41 projects receive funding to improve public understanding of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and to support education initiatives for under-represented groups.

A national investment of €4.4 million through Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme was today announced by Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD. The funding has been awarded to a range of projects dedicated to educating and engaging the public in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The investment reflects Science Foundation Ireland’s mission to foster the most engaged and scientifically-informed public. Part of the remit of the Foundation, through its SFI Discover Programme, is to achieve this goal by inspiring and guiding the best in STEM education and public engagement.

41 diverse initiatives will be supported by this year’s programme; 11 of which have been awarded funding for two years. This year’s call received over 80 applications from which successful awardees were carefully selected through international peer-review.

Speaking at the launch of the SFI Discover Awards, Minister Halligan said: “I greatly support the significant efforts being made by Science Foundation Ireland to generate enthusiasm for STEM within the Irish public. The 41 initiatives being funded through this year’s SFI Discover programme will stimulate important public conversations around scientific research and will highlight the individual, societal and economic value of encouraging more people in Ireland to explore science-related careers. By shining a light on Ireland as a hub for excellent research that is far-reaching and inclusive, these projects will pave the way for our country’s innovative future.”

A number of projects specifically aimed at developing computing skills among young people are being funded, including CoderDojo, which is a network of free coding clubs (Dojos) for young people aged between 7 and 17. Approx. 6,000 young people learn how to code and build websites in Irish Dojos.

A continuous professional development (CPD) evaluation programme to facilitate the teaching of the new computer science syllabus at Leaving Certificate is also being funded. This project is being managed and developed by the SFI Research Centre Lero, the world-leading, internationally recognised centre of excellence in software research, in conjunction with education and advisory partners.

Space is another theme being supported again this year, with the Engaging Space project at Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork. This funding will include support for Space Week, which takes place 4th – 10th October 2018. Ireland’s Space Week festival came third in the world in 2017 for World Space Week events.

Examples of new projects that will be supported this year include:

Teen Entrepreneur STEM Camp – An eight-week program of STEM workshops for Transition Year students, organised by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council featuring CAD design, electronics, coding, computer programming, 3D printing, and guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs;
IGGIES – Irish Girl Guides Innovatively Engaging with STEM – A project based in Dublin City University which focuses on the development of concepts relating to science, technology, and engineering with 7 – 10-year-old girls in informal settings;
The Big Life Fix – A transformational science television series from Kite Entertainment which brings together some of Ireland’s leading inventors to create ingenious new solutions to everyday problems and for people in desperate need;
Planeteers – An interactive hands-on education programme for primary level children, created by the Cool Planet Experience, that incorporates the science behind climate change, and encourages pupils to design and engineer their own solutions;
Career Mathways – A novel approach to STEM education developed by the University of Limerick, dedicated to demonstrating the importance of maths and the vast career opportunities which can arise through studying it at third-level.
 


Pictured are Irish Girl Guides, Caoimhe (10) and Sophie (15) Moutray both from Dun Olaf Senior Branch with Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation,
Research and Development, John Halligan TD, Michal Miszta, Dublin Maker, with his BB-8 Droid, Director of Innovation,
Communications & Education for Science Foundation Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman and Dr. Elizabeth Mathews, Assistant Professor, School of Inclusive
and Special Education, Dublin City University. Picture Jason Clarke

 


Pictured are Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Assistant Professor, School of Mathematics and Statistics,
UCD with Michal Miszta, Dublin Maker with his BB-8 Droid. Picture Jason Clarke

Speaking about the Programme, Director of Innovation, Communications & Education for Science Foundation Ireland, Dr Ruth Freeman, said: “The SFI Discover Programme encourages people from all backgrounds to learn about STEM and become involved in the exciting scientific research taking place across Ireland and the world. Discoveries from this research will create solutions to our most pressing challenges, and leave a lasting impact on the world. It is important that the public are informed about these discoveries, and can engage with the researchers who are creating new knowledge and technologies. SFI Discover harnesses the creativity of diverse engagement initiatives to motivate people to explore STEM in novel ways, and through this, we will inspire our future scientists, engineers and innovators. We look forward to working with these exciting projects.”

Science Foundation Ireland has invested in over 200 public engagement projects through the Discover Programme since 2013. This year’s funded initiatives are estimated to reach over two million people.