Seven students receive Three Ireland Connect to STEM scholarships for women

Posted on: 24 February 2026

Seven students at Trinity  have this week received Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarships for Women, as part of an initiative to support the next generation of women leaders in science and technology. The awards were presented at an evening ceremony on Monday, February 23rd, 2026. 

The awardees, who are first and second-year students at Trinity, are the latest of more than 20 Trinity students to be awarded Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarships for Women since the programme began in 2022/23.  

They are: 

• Leah Nolan, Theoretical Physics (1st year) Cork (pictured above second from right in back)
• Anuska Saha, Engineering (1st year) Kerry (above on left)
• Lucy Pakenham, Engineering (1st year) Meath (seated on left)
• Heather McFadden, PhysicalSciences (1st year) Sligo (second from left in back)
• Charlotte MacDonnell, Theoretical Physics (2nd year) Dublin (seated on right)
• Alicia O'Keeffe, Engineering with Management (2nd year) Cork (centre at back)  
• Rahma Elmbaridi, Engineering (2nd year) Louth (on far right)

Administered by the Faculty of STEM and Trinity Access Programmes, each scholarship is worth €20,000 over a four-year undergraduate degree programme (or €15,000 over three years).  The scholarship scheme is designed to attract, encourage and support women to study STEM subjects at Trinity. The successful students receive additional mentoring supports from Three Ireland and from the Faculty of STEM. In October 2025, the scholarship application process was open to both first year and second-year student applicants who are registered on selected STEM courses. Recipients were chosen based on a written application. 

The scholarships are open to female students who are resident in Ireland and have accepted a place in one of the following Trinity undergraduate programmes: School of Computer Science & Statistics, School of Engineering, School of Mathematics, School of Physics and the School of Chemistry (Chemical Science only). 

Dr Linda Doyle, Provost, Trinity College Dublin, said: “We need many more women studying, shaping, and leading in STEM, and it is vital that we create pathways that empower them to do so. 

“The Three Ireland Connect to STEM programme is proving to be transformative in this mission. I want to congratulate this year’s awardees, and I also want to thank Three Ireland for working with us to support these remarkable women." 

Prof. Sylvia Draper, Dean of STEM at Trinity (pictured above), said: “I want to acknowledge the personal stories and the achievements of all the applicants. The students who have won these scholarships are truly deserving of our admiration and our support. I have no doubt that they will go on to do extraordinary things and to make their mark in the college, in science, in society, and the world of work. The enthusiasm, commitment, and engagement of everyone involved in this programme has been inspiring.  

“These scholarships would not have been possible but for the generosity and vision of Three Ireland. It has been wonderful to work with them so closely. Their support has helped us to offer STEM programmes that are open to all, and to ensure that we have Three Ireland Connect to STEM scholars, with the skills to address global challenges and to advance diversity throughout their careers.” 

Elaine Carey, Chief Executive Officer, Three Ireland (pictured above in rear, second from left), said: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Three Ireland and as a major employer in this sector, we are deeply committed to building a more diverse and representative STEM community. We know we need more women in STEM, and that is why our partnership with Trinity matters so much. Through the Connect to STEM Scholarships we are helping to remove barriers, build confidence, and create meaningful pathways into opportunity. 

"It was a real privilege to meet this year’s scholarship recipients and hear their stories. The calibre of talent, determination and ambition on display was truly impressive. These young women have incredibly bright futures ahead of them, and we are proud to play a small part in supporting their journey.” 

ENDS 

• Tags:
• Awards and Funding
• Students