Engagement

SFI’s Education and Public Engagement approach aims to grow opportunities for dialogue between science and the public it serves, and to broaden participation both geographically and amongst less represented voices in science.

We aim to empower participation, grow talent, and be a beacon of best practice in STEM education and public engagement – always endeavouring to achieve this through the spirit of inspiration. 

  • 250,000+

    people across Ireland reached by Science Week

  • 593

    primary schools received SFI Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards

  • 41

    projects supported by SFI Discover Programme (€4.4 million)

  • 120,000+

    students engaged by 1,600 Smart Futures volunteers

Science Foundation Ireland Strategic Plan Agenda 2020

Science Foundations Ireland's Education and Public Engagement initiatives seek to promote the awareness and engagement of the Irish public with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

The mission 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