Science Foundation Ireland invests €2.8 million in 42 science projects
The Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills, Damien English, TD today announced details of a €2.8 million national investment in 42 initiatives aimed at engaging the Irish public in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover funding awards.
This investment further supports our national aim to have the most scientifically engaged public; breaking down barriers and creating more accessible paths to skill acquisition and ultimately fulfilling careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Geographically dispersed, it is estimated that these STEM projects will touch 3.6 million people in Ireland by the end of 2017.
Announcing the funding at an event at Farmleigh House in Dublin on Thursday, Damien English explained:
“From a very low base, Ireland has today become home to nine of the top ten global ICT companies, nine of the top ten global pharmaceutical companies, 17 of the top 25 global medical devices companies, and more than half of the world’s leading financial services institutions. Ireland is now in the Global Top 20 for the quality of our scientific research, and is ranked first in the world for its research in nanoscience, second in computer science and in immunology, third in animal and dairy science, and fifth in materials science. It is vital that we continue to foster further innovation and STEM industries by encouraging the general public, and in particular our young people, to have an understanding and appreciation of the role of STEM in our society.”
These projects complement current Science Foundation Ireland ones such as Science Week, Smart Futures and work carried out by the 12 Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres nationwide to engage and inspire the public in STEM.
