Back to School for STEM

Mairead McGuinness MEP was one of a number of speakers at the launch of a new science education initiative which took place at AbbVie’s site in Ballytivnan, Sligo. 

The MEP was joined by representatives of Science Foundation Ireland, astronaut-in-training Dr Norah Patten and others to showcase Back to School for STEM, a new schools outreach focused on promoting science role models currently active in the Irish workplace.

The Back to School for STEM initiative involves employees from AbbVie’s five different Irish sites visiting schools, including those that they themselves studied at, to talk about their jobs and the rewarding career opportunities that can be unlocked by studying STEM subjects. 

AbbVie has published a multi-stakeholder report exploring the barriers to engagement in science-related subjects and careers. The document highlighted the negative impact that low levels of STEM student interest might have on Ireland’s employee talent pipeline, particularly in high-value pharma, biopharma and medical device sectors. 

Among the key recommendations of the STEM Paths document is a need to highlight the positive personal experiences of young Irish people currently working across Irish industry within the STEM disciplines.

The outreach, supported by Science Foundation Ireland, also details the many exciting employment possibilities that a strong STEM education can help unlock.