Category: STEM

58% of Irish Parents Believe Tech is Preparing Children for the Future Workplace

More than half of parents in Ireland value the role of technology in preparing children for the future workplace. A new survey commissioned by STEM South West, a not-for-profit that promotes STEM education and careers, reveals that 58% of parents of children under 18 see technology as essential for equipping the next generation with the skills they need for the future. However, some groups – particularly younger adults  – are more sceptical, with many believing that technology is a distraction.

These results were published to coincide with the launch of the STEM South West Expo 2025, where PepsiCo are platinum sponsors, will take place on 20th  November at Cork City Hall. The FREE full-day event which will be open to schools only in the morning, and then to the public from 4pm-7pm.

It will celebrate and showcase innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, bringing together students, parents, educators, and industry leaders from across the South West Region. Attendees will explore hands-on exhibits, and interactive displays that demonstrate how STEM is shaping Ireland’s future, with everything from robotics to AI, VR to AR and more being showcased.

STEM South West estimates that at least 35% of Ireland’s 972,000 primary and secondary students[1] will need to pursue STEM education to meet future workforce requirements.

Overall, just over half of respondents to the new survey believe technology is preparing children for the future, but the research found significant differences in viewpoints by age, gender, socio-economic background and region. Experts at STEM SW say these findings highlight a growing debate about the role of technology in childhood learning and development.

Highlights from the STEM South West Survey

  • Generational divide: While 63% of 25 -34 year-olds believe technology is preparing children for the future, only 46% of 18 -24 year-olds said the same. The remainder view it as more of a distraction.
  • Gender gap: 58% of men say technology equips children for the workplace compared with 45% of women.
  • Socio-economic contrast: 56% of ABC1 respondents (higher SES) believe technology is preparing children, whereas 54% of C2DE respondents believe it is a distraction – suggesting concerns about unequal access or overreliance on digital tools.
  • Regional variation: 52% of those in Munster and 54% in Dublin say technology is preparing children, compared with just 45% in Connacht and Ulster. The rest of Leinster aligned closely with the national average at 52%.

Mary Good, Chair of STEM South West, spoke at the launch of the 2025 Expo,

“These findings highlight the diversity of opinion across Ireland. Older millennials, who are embedded in tech-driven workplaces, may see the benefits, while younger adults, particularly those still in education, may be more aware of technology’s downsides, from screen addiction to overreliance”.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was present at the launch, added that,

“Technology is an essential part of how we live and work. We need to teach children how to use it intelligently, creatively, and safely. From coding and digital design to problem-solving and data literacy, these are the skills that will define the future workforce.”

Skills for the Future:

The STEM South West survey also explored which skills people believe will be most valuable for the next generation:

When asked, “Which skill will be most valuable for the next generation?”

  1. Creativity and problem-solving emerged as the top priority (37%).
  2. Followed closely by adaptability and lifelong learning (35%).
  3. Technical STEM knowledge rated highest by 28% of respondents.
  • Age Differences: 18 -24-year-olds prioritised technical STEM knowledge most, with 41% selecting it as the most important skill, just 13% of 25–34-year-olds felt this way. Instead, this slightly older group placed greatest emphasis on creativity and problem-solving (53%), suggesting a possible generational shift in perception.
  • Gender Differences: Men were slightly more likely than women to see technical STEM knowledge as critical (30% vs 25%), while women tended to emphasise creativity and adaptability.
  • Parents showed a fairly even split across all three skill areas, underlining the perception around the complexity of preparing children for a future where both technical expertise and soft skills are necessary.
  • Regional Perspectives: Munster respondents showed a balanced view across all three skill areas (technical knowledge 31%, creativity 33%, and adaptability 34%), giving slightly more weight to adaptability. In contrast, Dublin (42%) and Connacht/Ulster (45%) ranked creativity highest, reflecting perhaps the influence of urban innovation hubs and exposure to industries that prioritise problem-solving and creative thinking.

 

“This feedback suggests that younger adults may be focused on immediate career prospects and educational exposure, while those with more professional experience understand the growing importance of creativity and adaptability in a rapidly changing workplace,” said Ms. Good. “But in reality, the future will demand all three – creativity, adaptability, and strong technical STEM knowledge.

“In a world where AI and automation are taking over routine tasks, the human skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and innovation become even more valuable. STEM education sits at the heart of that balance. It gives young people the tools to understand technology, to use it responsibly and imaginatively, and to apply it in ways that improve our world, whether in healthcare, energy, climate, or beyond.”

“The ability to think creatively, analyse data, and adapt to constant change is what will truly set this generation apart. That’s why fostering STEM skills isn’t just about preparing students for future jobs; it’s about empowering them to shape the future itself.”

STEM South West Expo 2025

Since its launch, the Expo has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s STEM education calendar. In 2024, 88% of student attendees said they were more likely to pursue STEM subjects after taking part.

Ms. Good explained:

“The Expo is not just about showing technology; it’s about inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Students see how their skills apply in real-world contexts, how STEM can help tackle challenges like climate change, healthcare, housing, and energy – and why adaptability and creativity matter alongside technical expertise”.

“Ireland’s future as a global innovation leader depends on equipping the next generation with a combination of technical skills, creativity, and adaptability. This survey highlights both the opportunities and the gaps, and the Expo provides a platform to inspire students and give them the tools to succeed”.

STEM South West Expo 2025
Date: 20 November 2025 | Time: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Schools only in the morning, General Public welcome with free tickets from 4pm  – 7pm) | Location: Cork City Hall
Theme: Celebrating Innovation. Connecting Futures. Inspiring the Next Generation.

Teen-Turn Launches 2025 Incubator in Galway

Last Saturday, teenage girls from across Ireland gathered at Portershed, a modern co-working hub in Galway’s city centre, for the launch of Teen-Turn’s 2025 Innovators programme, which is backed in part by BNY. The event marked the beginning of a year-long initiative designed to help participants turn promising afterschool projects into viable tech start-ups.

Each year, several Teen-Turn teams develop ideas with real commercial potential — projects that could be brought to market or at least developed into minimum viable products (MVPs). The Innovators programme supports these teams through incubator and accelerator phases. By offering expert mentorship and hands-on support, with guidance from industry and academic professionals, participants are taken through the early stages of the start-up process — from concept to MVP, and, in some cases, company formation.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s Incubator and the opportunity to work with such a talented and driven group of young women,” said Iseult Mangan, Regional Manager for Teen-Turn. “It’s a privilege to be part of a programme that helps transform those ideas into real-world solutions with impact — empowering these girls to become founders, build sustainable companies, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

The projects in this year’s cohort are solving problems that are both personal and surprisingly universal — the kinds of ideas that don’t always come from the tech industry, but should. Examples include, from Shannon, Caoimhe, Chloe and Biella are building Focus Future, a platform to help families manage the day-to-day challenges of dementia care. From Claremorris, Ema and Simona are developing Evolve Era, an AI-powered health journal that helps track, analyse and potentially flag skin conditions before they escalate. Michaela (Galway), Orlaith (Mayo), and Flourish (Limerick) are behind Own It, an app designed to help girls and young women navigate menstrual health alongside their sporting and academic lives. And Laila (Longford) and Sofiia (Wicklow) are working on Sweet Health, a diabetes and sugar intake management app.

At the launch, the 2025 cohort had the chance to meet alumnae from previous years of Innovators — and get a glimpse of where their own projects might be headed next. Companies from the 2024 year group, who have graduated from the Incubator to the Accelerator phase, are now introducing to the market their tested MVPs. Donna Mae (Clare) and Dana (Mayo) created Gestura, a sign language learning and translation app. And Nora and Elizabeth, both from Galway, developed UNDump, an app encouraging the reuse and recycling of clothing and household items.

From the 2023 Innovators cohort, Mary Lillibeth, Katie and Aoibheann, all from Mayo, will now embark on the final programme phase of the Teen-Turn initiative, known as Vector. Vector groups benefit from PayPal supports. Their app, HerdSync, is a farm management tool designed to digitise how Irish farms are run. What started a couple of years ago as a Technovation project after school is now being adopted by target users.

At Saturday’s launch, the girls had the chance to work with mentors Joe Smyth, SVP of R&D, AI, Digital and Journey Management at Genesys and Co-founder of Altocloud, and Alice Shaughnessy, Clinical R&D Engineer at Luminate Medical and Co-founder of Mirr. Both entrepreneurs shared their own journeys to startup exits and offered guidance throughout the day. Providing young founders with the opportunity to meet people who have actually built something — those who have taken an idea and turned it into a real product, a real company — is a key part of the Innovators programme. “It wasn’t a huge event — just a small, focused group of teen girls and mentors in a hub — but it felt like the right space to start something meaningful,” said Laila Faissal, one of this year’s participants.

For those girls entering into the incubator phase, in particular, the day marked their first step into the business world not just as learners, but as creators and early-stage founders. With mentorship, peer support, and the backing of industry professionals, they’re developing skills — and products — that could shape Ireland’s future.  The work ahead of them won’t be easy. But the message is clear: they belong in the room — and they’re just getting started.

About Teen-Turn: Teen-Turn is an Irish non-profit organisation that provides teen girls, particularly those from underserved communities, the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience and the support to acquire qualifications and jobs. More information on their activities and the support they provide to girls is available at www.teen-turn.com.

Engineers Ireland celebrate STEPS 25th anniversary with education report

From Awareness to Action: Engineers Ireland advocating for engineering outreach, an education position from the Engineers Ireland STEPS programme, will be presented at the Engineers Ireland STEPS 25th Anniversary Celebration on Monday 7 April with a panel event hosted by Mark Langtry, TV presenter and STEM Education Expert. The panel will feature Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, Úna Parsons, Retired Head of College, Atlantic Technological University, and Head of Faculty of Engineering and Design, and Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director. The paper will be available on Monday 7 April. 

The panel will discuss the findings and recommendations of the paper including the creation of a national Centre of Excellence for Engineering Outreach, embedding engineering more explicitly in school curricula, and pushing for real changes in STEM policy. It calls for targeted teacher training, a national awareness campaign, and a long-overdue recognition of apprenticeships as respected routes into the profession. 

The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is the only national STEM programme with a dedicated focus on engineering. Centred on children aged 5-16, the programme has introduced over 2 million children and young people to engineering as a meaningful and exciting career path. 

If you would like to speak with Dr Keith Sunderland, Engineers Ireland Registrar and STEPS Director about the programme, or the findings and recommendations of the education report

Suggested interview topics: 

  • Skills shortage: A shortage of engineering talent is threatening Ireland’s ability to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven, knowledge-based economy.
  • ‘College-only’ outlook: The lack of awareness, opportunities, and perception of engineering apprenticeships highlights gap in the engineering education and outreach system. 
  • Addressing gender inequity in STEM: 68% of girls-only schools offer STEM subjects other than science or maths, compared to 96% of boys’ schools (IWish, 2024) 

 

About STEPS
The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is designed to open up the exciting possibilities that engineering offers to school children who want to make a real difference in the world. STEPS aims to inspire future generations of STEM talent by providing meaningful, fun, and practical insights into the diverse world of engineering. http://www.engineersireland.ie/schools

About Engineers Ireland
With over 28,000 members, Engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland was established in 1835, making it one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. Members come from every discipline of engineering, and they range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. For more information, see www.engineersireland.ie

70 Irish Girl Guides to compete in FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional at DCU

Excitement is growing as 14 teams from across Ireland get ready to compete in the Irish Girl Guides FIRST LEGO League Challenge Regional, taking place on Saturday 1st March at Dublin City University (DCU). This event is an important step in the season as teams compete for a chance to make it to the Ireland Final in April.

This year, a talented group of girls from 11 Guide and Senior Branch Units will showcase their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while testing their creativity and teamwork. The competition will include a robot game, a research project, and demonstrations of FIRST® LEGO® League Core Values.

 

The teams competing in the Regional Tournament are:

  • Deep Blue Divas – Mosney Guides (8 team members)
  • Mako Mermaids – Boherbue Guides (7 team members)
  • Merlin Dolphins – St. Nicholas & Merlin Wood Guides (4 team members)
  • The Squashed Squids – Macalla Guides (4 team members)
  • Pretty Pearls – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • The Gills – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • The Guiding I’s – St. Brendan’s Guides (3 team members)
  • The Winnie Fish – St. Brendan’s Guides (4 team members)
  • Awesome Octonauts – Dilse Senior Branch (6 team members)
  • Athlone Senior Branch – (5 team members)
  • The Octonauts – Lucan Guides (4 team members)
  • Coral Creators – North Longford Senior Branch (5 team members)
  • Super SB Sealions – Villierstown Senior Branch (5 team members)
  • Tiddles the Turtle – Lily Guides (7 team members)

 

The FIRST LEGO League Challenge encourages participants to tackle real-world problems through innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. The theme for this year’s SUBMERGED℠ Season is focused on exploring the depths of the ocean and learning how to protect our seas. Teams have been working on building robotic models, coding their designs, and preparing their research projects all about life under the water.

“Through the FIRST LEGO League Challenge, Irish Girl Guides is helping to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,” said Katie Keogh, Irish Girl Guides LEGO Representative and the Mosney Unit Brownies and Guides Leader, “We are so proud of the hard work, creativity, and dedication these girls have shown. This event is a great chance for them to learn new skills, show off their achievements, and follow their passions in a fun, supportive environment.”

The Regional Tournament is an important part of the journey, as it determines which teams will move on to the Ireland Final. The day will be full of energy, learning, and friendly competition, with parents, Leaders, and volunteers cheering on the teams. The competition will end with a showcase where teams will present their projects and celebrate their hard work.

Supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme, FIRST® LEGO® League is organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in partnership with Irish delivery partner, CreativeHUT. 

Students Identify Top 3 Barriers to STEM Careers

Lack of awareness around the opportunities STEM holds for their future careers is students’ number one barrier to entry into the industry.

This is according to a survey of more than 150 second-level students*.

Respondents to the STEM South West survey cited their top three possible reasons for not pursuing or considering a career in STEM:

  1. Lack of Knowledge About STEM Careers – 29%
  2. Perception of Difficulty – 21%
  3. Uncertainty About Ability to Handle STEM Subjects – 20%

The experts at STEM South West, an industry-led STEM cluster which promotes and nurtures STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) throughout the South West region of Ireland, say these insights underline the need for better communication around STEM opportunities and better support systems to build confidence and engagement among students.

Mary Good, Chair of STEM South West, spoke of the significance of empowering the next generation,

“Ireland is at a pivotal moment in ensuring its place as a global leader in tech, pharma, MedTech, engineering, and biosciences. For students, STEM is not just a pathway to incredible careers but a chance to contribute to solving the world’s most urgent problems – from healthcare and climate change to housing and energy. By inspiring and equipping today’s students with the skills to innovate and lead, we can secure a brighter future for all.

Ireland’s current STEM industry base and the companies that choose to locate here depend on a robust talent pipeline. Together, we must ensure our students are on board.

We must make students aware of the vast possibilities that lie ahead if they choose a career in STEM. The pathways available are diverse and abundant, ranging from cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence and robotics to groundbreaking work in healthcare and environmental science. By highlighting these opportunities, we can inspire students to envision themselves as the innovators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

STEM Education: The Key to Ireland’s Future Success
To maintain its position as a global hub for innovation, STEM Southwest estimates that at least 35% of Ireland’s 964,000 primary and secondary students will need to pursue STEM education. Current participation trends at the third level show approximately 30% of students studying STEM, with female participation growing steadily at 40% of STEM students[1].

Ms. Good concluded,

“Educating students about the myriads of career options in STEM not only broadens their horizons but also equips them with the knowledge and confidence to pursue these fields. Our goal is to ensure that every student understands the potential impact they can have on the world through a STEM career, and to provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.”

Derry & Belfast girls to attend largest-ever STEM Showcase next year and highlight the range of career paths in public transport open to girls.

I Wish, the programme dedicated to driving the power of STEM to teenage girls, has announced the support of Northern Ireland public transport operator, Translink, to enable even more girls to attend its largest-ever STEM Showcase next year and highlight the range of career paths in public transport open to girls.

Taking place on 6 February 2025 at the RDS Dublin, the 11th annual event will welcome 4,000 teenage girls from across the island of Ireland with the opportunity for young students from Northern Ireland travelling with Translink by bus or rail to the event for the first time, ensuring that the 2025 Showcase will truly be an all-Island event.

The NI pilot will now enable girls from every corner of Ireland the opportunity to meet some incredible STEM role models and speak to some of the largest pharmaceutical, engineering and technology companies, where they will be able to learn more about college courses, careers and get support to make a more informed choice about subjects and their future careers.

Commenting on the partnership, Sharon Lombard, Director, I Wish, said: “This partnership with Translink marks a significant milestone for I Wish. While our programme has always welcomed girls from across the whole island of Ireland, this new collaboration enables us to actively facilitate transport for girls from schools in Northern Ireland to our annual showcase. It’s very exciting to be able to give these young girls access to top female STEM role models and showcase the breadth of career possibilities, empowering them to make an informed choice about their futures”.

Jacqui Kennedy, Chief People Officer, Translink, added: “We are proud to partner with I Wish to promote STEM to young girls and highlight the opportunities these subjects offer. At Translink, we are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, with our Women in Translink network focusing on visibility, influence, and peer support. With a growing female workforce across all roles, this partnership is a great opportunity to showcase diverse careers in public transport and inspire the next generation of women in the industry.”

The Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd said: “I welcome this partnership between Translink and I Wish that will enable teenage girls from schools in the north to join the STEM showcase event in Dublin. There are many opportunities and careers available to our young people through science, technology, engineering and mathematics, not least through my own Department.

“The Department for Infrastructure strives to support women to achieve their full potential as engineers and is an active promoter of gender diversity and workplace equality. It also places a strong emphasis on education and training to nurture the up-and-coming engineers of our future.

“I’m delighted to support this pilot programme to offer public transport to facilitate these students as they explore the exciting potential career paths ahead.”

Junior Minister Pam Cameron said: “I want to congratulate I Wish and Translink for their partnership approach in helping to encourage more girls into a career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. We want to empower girls in Northern Ireland to pursue careers in STEM and next year’s showcase will provide opportunities for local students to attend and meet positive role models from the world of work and be inspired by the opportunities that exist.”

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly said: “It is important that young people here have the opportunity to take part in next year’s STEM Showcase, and this partnership between I Wish and Translink will enable students from the north to join their peers from across the island at this fantastic event. Encouraging more girls to study STEM subjects and pursue careers in sectors such as science and engineering is vital for the growth of our economy.”

This partnership follows the launch of the I Wish 2024 Survey of Female Students’ Perspectives on STEM in October, which revealed that 60% of Irish teenage girls believe that gender inequality is the biggest barrier preventing them from pursuing careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), highlighting an urgent need for more inclusive and supportive environments. While this figure has dropped from 83% in the 2021 annual I Wish Report, it underscores that, despite some progress, systemic change is still required in both society and education to ensure equal opportunities for girls in STEM. Visit www.iwish.ie/surveys/ to read the I Wish 2024 Survey Report in full.

I Wish has had a partnership with Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann since 2023, which provides free bus and rail transport to girls across the Republic of Ireland.

Registration for the 2025 I Wish Showcase is open at iwish.ie/register.

Breaking Barriers in STEM: Over 5,000 Students Benefit from Inclusion Initiative

Today, Maynooth University, in partnership with Microsoft Ireland, Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland and the Department of Education, has published the STEM Passport for Inclusion Impact Report which reveals that over 5,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds have participated in the initiative to date. Notably, 76% of these students are now considering a career in STEM.

The All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion programme is a joint initiative by Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Research Ireland and the Department of Education that addresses inequalities with access to STEM careers among post-primary school students in socially disadvantaged communities. Initially developed as a pilot in 2021, the programme was expanded nationwide in December 2023.

The programme’s innovative approach, which combines a recognised qualification (Level 6 NFQ), education supports, and mentoring from industry role models, provides a unique pathway for female students to progress to third level education and achieve a STEM qualification.

Since its launch, over 5,370 female students from DEIS schools in all four provinces have been engaged, with 50% of participants from rural areas. As part of the programme 1,100 industry mentors have delivered 2,524 mentoring hours. The outcome has been that students from 117 DEIS schools have been empowered to graduate with a university accredited STEM qualification while still in post-primary school.

A survey of programme participants revealed that STEM Passport for Inclusion has positively changed students’ view of STEM with 79% now considering applying to study STEM at third level while 76% are considering a career in STEM.

The programme has also increased students’ knowledge of, and familiarity with, STEM. Only 45% of students reported knowing what STEM was before participating in the programme. This increased to 95% once students completed the programme.

This has helped to reduce the STEM confidence gap between girls in DEIS and non-DEIS schools. Previously, only 3 in 10 girls from DEIS schools were confident they could study STEM in the future while close to 6 in 10 girls from non-DEIS were confident. Once girls took part in STEM Passport for Inclusion, the STEM confidence gap between girls in DEIS and non-DEIS schools was all but eliminated.

While the report details the significant impact of the programme to date, it also includes several informed recommendations to further STEM engagement and the impact of the programme across Ireland.

STEM Impact Recommendations

  • Expand the Programme Across All DEIS Schools: Secure funding to implement the programme in every DEIS school in Ireland – ensure nationwide access to STEM education for disadvantaged students.
  • Provide Necessary Resources to DEIS Schools: Many schools lacked the resources to fully participate in the programme. Supplying these institutions with loaned technology, mobile lab kits, and internet support would help bridge this resource gap.
  • Introduce Funded STEM Work Experience Programmes: Partner with industry to provide work experiences to enhance real-world learning and skill development. This initiative would be particularly valuable for DEIS students, who often lack exposure to STEM career pathways.
  • Fund Longitudinal Research on Programme Impact: Invest in further comprehensive research so stakeholders can gain insights into long-term outcomes, enabling data-driven improvements and enhancing the programme’s sustainability.

The National Skills Strategy identified a need to increase STEM participation to develop the talent and skills that are needed for the future of work. Despite female students accounting for more than half of third-level students, they only make up 35% of STEM students. Moreover, fewer than one in ten graduates in STEM fields are from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. STEM Passport for Inclusion seeks to address this by ensuring that every student, regardless of background, leaves school STEM prepared.

Speaking about her involvement in the initiative and the success of the programme so far, Dr. Katriona O’Sullivan, Digital Skills Lecturer at Maynooth University, said: “The publication of today’s report represents a milestone in the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme. Since its establishment, I have been lucky to see girls complete the programme with a renewed outlook on their potential and their thoughts about themselves have been transformed by the STEM Passport for Inclusion.

“When building out this initiative, we at Maynooth University set out to develop an evidence based, system solution, to address the underrepresentation of diverse women and girls in STEM. The success of the programme is evidenced by the roll out of the programme to over 5000 girls so far.

“We have been fortunate to receive support from our partners at Microsoft Ireland and Research Ireland throughout this journey. Looking forward, we are excited to work alongside third level colleagues around Ireland as the STEM Passport for Inclusion’s reach expands. With the support of philanthropy and our partners, we are expanding the project from 2025-2027, furthering the program’s positive impact.”

Microsoft is the STEM Passport for Inclusion’s lead industry partner, having contributed €600,000 in match funding to date. In addition, Microsoft’s Dream Space education team co-designed the Level 6-accredited (NFQ) STEM Passport module and has supported the delivery of the STEM Passport curriculum to participating students in Dream Space venues in both Dublin and Belfast. More than 300 of Microsoft’s employees are actively supporting the STEM Passport for Inclusion mentoring programme, alongside other educators and representatives from over 180 private and public sector organisations.

Speaking about Microsoft Ireland’s role in the initiative, James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre, said: “Microsoft Ireland has been involved in STEM Passport for Inclusion since its inception three years ago and we’re extremely proud of the role that the Microsoft Dream Space team has played in the co-design and delivery of the programme. In recent years, mass digitalisation and the era of AI have transformed professional expectations and elevated the importance of the next generation engaging in STEM and AI and pursuing a career in the technology sector.

“At Microsoft, we are passionate about ensuring that every young person, irrespective of their background, has the opportunity to engage in STEM and advancements in technology. STEM Passport for Inclusion does just that. Our involvement in the programme, both from a delivery and mentorship perspective, has been extremely rewarding and has allowed us to open our doors to students who traditionally would not have pursued STEM careers. We’re proud of the impact the initiative has had to date and look forward to working with the team at Maynooth University to continue to drive it forward and reach even more students.”

The project is co-funded by Microsoft Ireland and Research Ireland, the new national competitive research and innovation funding agency and the Department of Education. Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland welcomed the report, saying: “We are delighted to continue our support of this wonderfully successful initiative through our Discover Programme. Research Ireland is committed to empowering women from all backgrounds to access vital routes to STEM careers. I’m so excited to see how these students will contribute and thrive as STEM professionals in the future.”

STEM Passport for Inclusion graduate, Ava Kenny is now a third-year science student at Maynooth University. Commenting on her participation in the programme, Ava said: “Before taking part in the STEM Passport for Inclusion I was unsure if I wanted to pursue a college education, let alone pursue a career in STEM. The realm of science seemed distant and unfamiliar to me, and I didn’t know of anyone working in STEM. From my first day in the programme, I was captivated by the many doors a career in STEM could open for me.

“The STEM Passport for Inclusion guided my path into third level education as I am now studying science at Maynooth University. As I move on to the next stage of my life, I am excited about the prospect of a career in STEM and I know that the lessons I learned throughout the programme will stand to me.”

More details on the programme can be found at: STEM Passport for Inclusion | Maynooth University.

Ireland Needs 1 in 5 Students to Pursue STEM to Sustain the Country’s Leadership in Tech, Pharma, and Engineering

STEM South West is back for its sixth year, promising to be the biggest and best one yet – this time taking over Cork City Hall on Wednesday November 20th from 4pm to 8pm. Event organisers are calling on secondary students, parents and teachers to join them for an exciting afternoon journey within the world of STEM.

The theme of this year’s Expo is “The World Needs You: Solving Global Challenges with STEM”. The event will showcase how STEM careers and a STEM education can address real-world problems that impact climate change, healthcare, robotics, AI and medtech.

To maintain Ireland’s position as a leading global hub for tech, pharma, medtech, engineering and bioscience industries, STEM South West estimate that at least 20pc of Ireland’s 964,000 primary and secondary students[1] will be needed to go on to study STEM.

In support of that effort, it is joining forces with industry and education partners on this live showcase event.

FREE for all, they will be welcomed from all corners of the country to get a glimpse into the exciting possibilities and opportunities that await them in any STEM field they choose.

The impact of previous events has been noteworthy, with 9 out of 10 students expressing an increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM after attending the event.

An Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence speaking at the event launch,

“This initiative continues to promote, empower and encourage young people to explore STEM opportunities across industry sectors that significantly contribute to our nation’s economic growth. Investment in knowledge has always been our greatest enabler and STEM South West – with its widespread industry and education partner base – is opening doors for our young people. I wish the organising team, the exhibitors and all of the visiting students, parents, teachers every success and an enjoyable immersive experience.”

Mary Good, Chair, STEM South West commented,

“ Ireland offers an incredible range of opportunities to students that choose to study STEM subjects. These subjects not only serve as the bedrock for so many careers but can also be the ticket for students and young graduates to explore the world, discover, learn and find new ways and means to make a positive impact on themselves and on the lives of others. Every step towards positive change matters as our global society faces critical issues around health, climate change, housing, energy and the very future of how we live and work. Investing in those that will hold the future in their hands,  inspiring and equipping them to learn, lead and innovate is the right thing to do.

The work that STEM South West is doing is necessary to ensure that our current STEM industry base is secure, that companies continue to locate in Ireland, that our start-ups and SMEs are given the opportunity to thrive, and that the students of today are given the skills to tackle the global challenges of tomorrow. STEM South West is driving a collective response to this – by showcasing the incredible range of opportunities that the STEM sector has to offer across the South West.”

The enthusiastic participation of industry experts and organisations underscores the significance of this event in fostering the ongoing growth and prosperity of STEM industries in the region.

Teachers and Guidance Counsellors will have a dedicated section at the event, where they can learn first-hand about the career options now available in the STEM sector in this region.

John Morrissy, CIO of PepsiCo, shared his vision for the event, which is sponsored by PepsiCo,

“We are delighted to sponsor the 2024 STEM South West Expo. PepsiCo is home to hundreds of beloved brands, which support thousands of technical jobs, including R&D, engineering and IT. STEM leaders in these fields create the foundation for future success. Together, they show how science, technology and engineering can unlock creativity that inspires. We look forward to meeting the STEM leaders of tomorrow at Cork City Hall on November 20th”.

Visitors will get to explore exhibits from some of the biggest employers in the country, including Johnson & Johnson, DePuy Synthes, Stryker, Gilead Sciences, Astellas, PM Group, MTU, UCC, Analog Devices, Horner, Astellas, and many more.

Tickets can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stem-south-west-expo-2024-tickets-1022537105007

MTU and CompuCal Announce Partnership to Equip Thousands of STEM Students across Southwest Region with Cutting-Edge Industrial Digitisation Skills

Cork-based software company, CompuCal Calibration Solutions, has partnered with Munster Technological University (MTU) to deliver a forward-thinking program that will benefit Science, engineering and manufacturing students across the Southwest region. This collaboration aims to prepare students by enhancing their digital skills to enable digitisation of paper-based current and future processes within instrumentation, processing and manufacturing sectors by offering a real-world digital technology experience and solution, helping them tackle the evolving challenges.

As part of this partnership, CompuCal’s innovative calibration management software has been integrated into MTU’s Department of Physical Sciences full time and industry focused part time Instrumentation and Calibration programme offerings, supporting modules on process control and instrumentation, calibration and asset management. These programmes will certify students in digital calibration, instrument maintenance, commissioning, and validation, positioning them to thrive in the data-driven, process-controlled industrial environments of tomorrow.

MTU delivers approximately 1,500 STEM students annually, comprising approximately 10% of the national STEM cohort in Science & Engineering disciplines. This collaboration will provide these students with practical, hands-on experience using CompuCal’s latest technology, simulating real-life operational challenges that engineers and technicians encounter in the manufacturing industry.

This type of collaboration enables indigenous industry, which includes both SMEs and MNCs, to become globally competitive by partnership with companies such as CompuCal who have developed innovative solutions to meet the challenges of digitisation in modern industry.

Donal Sullivan, CEO of CompuCal Calibration Solutions, welcomed the partnership, “In the highly regulated world of Biopharma, MedTech, and FMCG, calibration maintenance of assets is critical to keeping operations running smoothly. We are delighted to contribute to equipping Ireland’s future engineers and technicians with the skills needed to meet the challenges of advanced manufacturing. MTU’s leadership in adapting its curriculum to meet industry needs is crucial in shaping a workforce ready to face the rapidly evolving global manufacturing environment.”

Through this collaboration, MTU students will gain vital insights into asset measurement—ranging from temperature monitoring to pressure vessels—and will understand the essential role that calibration plays in ensuring production output, compliance with international standards, audit readiness, cost efficiencies, and business intelligence reporting.

MTU’s Donagh O’Mahony, Head of Department, Physical Sciences also highlighted the significance of the announcement, “This partnership reaffirms MTU’s commitment to engaging with industry and enterprise. We are leveraging the exceptional expertise and innovation of an industry partner to support the development of future generations of talented MTU students. CompuCal has worked with us to review and update some of our core instrumentation and calibration modules, ensuring that they align with the latest in industrial best practice. The resulting changes best demonstrate the role of calibration in a live global manufacturing environment. This is directly relevant to our students and we are excited by the value that is being added to our course work and their learning experience.”

The collaboration, which includes the recent incorporation of CompuCal GO, a mobile app designed for on-site technicians, ensures that MTU students are exposed to the latest technology in the field. This state-of-the-art tool provides a fully digital, paperless solution for calibration and maintenance tasks, integrating real-time data uploads directly to the CompuCal cloud platform.