Ministers Lawless and McEntee announce €6.5 million funding for 40 initiatives to inspire STEM public engagement

Among the 40 projects supported through the research Ireland Discover Programme are:

• All-Ireland STEM Passport for Inclusion 2025-2027, which partners with universities and industry to support 5,350 students through university-accredited qualifications, industry mentoring, and industry work experience to explore STEM education and employment opportunities.
• A Brush with Climate, which develops workshops and training material which empowers hairdressers to steer conversations toward climate action, using small talk as a tool for change.
• Rooted: Building Connections to Nature in our Communities through Theatre, which brings together scientists, dancers, theatre-makers, students, and rural communities through public performances, expert talks, and an evening-length dance theatre production to explore our connection to nature and inspire action against the climate crisis.
• Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for the next generation of innovators. The goal of this project is to embed AI knowledge and skills in the learning approach of schools and youth services.  It is inclusion focused and aims to enhance the capacity of teachers and youth workers to support young people in marginalised communities, raise their awareness of AI, develop an understanding of AI skills, spark further learning and career pathways to address diversity gaps in AI development.

Among the institutions and organisations involved are: Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, Kinia, University of Galway, Teen-Turn, University College Dublin, Munster Technological University, University of Limerick, National College of Ireland, Dublin City University, National Concert Hall, Cork City Council, Technological University Dublin, National Youth Council of Ireland and Teagasc.