Tag: #students

Shannon Airport to host inspiring Explore Engineering Showcase for 5th consecutive year

For the fifth consecutive year, the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport will be transformed to host the highly anticipated Explore Engineering Showcase 2026 on Thursday 5th March. This inspiring event brings together 2,000 senior-cycle secondary school students, teachers, their parents, professionals, and industry leaders for a dynamic celebration of engineering excellence and innovation.

Established in 2015, this annual event provides a unique platform for students and emerging engineers to speak directly with over 60 engineering companies in the Mid-West and gain insights into the latest technological advancements.

Key educational institutions from across the Mid-West will come together to showcase the diverse pathways open to students, from apprenticeships and training bodies to third-level programmes, for students, parents, guidance counsellors, and teachers.

Speaking today, Eimear Brophy, Chairperson of Explore Engineering, said: “The Explore Engineering Showcase is about inspiring future engineers and connecting them with real training and career opportunities close to home. We invite students, their parents, and educators to join us in Shannon Airport as we showcase the very best of what the Mid-West region has to offer the future of engineering talent.” 

Commenting on the event, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group said: “It’s a real honour for us to host the Explore Engineering Showcase in Shannon Airport. Engineering and aviation go hand in hand and several of the companies participating are an integral part of the Shannon Airport Business Park, where innovation and creativity thrive. It’s wonderful to see the curiosity and passion for engineering this event helps to ignite in students – future talent who will undoubtedly play an important role in our business and the wider region in the years ahead.” 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, witness live demonstrations, and participate in hands-on activities designed to spark creativity and problem-solving skills.

The Explore Engineering Showcase takes place in the Departures Hall of Shannon Airport on Thursday 5th March 2026. Admission and parking are free. Pre-registration is not required. Doors open from 5pm.

 

RED BULL IS LOOKING FOR IRELAND’S BEST TETRIS PLAYER

Red Bull is looking for Ireland’s best Tetris player to compete at the Red Bull Tetris World Finals in Dubai! Live in Ireland from today, Red Bull Tetris® invites students and gamers of all levels to test their skills in the world’s most versatile Tetris tournament.

First launched in 1984, Tetris® is one of the most iconic video games of all time. From its early days on PC to becoming a cultural phenomenon on the Nintendo Game Boy in the 90s, the simple but addictive puzzle game has soundtracked student dorms, bedrooms, and arcades for decades.

Now, in 2025, Red Bull Tetris® takes the beloved classic into the future – a cross-platform tournament that blends the nostalgia of old-school gameplay with modern competition. For the first time, players will compete across multiple platforms, testing their skills in a dynamic, multi-device environment, with the single-player Qualifier Phase now live in Ireland.

Players eager to prove themselves can start competing today at www.redbulltetris.com.

The single-player, mobile qualifier phase is open to participants of all levels aged 18 and over, from casual players to seasoned competitors. With campus qualifiers taking place in colleges across Ireland, competition is heating up for a place on the national leaderboard.

Those with the highest scores will be invited to the Red Bull Tetris® Irish National Final on Thursday, November 6th. The event will take place at Zero Latency, Dublin’s cutting-edge free-roam VR venue, where the best players from across the country will play 1v1 on desktop for the title of Ireland’s top Tetris player.

The stakes? The Irish National Champion will secure their place in the Red Bull Tetris® World Finals in Dubai, taking place from December 11th – 13th. This once-in-a-lifetime event will be hosted at the iconic Dubai Frame, where the final match will unfold in the night sky – a world-first live playable game of Tetris powered by over 2,000 drones.

Speaking as the global partnership was announced, Maya Rogers, the President and CEO of The Tetris Company, said: “Our partnership with Red Bull celebrates what Tetris has stood for since the beginning: simple, joyful gameplay that connects people across the world.” 

“For over 40 years, Tetris has remained a beloved game through its ability to adapt and inspire. Red Bull Tetris is the next chapter, bringing a bold, unexpected twist to the tournament scene and offering fans a spectacular new way to engage with the brand.”

The search for Ireland’s best Tetris player has started – build your path to Dubai today at www.redbulltetris.com. For updates, qualifier announcements, and more, follow @RedBullIre on Instagram and TikTok.

Amazon launches ‘Think Big Circle’ to connect Irish students with peers worldwide

Today, 25 students from Gaelscoil na Giúise in Tallaght will join 130 schools from over 30 countries to compete in the Coding4Mandela Tangible World Cup.

Sponsored globally by Amazon, the event marks the official launch of the Amazon Think Big Circle, a global collaboration platform designed to connect and empower Amazon Think Big Spaces worldwide.

The Tangible World Cup is an annual online competition that brings together learners to solve engaging, never-before-seen Tangible Coding challenges. This unique unplugged approach teaches key problem-solving and coding skills using physical grids, tokens, and mobile devices.

Following the launch, the Amazon Think Big Circle will become the central hub for continued collaboration, supporting the co-creation of programmes, peer-to-peer learning, and innovative global events that inspire creativity and build community impact.

Opened in 2022, the Amazon Think Big Space in Tallaght was the first of its kind to launch in Europe, and was created in collaboration with South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and South Dublin Libraries to provide a place beyond the classroom for students to explore and cultivate an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) and STEM-related careers.

The facilities were thoughtfully designed to ensure that students and the wider community have access to high-quality resources to learn about cloud computing and technology in an equitable way. To achieve this, AWS has donated interactive screens, tablets, VR headsets and other resources to furnish the Amazon Think Big Space, and create an immersive, hands-on approach to learning.

Joanne Reynolds, Regional Community Engagement Manager at AWS in Ireland, said: “The launch of the Amazon Think Big Circle marks an exciting new chapter for the Amazon Think Big initiative, and global learning and collaboration. We are delighted to have Tallaght’s very own Gaelscoil na Giúise representing Ireland among over 130 schools participating in the Tangible World Cup today globally. This initiative demonstrates what’s possible when we empower young people with the tools, space, and confidence to solve problems together, regardless of their location. It’s not just about coding skills, it’s about breaking down barriers, building connections, and inspiring the next generation to think big!”

For the learners in Tallaght, the event is about more than just a competition, it is a chance to connect with peers across the globe, experience the excitement of a live international challenge, and develop skills that will help address both the digital divide and the social divide.

Ellie Nì Mhaonaigh, aged 12, a participant from Gaelscoil na Giúise said: “The coding is like a puzzle, and I love working with my friends as a team to solve the different levels. It was also cool to see schools from other countries.”

The Tangible World Cup is supported as a part of Amazon’s global investment in STEM education and community development, ensuring that students everywhere – from rural villages to major cities – have the opportunity to build skills needed for the future.

For more information:
Website: https://aws.amazon.com/about-aws/global-infrastructure/community-engagement/

Students Recycle 1.5 Million Batteries and save valuable materials from landfill

Students across Ireland saved the equivalent of 1.5 million AA batteries from landfill last school year – the weight of close to four school buses – with one small school collecting nearly 2,000 AA batteries per person.

Cloonfour National School in Roscommon, with just 40 pupils, proved that even the smallest schools can make a massive impact as they rallied their families and community to collect used batteries for recycling and win their category in the national WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition.

Other winning schools hailed from Galway, Carlow, Roscommon, Waterford and Donegal, with each awarded a €2,000 sports voucher for their efforts.

This year’s competition launches as the new EU Batteries Regulation come into full effect, bringing higher waste battery collection, recycling and recovery targets.

WEEE Ireland is calling on schools, families, and communities nationwide to get involved by gathering used batteries for recycling and help Ireland meet these ambitious goals – while supporting environmental protection and the programme’s charity partner LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

The competition is open to all primary and secondary schools in WEEE Ireland’s battery recycling counties that collect at least 10 full 5kg battery boxes.

“The new EU Batteries Regulation raises the bar for all of us, and schools across Ireland are proving they are ready to meet that challenge,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland.

“The incredible efforts of students, teachers, families and local communities will help ensure we meet the minimum recovery targets for materials like cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, and nickel. This ensures these materials are recaptured for use again in manufacturing, as part of a more sustainable and circular battery economy.

“Every year we see how collective action can achieve real results – and even the smallest schools, like Cloonfour National School, can make an outsized contribution.”
Expressing her gratitude, Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn said:

“The funds we have received from WEEE Ireland as a result of battery recycling programme over the last 14 years of this partnership have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s specialised care and supports all across Ireland.”

“This year’s donation brings the total fundraising to an incredible €610,000.  LauraLynn would also like to say a huge thank you WEEE Ireland for the support across this campaign over the last number of years and to everyone who took the time to recycle their batteries.

“It may seem like something small, but for the children and families who rely on LauraLynn, and for the environment, it is huge and very impactful.”

Schools can find more information and order free WEEE Ireland Blue Battery Boxes at www.weeeireland.ie.

Power Up Your College Year With Tech from eBay Ireland

As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, college students across Ireland are gearing up for another academic year. eBay Ireland offers a smart solution for savvy students looking to upgrade their tech setup without breaking the bank, while also providing a simple way to earn extra cash. The secret? Selling old tech and buying refurbished.
eBay Ireland is the ultimate destination for students seeking high-quality, affordable, and sustainable tech. More than just a marketplace, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, extending the lifespan of products and significantly reducing waste. From top-of-the-range laptops and versatile tablets to reliable smartphones and essential tech accessories, eBay Ireland offers a vast selection of both new and quality refurbished tech, all delivered directly to your door.
Study Smarter, Save More with eBay Refurbished
For students looking to make the most of their budget and make sustainable choices, shoppers can lean on eBay Refurbished as the perfect secret weapon to source the best pre-loved products.
Featuring thousands of amazing Irish sellers offering an incredible variety and value that’s hard to find elsewhere, students can discover deals like Refurbished Apple AirPod Pros for just €50.00 – over 50% less than the RRP (eBay seller: rymcna_47).
Turn Old Tech into New Opportunities
Beyond buying, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste through selling on the platform. This summer, eBay is empowering students to generate funds for their new academic year. Got tech you no longer need? Listing it on eBay is a simple way to declutter and put those funds towards your next essential upgrade, and with eBay’s innovative product development and investments in AI, selling on the platform has never been easier, making the back-to-college transition even smoother.

Microsoft Marks 50th Anniversary with Invite to Students to Join AI Skills Fest

Microsoft marks its 50th anniversary globally, a major milestone on its journey of shaping and developing the innovative technologies transforming our economy and society.

To celebrate this milestone, Microsoft is rolling out AI Skills Fest, a 50-day series of curated events and opportunities to engage in AI discovery and learning. The series of events will cater for everyone from professionals to students and business leaders offering a unique opportunity to advance AI skills through hackathons, live training sessions, on-demand experiences, community events, and much more.

The Microsoft AI Skills Fest will begin with a spectacular Kick-off Celebration on April 8th, 2025. Starting in Australia at 9 AM Australian Eastern Standard Time and wrapping up in the United States at 4 PM Pacific Daylight Time, this 24-hour, globe-spanning event will feature a variety of AI learning activities designed to engage and inspire learners of all experience levels.

In Ireland upper primary, post primary and Youthreach students are also being invited to join the Dream Space Live AI Skills Fest event on April 8th from 10am – 3pm. The five-hour virtual event, streamed live from Microsoft Dream Space, will immerse students in the world of AI through interactive sessions that encourage learners to grow and enhance their AI fluency.

Led by Microsoft’s team of Dream Space educators, learners can look forward to engaging AI sessions tailored to their needs, including hands-on creative AI challenges, discussions on ethical AI, and an exploration of future AI careers.

This event is one of many events taking place across the globe to achieve a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for most users to take an online multi-level artificial intelligence lesson in 24 hours.

“Today, as we celebrate 50 years of innovation at Microsoft, we look forward with great excitement to the opportunities the next era of technological transformation will bring. AI is redefining how we live, work and do business. That’s why it’s crucial we equip everyone across society with the skills and capabilities to succeed in an AI enabled economy”, said James O’Connor, Microsoft Ireland Site Leader and Corporate Vice President Microsoft Global Operations Service Centre

“As we mark this milestone, we’re proud to continue delivering on our commitment to empower every individual across Ireland to thrive in the era of AI. Kicking off with a special Microsoft Dream Space event, which will be streamed live for students across the country, the Microsoft AI Skills Fest provides a valuable opportunity to inspire, educate and enhance AI skills and fluency for everyone across the island of Ireland. We hope all students and educators will take the opportunity to engage with this special Dream Space event, and that adults across the island of Ireland will participate in some of the many AI learning events over the next 50 days to advance their AI skills.”

 To register your school for the virtual event on April 8th,  go to Dream Space Live: AI Skills Fest.

For anyone who is not an educator or student and looking to engage with many of the other AI learning opportunities as part of the wider Microsoft AI Skills Fest go AI Skills Fest | Home.

SciFest competition kicks-off ahead of its 20th anniversary

SciFest, Ireland’s largest and most inclusive STEM fair programme for second-level students has announced its return ahead of its 20th anniversary with a call for entrants to the SciFest regional fairs, taking place across the country. The SciFest programme is funded by grants from the Department of Education and Research Ireland and by private sector sponsorship, primarily by Intel, Boston Scientific, EirGrid and new partner Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

SciFest organisers kicked off the launch of the 2025 competition in Explorium with students from Firhouse Educate Together Secondary School in Co. Dublin, and announced the theme for 2025 as ’STEM is for All.’

Project entries are accepted across a range of scientific disciplines including physical and life sciences and technology. Students wishing to participate should log on to the SciFest website (www.scifest.ie) and enter online. Completed entry forms must be submitted by 12 March 2025.

The regional fairs take place across the months of April and May, with selected winners going on to compete at the SciFest National Final in November 2025. Here, they will have the opportunity to take home the overall prize and represent Ireland at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in the United States next year.

Speaking ahead of the competition’s 20th year, Sheila Porter, SciFest Founder and CEO said:

‘SciFest is back for 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited. I would urge all students to get involved and enter, no matter your background or circumstance, to explore the wonderful world of STEM and all it has to offer. Previous winners of the competition are thriving and have gone on to achieve incredible things, from launching their own start-ups to studying at prestigious institutions like Oxford University. SciFest opens the door to an array of opportunities.

As we plan for our 20-year celebrations, we look forward to an exciting year ahead in which the competition will grow to even greater heights. I want to take a moment to thank our sponsors for their continued support, without which none of this would be possible. We can’t wait to see the fantastic and innovative projects that lie ahead, so don’t miss out! Sign up today and be part of this exciting journey.’

The competition has grown rapidly since its inception in 2006 and drew over 15,000 student participants last year. SciFest aims to support students in research development, critical thinking, and problem-solving, all the while fostering an interest in STEM. It is free to enter and is open to students of all backgrounds and circumstances.

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.”

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