Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune recently visited biopharmaceutical company AbbVie to announce the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
The AbbVie STEM Prize, launched at AbbVie's Carrigtwohill site in Cork last week, seeks to engage schools across Ireland and highlight the exciting opportunities available in the pharmaceutical industry.
It aims to showcase the diverse educational pathways that young minds can explore, with students from Carrigtwohill Community National School present to enjoy the launch.
The initiative will be introduced to national schools in Cork and other regions from September, inviting schools to showcase their innovative approaches in using STEM to address challenges in their communities.
Participating schools will have the opportunity to win €30,000 worth of STEM-focused materials.
Clune, a former civil engineer, emphasised the importance of encouraging STEM learning, particularly among women and young girls.
“I am delighted to lend my support to this pioneering endeavour. Engaging children in STEM from an early age is vital, as the skill sets they develop go a long way to preparing them to be creative and innovative.
“Companies like AbbVie play a crucial role in fostering STEM initiatives and raising awareness of the diverse range of career prospects in the sector, and the AbbVie STEM Prize presents students with an incredible opportunity to get involved in one of Cork’s most important industries,” MEP Clune added.
Clune also welcomed AbbVie's recent announcement of a €60 million expansion at its Cork site, which is anticipated to create approximately 70 new jobs.
“This further demonstrates the company's commitment to driving scientific innovation and encouraging economic and social growth in the Cork region,” she said.
