Funding from SFI awarded to DCU science outreach projects
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has invested €5 million in 38 projects aimed at increasing knowledge of, and enthusiasm for, science across Ireland.
In announcing the funding, Minister Harris TD said: “These initiatives, involving the general public and our communities across primary, secondary and third-level education, are essential to fostering curiosity about science, technology, engineering and maths.”
The ‘bright minds brilliant discoveries: supporting gifted disadvantaged students’ project led by Dr Leeanne Hinch of the Centre for Talented Youth at DCU received €22,208.
“I am thrilled and deeply grateful to Science Foundation Ireland for their generous support of the 'Bright Minds, Brilliant Discoveries' initiative,” said Dr Hinch.
“With this funding, we hope to make a positive impact in the lives of gifted disadvantaged students, providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to explore the wonders of scientific inquiry.”
“At the heart of my project is the belief that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the chance to explore their potential and pursue their dreams. “
“With the support of Science Foundation Ireland, we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating pathways to success for the next generation of scientific leaders. Together, we will unlock the boundless potential of bright minds, and together, we will illuminate a path towards a brighter, more inclusive future.”
The ‘Climate Talk: empowering the next generation to find their voice’ project led by Dr Jennifer Gaughran, School of Physical Sciences, alongside Dr Stephen Gammell, School of Physical Sciences and Dr Trish Morgan, School of Communications, received €68,974.
“What the climate talks project is about is empowering young people to find their voice around climate change,” said Dr Gaughran.
“What we are going to do is go into secondary schools to engage with transition year students about climate change, but more than that, we want them to start thinking about issues that are important to them.”
“We want to teach them some skills around identifying misinformation and disinformation, so they can make a reasoned understanding of issues in climate.”
“At the same time, we are going to teach them some multimedia tools so that they can make content of their own around climate change.”