CRANN

LOCATED AT THE NAUGHTON INSTITUTE AT TRINITY COLLEGE ON PEARSE STREET

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The site was constrained by the railway tracks so it is like the bow (sharp end) of a ship and in the past I have had difficulty photographing the building mainly because of traffic or poor weather conditions.

Science Gallery is an international group of public science centres, developed from a concept by a group connected to Trinity College Dublin in Ireland. The first Science Gallery was opened in 2008 and housed in the Naughton Institute at Trinity College.

Each gallery is operated by a major academic institution in partnership with Science Gallery International and each holds various artistic exhibitions and lectures with a view to science outreach and art-science collaborations. Unlike most science centres, they have no permanent collections, but rather a series of three to four temporary exhibitions each year.

Five galleries were established by the end of 2020, with several more planned.

In 2022, the Science Gallery, in Dublin, faced significant financial challenges and was even forced to close temporarily. This was primarily due to several factors:

Accumulated deficits: The gallery had experienced financial losses for several years, leading to a deficit of around €2 million.

Impact of the pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic further affected its income through reduced ticket sales and event revenue.

Funding model concerns: There were questions about the long-term sustainability of the gallery’s existing funding model, which relied heavily on private donations and grants.

The closure triggered public outcry and calls for its preservation. While it didn’t permanently shut down, it led to a period of uncertainty and restructuring. Here’s what happened next:

Discussions and negotiations: Discussions ensued between Trinity College Dublin (which manages the gallery) and the Irish government regarding long-term funding solutions.
New funding secured: Trinity College secured additional funding from various sources, including private donors and foundations.

Focus on sustainability: The gallery actively worked on developing a more sustainable operating model, potentially involving changes to its structure and programming.

Reopening plan: In 2023, Trinity College announced plans to reopen the Science Gallery later that year with a renewed focus on financial stability and public engagement. While the future of the Science Gallery remains in flux, it’s currently operating and showcasing exhibitions. This comeback story demonstrates the ongoing effort to secure its future and continue its mission of fostering public engagement with science through art and innovation.

The Naughton Institute, also known as CRANN (Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices), is a state-of-the-art research facility located on the main campus of Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.

Building Details:

Location: Pearse Street side of the Trinity College Dublin main campus.
Year Built: 2007
Architect: Wilson Architects and RKD
Floors: 5 above ground, 2 basement levels
Facilities:
Environmentally controlled, vibration-free laboratories specifically designed for nanoscience research.
Clean rooms for research requiring minimal dust contamination.
Theatre for presentations and lectures.
Science Gallery, a public exhibition space showcasing science-themed art and installations.
Reception, cafe, offices, and staff amenities.
Image of Naughton Institute, Trinity College Dublin

Purpose:

The Naughton Institute’s primary purpose is to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This involves studying and manipulating matter at the atomic and molecular level, with potential applications in various fields such as:

Materials science: Developing new materials with improved properties, such as strength, conductivity, or biocompatibility.
Electronics: Creating smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices.
Biotechnology: Designing new drugs, diagnostics, and therapies.
Energy: Developing cleaner and more efficient energy sources.

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