Over 100 community-led STEM activities to take place in Dundalk

Over 100 community-led STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities will take place in Dundalk over the next six months as part of this year’s Town Scientist initiative, funded by Research Ireland. Led by Dundalk native and science communicator, writer, engineer and performer Dr Niamh Shaw, the events will build on the success of last year and will involve a six-month science communicator-in-residence pilot study.

This year’s Town Scientist programme was launched at an event today in Dundalk Credit Union, and will be delivered in partnership with Louth Library, Louth ABC programme, Dundalk Credit Union and Louth County Council. The overarching aims of this year’s Town Scientist programme are to create a STEM-engaged community and to make science more accessible, break down barriers that often keep people from engaging with scientific topics, and change attitudes towards science.

Events this year will include:

• Family science experiment events;
• STEM career events;
• A climate action speaker series;
• Weekly walk-in Q&A sessions; and much more.

Alongside the activities, a Think Tank advisory group will be established. Led by science communicators Dr Claire O’Connell and Phil Smyth, the group will work with Dr Niamh Shaw to build capacity that will allow the science communicator-in-residence (aka Town Scientist) role to be replicated in communities throughout Ireland in the future. 

Speaking at today’s launch, Dr Shaw said: “I am delighted to launch an expanded programme of Town Scientist events this year. This year’s programme builds on the success of last year which had a transformative impact on the people who took part and identified a real need and desire for informal science learning opportunities for adults in our community in Dundalk and surrounds. It has encouraged those who do not typically engage with science to now consider a career in STEM and has given them the skills and knowledge to participate in debate and conversations on topics that directly impact them, whether that is Artificial Intelligence, climate change, or astronomy.

“This year, I want to reach even more people in Dundalk and will be doing so through a wide range of events that will be open to everyone in the community. By being the town’s science communicator-in-residence and partnering with Louth ABC programme, Louth Library, Dundalk Credit Union and Louth County Council, I am hoping to change attitudes to science and STEM, and to learn how this programme can be replicated in communities throughout Ireland in the future to create communities who have access to knowledge to make informed decisions about their – and their families’ – futures.”

Welcoming the launch, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, Celine Fitzgerald, commented: “We are pleased to be supporting the Town Scientist project though Research Ireland’s Discover Programme. Impactful STEM initiatives like this help empower individuals, families and communities, equipping them with critical thinking skills, inspiring curiosity and, in turn, laying the groundwork for innovation in many different guises. Society needs – and values – these grassroots-focused projects as part of the collective effort to be appropriately informed and equipped to tackle challenges old and new.”

A number of Town Scientist’s local partners spoke at the launch, including Mary McHugh from Louth Library Service, who said: “As a cornerstone of knowledge and discovery Louth Library Service is proud to support Dr Niamh Shaw and the Town Scientist programme – bridging curiosity with opportunity and empowering our community to explore, innovate and thrive in science and beyond.

“We are excited to continue supporting Niamh and the Town Scientist initiative in bringing science to life in our libraries and community”.

Also speaking was David Hanratty, Acting Director of Services, Louth County Council, who said: “Louth County Council is proud to support the Town Scientist initiative, which aligns with our commitment to fostering inclusive education, civic engagement, and innovation within our communities. Initiatives like this are vital in creating communities that are informed, curious, and resilient, and we hope that this project will inspire the young people in Dundalk and beyond to see science as a tool for understanding and shaping the world around them.”

Gavin McGee from Louth Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme said: “The Louth Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme is part of a national programme funded through Tusla - The Child and Family Agency under the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY). We were delighted to partner again with Dr. Niamh Shaw on her ‘Town Scientist’ Deep Dive Dundalk’ a nine-month scientist-in residence community-led informal science learning programme to measure long-term behavioural change in attitudes to science in the region. 

“The STEM Activities we have collaborated on with Niamh and David have been a wonderful opportunity for Parents and Children to share positive shared experiences together and learn that creativity and innovation is for everyone, despite where you came from or what you have been through.  

Read Next: SOSAD Dundalk to introduce session fee amid funding shortfall

“A lot of our work focuses on building better ‘outcomes’ for children - and when families see Niamh make the improbable, possible – it creates a sense of hope that anything is possible. Hope is a key component in helping families overcome difficulty and achieve the better outcomes we aspire, together."

Naomi O’Donoghue, Head of Sales & Business Development, Dundalk Credit Union said: “Supporting the Town Scientist programme is an expression of our commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting access to education, quality learning experiences, and climate action. We’re especially proud to be part of an initiative that opens up science to families, schools, and communities who may not traditionally have had access.

“Dr Niamh Shaw has a unique ability to connect with young people and inspire curiosity and creativity. As strong supporters of women in STEM, we’re delighted to see her lead this exciting initiative in our town”.

For more information on Dr Niamh Shaw, visit: https://niamhshaw.ie/