Midlands Science CEO, Jackie Gorman, was in attendance at the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Awards 2020 partners meeting in recent times to receive two ‘Discover Awards’ for projects exploring science capital training and ASD appropriate Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM ) outreach.
The SFI Discover Programme provides funding for projects that inspire and guide the best in STEM education and public engagement in Ireland. It aims to increase the public’s engagement with STEM and to develop a more scientifically informed and involved society. Many of the projects awarded are specifically targeted towards disadvantaged or minority groups, that may not otherwise typically engage with STEM. All successful awardees are carefully selected, following robust international peer-review.
“Midlands Science is thrilled to be amongst a number of fantastic organisations who today received an award and we are really excited about our two new projects which will commence immediately across the Midlands region.
“‘Quiet Science’ responds to requests received from those in the ASD student community to develop and provide ASD appropriate STEM outreach. Reaching an underserved group such as those in the ASD community is important and using a co-created approach in the project will add to its impact and effectiveness.
“Our second project will focus on ‘Science Capital Training’ in association with the Science Capital Research Team of University College London. Midlands Science has adopted a science capital approach in its work, placing a strong commitment on developing science capital in under-served groups,” Midlands Science CEO, Jackie Gorman, commented.
Science Foundation Ireland has invested in 440 public engagement projects through the Discover Programme since 2013. This year’s funded initiatives are estimated to reach over five hundred and eighty thousand people.
“I am delighted to announce the support we have received from the Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme. Midlands Science is determined to encourage more and more people of all ages to participate in STEM and we are focussing our work on bringing all aspects of science to audiences who don’t typically engage with science. This support will help us to increase our capacity in delivering for underserved groups and expand the evidence of impact for our work, which will ultimately build our capacity to deliver more impactful programmes in the region.’
Dr Ruth Freeman, Director, Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland said: “SFI is delighted to support the work of Midlands Science and congratulates the team on their two Discover Programme Awards. The ‘Quiet Science’ project is a great example of outreach activity that is focused on an under-represented community that should have equal opportunities to get involved in science, and we look forward to seeing the outputs of this co-creation process. Science Capital Training is an important project which will help benchmark progress in STEM outreach and inform future activities,” Midlands Science Chairperson, Dr. Craig Slattery said.
