Research News

Research Ireland Discover Programme funding for 7 UCD projects inspiring STEM public engagement

  • 04 April, 2025

 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD, have announced a €6.5 million investment in 40 projects designed to enhance public engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Seven of the projects are from UCD. The Research Ireland Discover Programme focuses on creating meaningful public engagement with STEM, emphasising collaboration with communities. The programme seeks to drive innovation in STEM education and public engagement, contributing to Ireland’s industry, enterprise, and societal progress. 

Announcing the funding, Minister Lawless highlighted the importance of the initiatives, “These Discover-funded projects are crucial for triggering curiosity and encouraging greater participation in STEM across all education levels and within our communities. In particular, this investment will help foster a deeper understanding of STEM among underrepresented voices and inspire many of them to potentially become more involved in studies and careers in these fields. This will empower future generations to tackle societal challenges and share innovative solutions.” 

Welcoming her department’s co-funding of eight Discover projects, Minister for Education and Youth McEntee said, “Advancing a greater awareness and appreciation of STEM among our communities can play an instrumental role in inspiring students of all ages. STEM stretches far beyond the classroom and lecture halls, and the projects we are supporting will help thread theories through to real-world application and relevance. The Department of Education is proud to partner again with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science through this Research Ireland Discover Programme.” 

Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO at Research Ireland, welcomed the announcement, stating, “The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a cornerstone of our education and public engagement strategy. We are so pleased to be supporting these 40 projects and look forward to seeing them strengthen STEM engagement across Ireland and encourage more inclusive participation in shaping the future of science and innovation in Ireland.” 

The UCD Initiatives are: 

In addition, Assoc Prof Shane Bergin, UCD School of Education will lead the National Concert Hall project 'Quavers to Quadratics: Music and Science'. Now in it's 12th year of funding, the programme sees children play with ideas common to science and music. It has involved over 13,000 children, led by over 600 UCD undergraduate students. 

This is the 3rd funding award received from Research Ireland for the CuriosiTY Initiative, an immersive work experience placement in UCD Conway Institute for transition year pupils who experience disadvantage. Since the pilot in 2021, the initiative has delivered nine structured weeks to 218 pupils, held 14 CuriosiTY roadshow events for over 1,000 pupils and initiated a longitudinal evaluation of the programme. Co-designed with pupils, teachers and staff in UCD Access & Lifelong Learning, the initiative includes targeted measures to enable participation by pupils from 16 UCD-linked DEIS schools, 13 schools in areas of geographical disadvantage linked with the Amgen Biotech Experience Ireland programme, and children of women in minority communities involved in Cut From the Same Cloth. Read more about the programme here.

For a full list of projects awarded under the Discover Programme this year and further information, visit the Research Ireland website.

Pictured: Students participating in the CuriosiTY placement week at UCD Conway Institute.