Winners of Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards Announced

Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, today announced 593 primary schools nationwide that have received a Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award. The programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students and teachers.

The awards recognise the achievements of children and teachers in the application of STEM in their classrooms. To qualify, schools are required to keep a log of STEM activities that they have undertaken throughout the academic year and which involved the whole school. Schools are awarded credit for visiting Discover Science Centres, carrying out their own experiments, using digital technology and maths, going on STEM-related field trips, hosting visits from scientists and engineers, and holding a science open day in the school.

Speaking about the announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: “I am delighted to congratulate these young students and their teachers on this wonderful achievement. The Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards guide and inspire the next generation of inventors, problem solvers and creative thinkers. I am confident these students will lead the way and continue to make us proud in the future.”

Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said: “It is fantastic to see the hard work put into achieving these Science Foundation Ireland awards by so many schools. The programme plays an important role in fostering innovation and motivating our young people to explore careers in these areas. STEM skills are crucial to the success of our economy and the betterment of society, so I’m delighted to see so many children getting involved.”

Commenting on the Discover Science and Maths Awards, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Strategy and Communications at Science Foundation Ireland said: “Science Foundation Ireland is committed to making STEM accessible to all, so encouraging students, particularly girls, to engage with science and maths in a fun and interactive way early on is key. I commend these teachers for their passion and commitment to STEM and congratulate them on achieving the award for their school.”

For more information about the Discover Science and Maths Awards and the DPSM programme, please visit www.primaryscience.ie.