAS - and was one of the first three Fellows to be selected by the inaugural Director of the School of Theoretical Physics.

Dr Tinney later also become an Assistant Lecturer at UCD and was among the first four women elected to the Royal Irish Academy.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 04/06/2026

✨ #36 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 1987, Prof Brian Jacob and international colleagues confirmed that Ireland’s continental shelf extends through the Porcupine and Rockall Basins The shelf being twice as large as previously thought, expanded Ireland’s economic zone & rights under the Law of the Sea 🌊

Ireland's Extended Continental Shelf

Brian Jacob, along with colleagues from the University of Hamburg, and other institutions, conducted a project that confirms the Irish continental shelf extends through the Porcupine and Rockall Basins, increasing Ireland's economic zone tenfold.
This research initiated in the early 1980's revealed the shelf is twice as large as previously thought, significantly expanding Ireland's rights under the Law of the Sea. These findings were subsequently confirmed with more sophisticated equipment by the Marine Institute and Geological Survey Ireland (GSI).

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 26/05/2026

✨#35 of #85 Things About DIAS Ogham in 3D launched in 2013. DIAS's School of Celtic Studies digitizes early medieval inscriptions - some of Ireland's most significant national treasures and our earliest written records, dating back to the 5th century. @scs-dias.bsky.social #85ThingsAboutDIAS

Ogham in 3D

DIAS's School of Celtic Studies digitizes early medieval inscriptions - some of Ireland's most significant national treasures and our earliest written records, dating back to the 5th century.

This project website was launched in 2013 by then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 25/05/2026

Congratulations to DIAS Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Director of @diasdunsink.bsky.social on being admitted to @ria.ie last Friday!

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 25/05/2026

✨#34 of #85 Things About DIAS Raspberry Shake Seismometers power the QuakeShake programme! 🌍 Supported by Research Ireland’s Discover Programme and GSI, 70+ Raspberry Shake stations are active in classrooms, homes, and heritage sites across Ireland. #85ThingsAboutDIAS #QuakeShake #DIASdiscovers

QuakeShake Raspberry Seismometers.

These Raspberry Shake seismometers power the QuakeShake programme and they are changing the way we engage with earthquakes and Earth science!

Supported by Research Ireland's Discover Programme and GSI, our Raspberry Shake stations are expanding rapidly - with over 70 devices purchased for use in classrooms,homes and heritage sites throughout Ireland.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 25/05/2026

✨#33 of #85 Things About DIAS QuakeShake! An Irish Citizen Science Programme launched by DIAS and GSI in 2023. QuakeShake engages the public in monitoring earthquakes with low-cost, real-time sensors - transforming Ireland into a nation of 'Citizen seismologists. @quakeshake.bsky.social #DIAS85

QuakeShake is an Irish Citizen Science Programme launched by DIAS and GSI (Geological Survey Ireland) in 2023.

QuakeShake engages the public in monitoring earthquakes with low-cost, real-time sensors - transforming Ireland into a nation of 'Citizen seismologists.

The initiative uses real-time data to detect earthquakes at home and across the world, making Earth science accessible to all ages!

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 22/04/2026

✨#32 of #85 Things About DIAS Naming of Seismometers One of the seismometers was christened "Allód" an ancient name of the Irish God of the sea. Allód was a winning entry in the seismometer naming competition, suggested by Coláiste Phobail Cholmicille in Donegal! #85ThingsAboutDIAS #DIAS85

Naming of Seismometers

One of the seismometers was christened "Allód" an ancient name of the Irish God of the sea. Allód was a winning entry in the seismometer naming competition, suggested by Coláiste Phobail Cholmicille in Donegal.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 22/04/2026

✨#31 of #85 Things About DIAS SEA-SEIS Deployment In 2018, researchers from DIAS led the SEA-SEIS project which saw state-of-the-art ocean bottom seismometers deployed across the west Irish offshore area, which provide data on a range of activity deep in our coastal waters. #85ThingsAboutDIAS

SEA-SEIS Deployment

In 2018, researchers from the DIAS Geophysics Section led the SEA-SEIS (Structure, Evolution and Seismicity of the Irish offshore) project.

This Project saw state-of-the-art ocean bottom seismometers deployed across the Irish offshore area, to the west of Ireland which provide data on a range of activity deep in Irish coastal waters.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 22/04/2026

Join us in celebrating Earth Day at DIAS! 🌍 Today we’re highlighting the work of our Geophysics Section. Our researchers are helping us better understand natural hazards, climate systems, and the dynamic forces shaping our planet. @dias-geophysics.bsky.social #EarthDay #DIASdiscovers

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 21/04/2026

Our annual Reach for the Stars Competition is now open for entries! 📸 In partnership with @irishtimes.com Head to reachforthestars.ie for more info! ✨

The Reach for the Stars Astrophotography Competition returns for another year.
Irish Times Graphic

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 17/04/2026

✨#30 of #85 Things About DIAS The 2011 International Congress of Celtic Studies Held in Ireland, at MU under the aegis of DIAS. This quadrennial event has grown to be the largest academic conference focused on Celtic Studies, attracting scholars from around the world. @scs-dias.bsky.social #DIAS

2011 International Congress of Celtic Studies

In 2011, the Fourteenth International Congress of Celtic Studies was held in Ireland, at Maynooth University under the aegis of DIAS.
Est.1959, this quadrennial event has grown to be the largest academic conference focused on Celtic Studies, attracting scholars and researchers from around the world.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 16/04/2026

✨#29 of #85 Things About DIAS The First International Congress of Celtic Studies. The foremost international gathering of scholars researching Celtic languages, literature and cultural traditions, was held at DIAS. Organized by the late DIAS Professor Brian Ó Cúiv. @scs-dias.bsky.social #DIAS

The First International Congress of Celtic Studies.

The foremost international gathering of scholars researching the languages, literature and cultural traditions of the Celtic-speaking people, was held at DIAS. The Congress was organized by the late DIAS Professor Brian Ó Cúiv.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Ó Cúiv, David Greene, Cecile O'Rahilly, Carl Marstrander and Angus Matheson.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 07/04/2026

Professor Caitriona Jackman spoke to @Morning Ireland, @news.rte.ie, about NASA’s Artemis II mission and what this tells us about humanity’s return to the Moon and the future of space science. Listen below or click here for the full interview www.rte.ie/radio/radio1... #ArtemisII #DIASDiscovers

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 19/03/2026

✨ #28 of #85 Things About DIAS In 1950, Prof. Leo W. Pollak (Director of the School of Cosmic Physics) asked: “Is the Earth Getting Warmer?” He pointed to early climate evidence—shifting fish, melting glaciers—and a growing consensus on global warming. #DIAS85 #85ThingsAboutDIAS #DIASdiscovers

In 1950, Prof Leo W. Pollak, Director of the School of Cosmic Physics gave a public lecture in UCD, entitled ‘Is the Earth Getting Warmer?’

He outlined early evidence of a changing climate, from the effects of warming latitudes on fish migration, to glacier decay, and noted the growing scientific consensus that gloabl warming was underway.

Prof.Pollak even suggested that Irish coastal towns such as Glengariff in West Cork, or Skerries in Dublin might one day replace the seaside resorts of Southern France!

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 17/03/2026

☘️Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh ó Institiúid Ard-Léinn Bhaile Átha Cliath! 🇮🇪 ______________________________________ Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies! ☘️ 🇮🇪 #Lafheilepadraig #stpatricksday #diasdiscovers #DIAS85

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
Happy St.Patricks Day to you!

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 08/03/2026

Happy #InternationalWomensDay from all of us at DIAS. Today we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the women researchers at DIAS. We remain committed to supporting women to thrive, lead, and make groundbreaking discoveries that inspire future generations. #DIAS #DIASDiscovers 🌍🔬✨

Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at DIAS.

A message from our CEO & Registrar, Dr Euchaira Meehan:

“On International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the women researchers at DIAS. Their work continues to shape discovery research and inspire future generations.

We remain committed to ensuring women are supported to thrive, lead, and make groundbreaking discoveries.”

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 18/02/2026

✨#27 of #85 Things About DIAS The ADH Telescope operated in South Africa until 1980. It made significant contributions to Southern Hemisphere Astronomy. Today original pieces of the telescope, as well as photographic plates are on display at DIAS Dunsink Observatory. #DIASdiscovers #DIAS85

The ADH Telescope operated in South Africa until 1980.
Though the working life of the ADH telescope is now over, its memory remains. It made significant contributions to Southern Hemisphere astronomy, in particular to studies of the Magenellic Clouds, Galactic Structure and southern Milky Way. Today original pieces of the telescope, as well as original photographic plates are on display at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 11/02/2026

On The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the curiosity and brilliance of women who shape discovery across every field. As DIAS marks 85 years of advancing knowledge, we recognise the vital contributions of women in science. #WomenInScience #DIASDiscovers #DIAS85

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 09/02/2026

✨#26 of #85 Things About DIAS The ADH telescope was used to study faint stars in the Magenellic Cloud & Orion Nebula, as well as search for evidence of a black hole in the centre of our galaxy using early electronic detectors. Image: the Eta Carina Nebula as it appears on photographic plate No.H20

The telescope was used to study faint stars in the Magenellic Cloud and Orion Nebula, as well as to search for evidence of a black hole in the centre of our galaxy by using early electronic detectors. Pictured is the Eta Carina Nebula as it appears on ADH photographic plate No H20.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 03/02/2026

✨#24 of #85 Things About DIAS The ADH was the brainchild of Harvard Observatory Director, Harlow Shapley who fortuitously met Taoiseach Eamon de Valera at Shannon Airport in 1948. Shapley introduced himself and discussed ideas for the reopening of Dunsink and the ADH joint telescope project.

The ADH was the brainchild of Harvard Observatory Director, Harlow Shapley who fortuitously met Taoiseach Eamon de Valera at Shannon Airport in 1948, whilst marooned due to fog. Shapley introduced himself and proceeded to discuss ideas for the reopening of Dunsink and the joint telescope project with Harvard and Armagh Observatory.

Bart Bok (Previously Director Harvard Observatory), An Taosieach Eamon de Valera, Eric Lindsey (Armagh Observatory) pictured circa 1961

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 29/01/2026

✨#24 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 1950 the ADH Telescope was installed, it was the largest Schmidt telescope in the Southern Hemisphere in the 1950s. The 36 inch Schmidt telescope was built by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation, financed by a £5,000 grant from Armagh, Dunsink and Harvard. #DIASdiscovers

Image 1.
Once complete the ADH Telescope was installed in Boyden Observatory in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1950. It was the largest Schmidt telescope in the Southern Hemisphere in the 1950s.

The 36 inch Schmidt telescope was financed by a £5,000 grant from each Armagh, Dunsink and Harvard, and was built by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation in the US.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 27/01/2026

✨#23 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS ADH Agreement In 1948 DIAS was central to the first ever inter-governmental agreement between the 2 parts of Ireland. This pioneering collaboration linked Armagh & Dunsink Observatory with Harvard under an agreement to build a Schmidt telescope at Boyden in South Africa

The Armagh-Dunsink-Harvard (ADH) Agreement

In 1948 DIAS Dunsink was central to what was the first ever inter-governmental agreement between the two parts of Ireland, and the first international agreement to operate a shared observing facility in the southern hemisphere. This pioneering collaboration linked Armagh Observatory and Dunsink Observatory with Harvard University under an agreement to build and operate a large Schmidt telescope at the Boyden Observatory in South Africa.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 23/01/2026

✨#22 of #85 Things About DIAS In 1960, John L. Synge, Senior Professor at the DIAS School of Theoretical Physics, published ‘Relativity: The General Theory’, a seminal text that became a standard reference on Einstein’s theory, reaffirming DIAS as a leading centre for research in general relativity

In 1960, John L. Synge, Senior Professor at the DIAS School of Theoretical Physics, published ‘Relativity: The General Theory’, a seminal text that became a standard reference on Einstein’s theory. Renowned for its clarity and depth, the book shaped international research and teaching, reaffirming DIAS as a leading world centre for research in general relativity.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 14/01/2026

✨#21 of #85 Things About DIAS First All-island gravity survey completed In 1957 T.F Murphy completed and published the first all-island gravity survey, creating a foundational dataset that shaped national interpretations of subsurface geology and guided decades of later geophysical work #DIAS85

The first all-island gravity survey completed and published by T.F.Murphy

In the early 1950s, T. F. Murphy of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies conducted Ireland’s first systematic gravity surveys, including major projects in central and northern regions. These efforts added hundreds of gravity stations, produced Bouguer anomaly maps, and established reliable gravity bases.
In 1957 Murphy completed and published the first all-island gravity survey, creating a foundational dataset that shaped national interpretations of subsurface geology and guided decades of later geophysical work.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 09/01/2026

✨#17 - #20 of #85 Things About DIAS Through its early international collaborations, DIAS strengthened Ireland’s academic standing by introducing expertise and methods that would have taken fair longer to develop domestically. The following slides highlight some of DIAS' collaborations. #DIAS85

Early DIAS European Collaboration

Through its early international collaborations, DIAS strengthened Ireland’s academic standing by introducing expertise and methods that would have taken fair longer to develop domestically alone. The following slides highlight some of DIAS' collaborations in France, Italy, Austria and Sweden.

School of Theoretical Physics - Vienna

Walter E. Thirring

Walter E. Thirring was an Austrian physicist who made major contributions to quantum field theory and mathematical physics. After receiving his PhD in 1949, Thirring spent the next few years touring various research institutions across Europe including a period spent at DIAS. DIAS maintained links to the Vienna theoretical physics community through cross-channel exchanges of manuscripts, critiques, visitors and Schrödinger’s intellectual network.

James P.Carney

James P. Carney was an internationally respected Irish scholar of early Irish literature, early medieval history, and Celtic philology. Carney was one of the School of Celtic Studies’ most influential early scholars and later Professor. He was appointed ‘Visiting Professor in Irish Studies’ at Uppsala Universitet in 1950 which marked the beginning of close academic ties between Ireland and Sweden in the fields of comparative Indo-European philology and Irish Folklore.

The Strasbourg Seismological Institute (various researchers)

DIAS’ geophysics teams exchanged data and methods with the Strasbourg observatory, a major European seismological hub. This collaboration with French geomagnetic observatory scientists led the way to later collaborations on magnetometer calibration and long-baseline comparisons.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 03/12/2025

✨ #16 of 85 Things About DIAS - Welsh Studies One of its earliest academic visitors to the School of Celtic Studies was Ifor Williams, the pioneer of medieval Welsh studies. Generations of students have relied on y llyfrau cochion, the little red books of the DIAS Medieval and Modern Welsh series

The School of Celtic Studies was always intended to have a broader reach than Ireland alone. One of its earliest academic visitors was Ifor Williams, the pioneer of medieval Welsh studies. He delivered his seminal Lectures on Early Welsh Poetry delivered March 1943 in collaboration with UCD. The lectures are still in print today.

Since that time, generations of students have relied on 'y llyfrau cochion' - the little red books of our Medieval and Modern Welsh series. Founded in 1957, the series now has fifteen volumes.

Sir Ifor Williams was a Welsh scholar who laid the foundations for the academic study of Old Welsh, particularly early Welsh poetry

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 27/11/2025

✨ #15 of 85 Things About DIAS - No. 5 Merrion Square No. 5 Merrion Square was personally selected by Taoiseach Éamon de Valera as the premises for the School of Cosmic Physics. It now houses the Geophysics section of DIAS. #DIASdiscovers #85ThingsaboutDIAS #DIAS85

No. 5 Merrion Square was personally selected by Taoiseach Éamon de Valera as the premises for the School of Cosmic Physics. The building had previously been owned by Dr Robert Farnan, a Dáil Deputy and family friend. Apparently the house had been a refuge for de Valera on a number of occasions when he was on the run during the War of Independence.
No.5 now houses the Geophysics section of DIAS.

Receipt for the purchase of No. 5 by Dr. Robert Farnan from Lady Stokes in 1903 for £2,400. His son Patrick Farnan gifted the receipt of purchase to the DIAS archive in 2015.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 27/11/2025

Delighted to host yesterday’s launch of INSPIRE Reserch Infrastructure Investment Programme at DIAS Dunsink Observatory — Ireland’s oldest piece of research infrastructure still in operation. A great gathering of voices from across the research community to hear this major news. bit.ly/48k9yxR

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 25/11/2025

✨ #14 of 85 Things About DIAS - Dunsink Open Days In 1949 after years of restoration to Hermann Brück head of the section instituted monthly ‘open days’ whereby the public could visit the Observatory. The first official visitor was Éamon de Valera in January 1949. #DIASdiscovers #85ThingsaboutDIAS

In 1949 after years of painstaking restoration to the buildings, re-cataloguing of the library and an overhaul of out of date equipment, Hermann Brück head of the Astronomy section instituted monthly ‘open days’ whereby the public could visit the Observatory. The first official visitor was Éamon de Valera in January 1949, who was delighted that his cherished project of rehabilitating the observatory was a success.

Since its doors first opened to the public in the 1800’s, Dunsink Observatory has welcomed curious stargazers and continuously sought avenues for public outreach. That tradition continues under DIAS with our visitor nights. The public is welcomed to tour the main building and dome, as well as enjoy talks, demos, and weather-permitting stargazing through the historic Grubb telescope (pictured). Keep an eye out for tickets going live on the DIAS Dunsink Eventbrite page!

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 20/11/2025

✨ #13 of 85 Things About DIAS - Dunsink Observatory becomes part of DIAS Dunsink Observatory was built in 1785, and is considered Ireland’s oldest scientific institution. In 1947 the DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics section became the caretakers of Dunsink Observatory. #DIASdiscovers #DIAS85

Dunsink Observatory was built in 1785, and is considered Ireland’s oldest scientific institution. In 1947 the DIAS Astronomy & Astrophysics section became the caretakers of Dunsink Observatory. Today Dunsink Observatory stands as a physical testament to the evolution of astronomical research and education in Ireland and across the world over more than two centuries. In 2018 Dunsink was designated by the European Physical Society as a “site of historical significance”- the first such designation in Ireland and in 2025 as part of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland, Dunsink Observatory was added to Ireland’s tentative list for Inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 17/11/2025

✨ #11 & #12 of 85 Things About DIAS - The first Heads of Section in the School of Cosmic Physics #DIASdiscovers #85thingsaboutdias #dias85

Leo W. Pollak
First Head of Geophysics Section in the School of Cosmic Physics

The School of Cosmic Physics comprises two main disciplines: Geophysics and Astronomy & Astrophysics. Professor Leo Pollak was appointed Director of the School and Head of the Geophysics Section in 1947. Prof Pollak’s history of strong support for the benefits of geophysical research had long been clear, in 1943 he had sent a memorandum to the Department of the Taoiseach, where he stressed the lack of training and research in geophysics, arguing that “to change this situation, not only unworthy of a cultivated and civilised nation but also injurious to its economic life, the establishment of a school for geophysics is proposed.” His vision was realised four years later with the founding of the School of Cosmic Physics and its Geophysics Section.

Hermann A. Brück
First Head of Astronomy Section in the School of Cosmic Physics

The School of Cosmic Physics is divided into broad sections of study, Astronomy & Astrophysics and Geophysics. In 1947, at the invitation of An Taoiseach Éamon de Valera, Prof Brück took charge as Head of the DIAS Astronomy section. After Dunsink Observatory was transferred to state ownership and attached to The Institute, Brück transformed it into a centre of modern observational technique, installing a large solar telescope and spectrograph as its principal instruments.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 14/11/2025

✨ #9 & #10 of 85 Things About DIAS - The first Directors of the School of Celtic Studies and the School of Theoretical Physics #DIASdiscovers #85ThingsaboutDIAS #DIAS85

Osborn J. Bergin was the first director of the School of Celtic Studies. He was a scholar of the Irish language and early Irish literature, who discovered what is now known as Bergin's law. The Bergin Fellowship Scheme, still in place within the school honours him as one of the outstanding Irish scholars of his generation.

Erwin Schrödinger was the director of the School of Theoretical Physics for the best part of 17 years. Having escaped Nazi occupation in 1939, he helped then Taoiseach Éamon de Valera establish the institute and in 1943 gave his famous ‘What is life?’ public lecture which would help inspire Wilkins, Watson and Crick.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 12/11/2025

✨ #8 of 85 Things About DIAS – 1947 Reception at Áras an Uachtaráin In 1947 DIAS staff, visiting researchers and Council members attended a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin, hosted by President Seán T.Ó Ceallaigh and his wife Phyllis Bean Úi Cheallaigh. #DIASdiscovers #85thingsaboutdias #DIAS85

In 1947 DIAS staff, visiting researchers and Council members attended a reception at Áras an Uachtaráin, hosted by President Seán T.Ó Ceallaigh and his wife Phyllis Bean Úi Cheallaigh.
Pictured Front Row: Monsignor Patrick de Brún (Council Chair), Prof C.Møller, Prof Heitler, Prof Conway, An tUachtarán (S.T.Ó Ceallaigh), Bean Úi Ceallaigh, Prof Pollak and Prof Janossy.
Back Row: Profs Schrödinger, Powell. J.J. Nolan, Born, Fröhlich and Mr. MacGrianna.

Pictured in attendance by The Irish Press, Taoiseach Eamon de Valera, Prof P.M Dirac visiting researcher and Prof L. Janossy of DIAS School of Theoretical Physics.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies @dias.ie · 07/11/2025

✨ #7 of 85 Things About DIAS – School of Cosmic Physics 26 March 1947, the School of Cosmic Physics became the third constituent school of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. The School is organised in two broad sections: Geophysics and Astronomy & Astrophysics #DIASDiscovers

News-clipping from The Irish Press, 27th March 1947 issue.

Established by Govt Order on 26 March 1947, the School of Cosmic Physics became the third constituent school of the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

The School is organised in two broad sections: Geophysics and Astronomy & Astrophysics - their purpose is to use the ideas and methods of physics to understand the world around us, from the interior of the Earth to the edges of the observable universe.

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