It was raining. Not the kind of romantic drizzle that poets romanticise, but the full, wind-whipping Belfast kind that makes you question all your weekend plans. Yet, there I was, coat zipped to my chin, stepping into the stunning quadrangle of Queen’s University Belfast for something called “Discover Dogs.” I didn’t know it yet, but that one soggy Saturday in September 2023 was about to unleash a journey that would combine my love of dogs, science, and public engagement in ways I never expected.
That first event was a satellite programme—an offshoot of the Northern Ireland Science Festival. It was small, self-contained, and strictly dog-focused. Only the dogs involved in the event were allowed on-site, which gave the entire day a purposeful, almost theatrical atmosphere. These weren’t just any dogs, either. We saw elite police dogs, search and rescue teams, and these beautifully trained animals were demonstrating real-world applications of behaviour science. Alongside the action, a wide array of talks dug into everything from canine heritability to the intricate process of training a guide dog. I was captivated—this was my kind of event from start to finish.
As a lifelong dog lover, scientist, and advocate for evidence-based animal welfare, I left that day not just inspired but determined. Why wasn’t this part of the main science festival? I asked myself. Armed with that question and a growing sense of resolve, I made a bold decision: I would pitch the idea to Jillian Thompson, the brilliant mind behind the Northern Ireland Science Festival.
To my delight—and some trepidation—she said yes.
And that’s when things got very real.
Four Months, One Vision
I had four months to pull together a full-scale event that would do justice to the first Discover Dogs while fitting into the larger framework of the Northern Ireland Science Festival. I knew what I wanted to showcase: the ways science has revolutionised dog training and welfare, shifting us away from harsh, punitive methods to more humane, positive reinforcement approaches. I wanted people to leave not just entertained, but genuinely informed and inspired.
Fortunately, I’d spent most of my life surrounded by “dog people”—trainers, behaviourists, welfare advocates, and researchers. I started calling in favours and building a team. Speakers? Booked. Demonstrators? On board. The fantastic Animal Behaviour Centre at Queen’s University? Absolutely. The police dog demonstration team? Confirmed. Charities working in rehoming and welfare? They were in too. And as if I wasn’t busy enough, I was also fostering a litter of rambunctious (but adorable) puppies during those final weeks of planning. Honestly, they reminded me daily why this mattered.
As the word spread, something beautiful happened. More people reached out, eager to contribute. Experts in archaeology offered to talk about dogs in the ancient world—how they were revered, buried, and symbolised in past cultures. Researchers volunteered to speak on the physiology of attachment between dogs and humans, exploring the emotional bonds that have evolved over millennia. What started as a passion project began to feel like a true community initiative.
Showtime at the Museum
The first official Discover Dogs Day, as part of the 2024 Northern Ireland Science Festival, was hosted across three fantastic venues: talks took place inside the Ulster Museum, stalls were staged in its bustling entrance hall, and outdoor demos filled the green expanse of Botanic Gardens. For once, the weather played along—bright, dry, and just chilly enough to keep the dogs frisky.
The event drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. Families, students, dog owners, and curious passers-by wandered from stall to stall, soaking up information and chatting with experts. Inside, talks captivated audiences with topics ranging from behavioural genetics to ethical training methods. Outside, the demos kept everyone spellbound—from working dogs responding to commands with surgical precision to search and rescue canines navigating mock disaster zones.
Feedback on the day was overwhelmingly positive. Comments like “So interesting!” and “We need more of this!” poured in. And while the logistics had been intense and the lead-up exhausting, I left that day feeling more exhilarated than I had in years. We had created something special. And more importantly, people had learned something meaningful about the way science touches every part of a dog’s life—and ours.
Discover Dogs Returns: This Time in Derry/Londonderry
The success of 2024 made the return of Discover Dogs in 2025 not just possible, but inevitable. This time, we took the show on the road to the scenic and historic St Columb’s Park in Derry/Londonderry. The setting was a perfect backdrop, full of open space and community spirit. And once again, many of the same incredible contributors returned—like a reunion of a very enthusiastic, very dog-loving science family.
But there were new voices too.
We heard from a veterinary acupuncturist who demonstrated the use of traditional Chinese medicine in improving mobility and comfort for ageing dogs. A campaigner gave a rousing talk on the fight to ban puppy farms and enforce better welfare standards. And one unforgettable presentation explored the human side of search and rescue missions—how handlers and dogs form deep partnerships through shared trauma and triumph.
Everywhere you turned, there was a new story, a new insight, a new way that science and society were intersecting through the lives of dogs.
Why Discover Dogs Matters
At its heart, Discover Dogs is about more than just cute pups and flashy demos (although we have those in spades). It’s about education, empathy, and empowerment.
It’s about using science to challenge outdated ideas—like dominance theory or punishment-based training—and replacing them with methods rooted in behavioural evidence and compassion. It’s about understanding the genetics of our furry friends to prevent inherited diseases. It’s about highlighting the tireless work of those in canine search and rescue, assistance roles, and animal welfare. It’s about showing how deeply dogs are woven into our history, our biology, and our humanity.
Most of all, it’s about building community.
Discover Dogs has brought together researchers, trainers, campaigners, families, students, and lifelong dog lovers. It’s sparked conversations that carry on long after the festival banners are packed away. It’s turned attendees into advocates and curiosity into action.
Looking Ahead
So, will Discover Dogs return for the 2026 Northern Ireland Science Festival?
Well, let’s just say: the dogs are ready, and so are we.
The outpouring of interest and support from the community continues to grow. There are still so many stories left to tell, innovations to showcase, and issues to spotlight. With science as our foundation and dogs as our common passion, the possibilities are wide open.
So watch this space. We’ll see you—and your questions, your enthusiasm, your open hearts—at the next Discover Dogs. And if it rains again? Bring a coat. It’ll be worth it.
