March University of Galway awarded funding to advance STEM engagement through Irish

University of Galway will lead a national initiative to bring STEM to life through the Irish language, creating new opportunities for communities, schools, and professionals. 

The two-year STEM as Gaeilge project has been awarded €268,000 by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland through the Discover Programme.  

 The funding will support a national programme of science communication, public events and educational initiatives delivered through Irish, increasing the visibility of STEM and strengthening pathways to STEM education and careers for Irish speakers nationwide. 

 Activities will roll out over two years, engaging with Irish-speaking communities, STEM professionals, and learners nationwide. 

Key initiatives of the project include: 

• A documentary showcasing STEM research and innovation across Ireland, which will be produced through the Science on Screen initiative run by CÚRAM and Ardán 

• Delivery of workshops in digital engagement and data literacy to build confidence in discussing and interpreting STEM topics through Irish 

• Expansion of the STEM Ambassadors through Irish scheme, connecting researchers and professionals with schools and communities 

• Dedicated STEM events in Gaeltacht regions 

• Expansion of Oícheanta Ólaíochta (Pint of Science in Irish) to new locations nationwide 

• Specialist training to build long-term capacity among professionals working in STEM through Irish 

• A national STEM competition for school students 

 Together, these initiatives aim to normalise Irish in scientific discussion and increase participation in STEM across communities nationwide. 

 Professor Becky Whay, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said: “University of Galway is proud of its bilingual status, and we are very excited about this project. Supporting the Irish language is important to use across all disciplines. The University is uniquely positioned, with Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge and our Gaeltacht campuses, to foster connections with the many biomedical and renewable energy companies in the Gaeltacht. By empowering students, staff and communities to engage with science through Irish, we are helping to strengthen pathways for learning, innovation and public participation across the country."

  Project Lead Dr Fintan Hegarty from the University’s School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, said: “Irish is a living language, and it is important that we use it to discuss not only our heritage, but also the issues that shape our future. STEM affects us all - from medical advances during the pandemic to developments in artificial intelligence. Our aim is to create spaces where we can have informed and engaging conversations about STEM, and simply forget that we happen to be having them in Irish.”  

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