Four Trinity-led projects secure funding to inspire STEM public engagement
Posted on: 04 April 2025
Funding from the Research Ireland Discover Programme will enable project teams to enhance public engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Research Ireland Discover Programme creates meaningful public engagement with STEM, emphasising collaboration with communities, seeking to drive innovation in STEM education and public engagement and contributing to Ireland’s industry, enterprise, and societal progress.
The Trinity projects are:
- OurKidsCode: family coding clubs: OurKidsCode is a growing community of family creative coding clubs across Ireland.
- Pytch: an inclusive platform to bridge block to text programming: Pytch uses the common programming language Python and relies on a community of young coders and educators to improve a fantastic resource for students and new programmers.
- Testing the waters: an art/science project between artist William Bock, a community group, and scientific specialists in water quality, soil and biodiversity. The team will develop a site-specific artwork in the Carrowbeg River in Westport to spark conversations about the role of water quality, sustainability and biodiversity in Irish towns.
- VISION CODE: a special programme to enable young people with vision loss to learn how to code and develop their skills in this area.
The Trinity projects were among the 40 announced today by James Lawless, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and Helen McEntee, Minister for Education and Youth.
Announcing the funding, Minister Lawless highlighted the importance of the initiatives, saying: “These Discover-funded projects are crucial for triggering curiosity and encouraging greater participation in STEM across all education levels and within our communities. In particular, this investment will help foster a deeper understanding of STEM among underrepresented voices and inspire many of them to potentially become more involved in studies and careers in these fields. This will empower future generations to tackle societal challenges and share innovative solutions.”