TU Dublin hackathon shines a light on blue light exposure and pollution
The Light for Environment and Health (LEAH) laboratory at TU Dublin, in collaboration with the university’s Engaged Research Network, hosted a dynamic online Blue-Light hackathon on 8th September 2025.
The interactive event, codesigned by the Blu-RAY project team, the Engaged Research Network, and Dark Sky Ireland, with support from the University of Groningen and Ruhr-Universität Bochum, set out to raise awareness of the growing impact of natural and artificial light, including LEDs, on human health and the environment.
A total of 21 participants - research students and staff from TU Dublin and partner universities - took part in the three-hour hackathon, delving into the consequences of light pollution on sleep, health, wellbeing, eyesight and ecosystems.
In advance of the session, participants piloted the Blu-RAY survey and experimented with a lightmeter app to record the levels of light they encountered during their daily routines. Participants reported that the activity proved both surprisingly addictive and highly educational.
The hackathon itself opened with a review of the participants’ light measurements and best practice guidance on the risks and benefits of light exposure. Breakout sessions then gave participants the opportunity to brainstorm practical solutions, from managing personal light exposure and improving campus lighting at TU Dublin, to shaping policy on light pollution.
The event concluded with a specialist talk from Dr Brian Espey of Dark Sky Ireland and Trinity College Dublin. The team issued a call to action encouraging participants to get involved in international citizen science projects measuring night-time light levels.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising both the lively breakout discussions and the sharing of innovative ideas.
The hackathon formed part of the Blu-RAY project, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency. Organisers hope to establish it as an annual national event, helping to increase public awareness across Ireland of the risks posed by blue light pollution and LED lighting, while promoting simple steps to reduce their impact.
If you have any queries about the Blu-RAY project, please contact george.amarandei@tudublin.ie or C20343001@mytudublin.ie (Anna Crowley).
If you have any queries about TU Dublin’s Engaged Research Network, please contact catherine.bates@tudublin.ie.