KPMG has today announced a new partnership with pioneering Irish named astronaut and bioastronautics researcher, Dr Norah Patten. The partnership will see Dr Patten come on board as a KPMG brand ambassador as she prepares for her historic research spaceflight, which will see her become the first Irish astronaut to travel to space.
KPMG is a long-term supporter of high performance and potential in Ireland, striving to inspire future generations across sport, business, and innovation. Alongside its landmark sponsorships of leading Irish sportswomen including golfer Leona Maguire, former jockey Rachael Blackmore, and athlete Rhasidat Adeleke, this new partnership represents an expansion of KPMG’s ambassador programme into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
By supporting Dr Patten, KPMG is championing a mindset of curiosity and progress that will underpin Ireland’s future. Girls continue to opt out of STEM subjects at an early stage in Ireland, with only 29% of girls choosing a STEM subject beyond maths or science in secondary school. Additionally, distinct access disparities persist at school level, where just 5% of girls from single-sex schools reported access to construction studies, 6% to engineering, and 20% to technology.
Through this partnership, KPMG and Dr Patten aim to showcase what is possible, inspiring the next generation of females to unlock their potential in STEM fields. Whilst Dr Patten prepares for her historic spaceflight, this collaboration reflects KPMG’s belief in backing potential, championing progress, and helping leaders turn ambition into action and advantage through resilience, discipline, and high performance.
Speaking about the new partnership, Dr Norah Patten said: “I’m incredibly proud to become a KPMG ambassador. I have been deeply impressed by KPMG’s long-standing support for talent and equality in Ireland, particularly their dedication to elevating women in sport and business. Preparing for a spaceflight mission requires rigorous preparation, strategic insight, and discipline, values that are central to KPMG. Their support will be a fantastic boost for me moving forward as we prepare for the IIAS-02 mission. Together, I hope we can show the next generation of Irish minds what is possible when ambition is supported and given the opportunity to thrive.”
KPMG Managing Partner in Ireland, Ryan McCarthy, added: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Dr Norah Patten today. Dr Norah is a true role model, demonstrating incredible resilience, dedication, and high performance. Dr Norah’s journey reflects the ambition, talent, and potential that exists across Ireland today. Through this partnership we want to play our part in making Ireland a place where people, ideas, and innovation truly succeed, while inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders who will shape our future.”