Celebrating a Decade of Impact: ABE Ireland Awards Grants to Innovative Teachers

ABE Ireland is 10 years old! In celebration of this anniversary and its pivotal role in the Amgen Biotech Experience’s (ABE) 1 millionth student milestone, ABE Ireland has announced a series of special grant awards totalling €20,000 aimed at amplifying the impact of its biotechnology education programme.

The programme site team based in Systems Biology Ireland and UCD Conway Institute invited ABE educators across Ireland to apply for funding to enhance their ABE teaching initiatives and expand the reach of biotechnology learning.

The initiative, which underscores ABE Ireland's commitment to advancing biotechnology education, has culminated in grant awards to four exceptional teachers.  These grants are set to bolster educational projects that will not only benefit their students but also contribute valuable resources and insights for the wider ABE community. The awardees are: 

Daryl Caplice of O’Carolan College, Nobber, Co. Meath

Daryl Caplice has been awarded funding for his innovative proposal to establish an ABE distribution hub within O’Carolan College. This initiative aims to create a centralised resource center serving the Louth / Meath area where local schools can collaborate, share learnings, and access valuable biotechnology materials. Caplice’s project promises to foster a network of educational support and resource sharing within the region, enhancing the biotechnology learning experience for students across multiple schools.

Declan Cathcart of Temple Carrig School, Greystones, Wicklow

Declan Cathcart’s grant will support his development and delivery of a train-the-trainer workshop for Oide Schools’ Support Service advisors. This workshop is designed to equip advisors with the skills necessary to offer professional learning  opportunities to teachers in preparation for the introduction of the new Leaving Certificate biology specification in 2025–26. Cathcart’s initiative will play a crucial role in preparing educators for the forthcoming curriculum changes, ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in biology education.

Amanda Loftus, Professional Master of Education (PME) Student at Holy Family School for the Deaf, Cabra, Dublin

Amanda Loftus’ award will enhance biotechnology education for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Her proposal includes creating additional Irish Sign Language (ISL) resources in collaboration with Dublin City University to supplement existing molecular biology signs. Loftus aims to then use these signs in her ABE classroom to provide a more inclusive and accessible biotechnology education to her students.

Tracy Mason of St. Mary’s Academy, Rathnapish, Co. Carlow

Tracy Mason proposed to launch an after-school genetics club at St. Mary’s Academy. This club will engage students in molecular biology techniques through hands-on, inquiry-based projects, with a focus on agricultural applications. Mason’s project is particularly notable for its potential to inspire students through practical, real-world science experiences, broadening their understanding of genetics and its relevance to agriculture.

The ABE Ireland team, the ABE Program Office, and the Amgen Foundation extend heartfelt congratulations to all the grant recipients. Their innovative proposals reflect a deep commitment to advancing biotechnology education and a shared vision for enhancing the learning experience for students across Ireland. As ABE Ireland celebrates its 10th anniversary, these projects represent a significant step forward in expanding the impact of biotechnology education and fostering collaboration within the educational community.

For more information about ABE Ireland, please visit https://amgenbiotechexperience.net/ie.