Engagement

“Science and technology play an increasingly important role in addressing the economic, social and environmental problems faced by the world today. That role needs the support and active engagement of the public who fund the work and are the ultimate beneficiaries of it. An engaged public is one that understands the role of science, can judge between competing priorities and arguments, encourages young people to take science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects, and feels that is has the appropriate level of engagement with, and influence upon, the researchers. SFI, as the primary investor in scientific research in this country, must form a strong relationship with the Irish people, built on trust.” Science Foundation Ireland Strategic Plan Agenda 2020

Science Foundations Ireland's Education and Public Engagement programme seeks to promote the awareness and engagement of the Irish public with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  This supports one of the four primary objectives outlined in the SFI Strategic Plan - Agenda 2020; Objective C: To have the most engaged and scientifically informed public.

The mission of this programme is to catalyse, inspire and guide the best in STEM education and public engagement. This is done by supporting and developing the education and outreach STEM sector in Ireland by investing in developing and extending capacity in this area and also exploring and encouraging novel means of public engagement and communications.

We aim to increase interest in STEM among students, teachers and members of the public.

Education and public engagement

This programme has four areas of activity:

• Funding opportunities
• Programmes
• SFI research centres and outreach
• Guidance and best practice

Science with and for Society

Followers of SFI’s Education and Public Engagement Programme may be interested in the H2020 Science with and for Society funding scheme. This European programme aims to build cooperation between science and all members of society, to recruit new talent and to pair scientific excellence with social awareness and responsibility. Dr Siobhán Hendrick acts as Ireland’s National Contact Point for submissions to the programme and further details on this initiative can be found here.