UCD researcher leads school outreach project highlighting Irish “maths superwomen”
11 February 2025
Sheila Tinney, renowned mathematical physicist and UCD associate professor, features in the Ireland's Maths Superwomen project
A nationwide outreach project led by (opens in a new window)Dr Christiana Pantelidou from the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics has highlighted the achievements of Irish women in mathematics, with the aim of encouraging girls in primary school to consider STEM careers.
“Ireland’s Maths Superwomen” profiles seven Irish female mathematicians, including Dr Pantelidou herself, as well as Sheila Tinney, the renowned mathematical physicist and UCD associate professor.
Working alongside primary school teacher Caitriona O’Sullivan and artist Lauren McHugh, Dr Pantelidou has developed a poster exhibition aimed at 8-10-year-old girls from rural areas of Ireland, celebrating the life and achievements of the mathematicians.
Over the next year, English and Irish-language versions of the posters will be distributed to mixed or girls-only schools and community centres across the country, as well as being available online.
The project was showcased at an event to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February at the (opens in a new window)UCD Innovation Academy. Eighty primary-school children heard directly from Dr Pantelidou, learned more about the mathematicians and took part in creative exercises.
Providing role models to inspire them to continue with science, the project aims to promote “scientist” as a possible and desirable career among primary-school girls.
Dr Pantelidou is also seeking to challenge notions of science as a ‘masculine’ interest, ultimately increasing female representation in STEM careers.
“This project is about inspiring and empowering the next generation of scientists,” said Dr Pantelidou.
“Science is for everyone, and everyone should have equal opportunities in pursuing their dreams.”
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
