Dundalk IT’s H2O Heroes secures national STEM funding

H2O Heroes, an award-winning environmental education programme led by Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens at Dundalk Institute of Technology, has received significant national funding of just under €300k through the Research Ireland Discover Programme. The hands-on initiative engages children, families, teachers and communities across counties Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Meath and Tipperary, using local rivers, lakes and green spaces as “outdoor laboratories” to explore water quality, biodiversity and climate action. 

By combining curriculum-aligned workshops, inclusive summer camps, Family STEM Nights, and community events, H2O Heroes aims to spark curiosity, build science confidence, and promote sustainability, while providing pathways for young people to volunteer, earn awards, and develop lifelong environmental stewardship.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, have today announced almost €6 million in funding nationally to support 32 projects designed to engage the public in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the Research Ireland Discover Programme.

Dr Gilleran Stephens said: “H₂O Heroes was designed to spark curiosity through hands-on STEM learning to build science confidence and promote sustainability by inviting children, families, teachers and communities to explore water quality, biodiversity and climate action under the unifying message, “We all live in a catchment.” It is fantastic to receive this funding and recognition through the Research Ireland Discover Programme, allowing us to widen the impact of H₂O Heroes and continuing to support our communities in this area.”

The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a national initiative to widen participation in STEM. This year’s projects will engage with people of all ages, from early childhood through to adulthood, through creative, community-embedded and inclusive approaches to STEM engagement. Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: 

“STEM is one of the most powerful forces driving Ireland’s creativity, resilience and future prosperity. The projects announced today will widen access to STEM by bringing wonder, curiosity and real opportunities for learning into people’s everyday lives. This investment isn’t just about supporting programmes – it’s about sparking imaginations.

"It brings conversations about research and innovation directly into our communities and helps nurture a new generation of explorers, problem solvers and innovators who will shape Ireland’s future.”Welcoming the announcement and her department’s funding of six projects, Minister Naughton commented:

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“Today’s funding is about opening doors for our children and young people. By supporting STEM projects both inside and outside the classroom, we are helping children and young people across Ireland to discover that science, technology, engineering and maths are not abstract subjects, but real career paths that they can step into. This investment will ensure more children and young people can see themselves in STEM, build their confidence, and will empower them to pursue it as part of their future.”Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, added:

“The projects funded today highlight the creativity and ambition of Ireland’s STEM engagement community, and their commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists. They are also playing a vital role in helping people of all ages feel informed and connected to the role of STEM research in society.

"Research Ireland’s strategy, launched earlier this week, is built on the three pillars of Talent, Economy and Society. We are proud to support these partners as they deliver programmes to democratise access to STEM across the country, and help support talent for our future economy and society.”