News & Events

Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor announces recipients of Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award

546 primary schools across the country receive the award in 2016

Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, T.D. has announced the primary schools which have received the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award. The Science Foundation Ireland Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme aims to increase interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) among primary students and teachers. In total 546 primary schools nationwide received the awards this year. 

The Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award recognises the achievements of primary school children and teachers in the application of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in the classroom. To qualify, schools were required to keep a log of STEM activities that they have undertaken throughout the school, for the academic year. Schools were awarded credit for visiting Discover Science Centres, carrying out investigations, using ICT and maths, going on STEM related field trips, hosting scientist and engineer speaker visits, and presenting at a science open day in the school.

Commenting, Minister of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O'Connor, T.D., said: “I would like to congratulate all students and their teachers on their participation in Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Science and Maths Awards. STEM continues to be a growing sector in our economy, creating high quality jobs which will remain a key employer in the years to come. Ireland must ensure that we have a skilled and trained population to meet these needs. Bringing STEM to students at an early age is crucial to ensure the uptake of these important subjects in second and third level education and eventually as careers. I hope these young people have found the inspiration and support they need to go out into the world and pursue valuable and rewarding careers in the exciting fields of STEM in the future.”

Commenting, Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, John Halligan T.D. said: “I am delighted to see how many schools took part in the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards. These awards are extremely important for giving opportunities to young people to explore their natural curiosity and interest in in the world around them through the study of STEM subjects. This exciting programme is run in conjunction with ESERO, an education project of the European Space Agency. Their space related themes appeal to the genuine fascination of young people for space and encourages engagement in STEM subjects. I would like to congratulate all the participants on their excellent work on this truly inspiring programme which brings new life to the teaching of science and math’s to the classroom” 

Commenting on the Discover Science and Maths Awards, Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government said: “It is extremely encouraging to see so many primary schools from across the country taking part in the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards and I would like to congratulate them on their achievement. Encouraging students to engage with science, technology, engineering and maths in a fun and interactive way in their early education is key to shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers. Science Foundation Ireland is committed to breaking down the barriers to participation in STEM, creating a science culture in Ireland and building pride in Ireland’s scientific achievements. Through our 2016 campaign #ScienceRising and the SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths programme we continue to celebrate the successes of Irish science and open the window of opportunity to STEM careers.” 

Please visit www.primaryscience.ie for further information on the Discover Science and Maths Awards and the DPSM programme. 

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For further information please contact:

Niamh Bradley or Alva O’Cleirigh

Science Foundation Ireland

01-6073228/086-0271744 or 01 607 3249/087-9152553 or Alva.ocleirigh@sfi.ie

Sarah O’Connor/Jessica Devenney,

Drury Porter Novelli

Tel: 01 260 5000

087 222 5995/ 086 077 8353

Email: sarah.oconnor@drurypn.ie/jessica.devenney@drurypn.ie

About the Science Foundation Ireland Education & Public Engagement ProgrammeThe Science Foundation Ireland Education and Public Engagement Programme seeks to promote the awareness and engagement of the Irish public with STEM. The purpose of the Programme is to support and develop the education and outreach STEM sector in Ireland by investing in developing and extending capacity in this area and also exploring and encouraging novel means of public engagement and communications.

#ScienceRising is a Science Foundation Ireland campaign that creates the connection for industry and individuals with science and innovation in Ireland.  Ireland is a nation where curious minds live, learn and discover. Known as the land of famous writers, actors and musicians, Ireland is also home to esteemed inventors, explorers, scientists and leaders. Together we shape the future.  Science is part of our past, a past that is often overlooked, an immense part of our present and it is key to our success. There is endless potential still to be realised. The growing impact of Irish scientific achievement will make a difference in people’s lives, support industry investment, future proof our skill base and involve everyone in the potential of science and innovation. We will continue to question, imagine, collaborate, discover, answer and create. We will make a difference to Irish society and our economy.  More importantly, we will make a difference to humankind. Science Rising – sciencerising.sfi.ie