Despite significant investment by government and industry encouraging girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers, participation rates in Ireland remain low. Many of the reasons behind this trend are not fully understood or lack empirical evidence. This keynote explores the broader challenge: why girls disengage from certain STEM subjects, why evidence-based interventions are essential and how a more coordinated, research informed approach may help achieve better outcomes. The focus is on the wider opportunity – connecting the dots across what works, what’s missing, and future potential to create the conditions for girls in Ireland to thrive in STEM.
Women In Stem Summit
2026 Agenda
9:15am
WELCOME
Portfolio Director, Business Post
9:20am
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur, none given
9:25am
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
CONNECTING THE DOTS ON STEM PARTICIPATION: WHY EVIDENCE-BASED INSIGHTS MATTER NOW MORE THAN EVER
Head of Corporate Services Technology, Fidelity Investments
DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH EQUITY IN STEM
9:45am
PANEL DISCUSSION
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPANY CULTURE AND THE FUTURE OF WORK
This panel will examine how executive leadership and company culture are shaping the next phase of digital transformation, and what this means for the future of work. As organisations adapt to rapid technological change, the role of women in senior leadership, particularly on boards, has never been more critical. Our panellists will explore how diverse boards drive stronger corporate governance, foster innovation, and enhance overall company performance. The discussion will also address the cultural and structural shifts required to build workplaces that can thrive in an era defined by digital disruption, hybrid work models, and changing talent expectations. Speakers will consider what meaningful leadership looks like in 2026 and how empowering women at the highest levels can accelerate transformation across every sector as well as how collaboration and technology can drive inclusive leadership. Driving gender equity requires leaders who are breaking down barriers through mentorship, sponsorship, and peer support, while embedding equality into organisational culture.
Associate Vice President of Digital Manufacturing, MSD
Consulting Partner and Consulting Markets Leader, EY Ireland
Associate Professor of Organisational Psychology, DCU Business School and Professor of Leadership, Princess Nourah University, Riyadh
Divisional Manager – Local Enterprise & Regions, Enterprise Ireland
10:25am
INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS
POWER IS NOT GIVEN, IT’S TAKEN: THE PLAYBOOK FOR WOMEN IN STEM
Women in STEM face real challenges – being interrupted, overlooked, or held to different standards. But understanding why these dynamics happen changes everything. This keynote shares the science behind authority, confidence, and influence in male-dominated environments, giving women the insight to make their own choices about how they show up. Drawing on research and my own decade in engineering and tech leadership, I offer practical strategies that work—not by asking women to change who they are, but by helping them see the game more clearly. For managers and allies, it’s a chance to understand dynamics you may not have noticed, and how to genuinely support the women on your teams.
Chartered Engineer & Product Strategist and Founder, Keys to Impact
10:45am
THE HIDDEN HEROINES OF IRISH STEM
There are a number of Irish women who have made ground-breaking contributions to STEM, but who are largely unknown. They deserve to be celebrated. Women like Mary Ward, a 19th century microscopist; Emily Anderson, a brilliant codebreaker; Kay McNulty, a pioneer programmer; Kathleen Lonsdale, a renowned crystallographer; and many more. This talk will shine a light on these hidden heroines.
Emeritus Professor of Health Informatics, Trinity College Dublin and Co-Editor, Irish STEM Lives
11:00am
Networking Coffee Break & Exhibition Viewing
STREAM 1
BLAZING A TRAIL IN SCIENCE
11:30am
WELCOME FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
Sci-tech journalist, Editor and broadcaster
11:40am
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
SQUANDERED SKILLS? BRIDGING THE DIGITAL GENDER SKILLS GAP FOR INCLUSIVE GROWTH IN IRELAND – A COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE
Chair, Block W
12:00pm
SPOTLIGHT ON…RISING STARS
In this session we turn the spotlight on two women blazing a trail in STEM and hear some quick-fire presentations on their experiences
Developing a system for detecting moving objects, such as cars, for use by visually impaired people
Maura Moore-McCune, Student, The King’s Hospital School, and Developer, VIPMOD, Visually Impaired Person’s Moving Object Detector
Keeping Ireland connected – powering the networks you rely on
Nadine Clarke, Telecoms & Data Apprentice, Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering (TDNE)
Telecoms & Data Apprentice, Telecommunications and Data Network Engineering (TDNE)
Student, The King’s Hospital School, and Developer, VIPMOD, Visually Impaired Person’s Moving Object Detector
12:15pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
UNLOCKING THE TECH OF TOMORROW
This panel will explore the emerging trends shaping the future of technology and examine how we can unlock the tech of tomorrow in a way that is inclusive, equitable, and transformative for women. From AI-driven change to new digital ecosystems, our speakers will discuss the shifts redefining work, society, and innovation. We will look at how gender and socio-economic factors affect digital access and participation, and what must be done to ensure no one is left behind in Ireland’s evolving tech landscape. The conversation will also highlight how leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship play a pivotal role in empowering women to thrive in this new era of technological transformation. Together, our panellists will outline what it will take to pave the way for meaningful, sustainable innovation in women’s lives today and into the future.
Partner, AI & Data, EY Ireland
Founder and CEO, Quantum HR
Co-chair, UNESCO Women for Ethical AI
12:50pm
PRESENTATION
THE POWER AND IMPACT OF MENTORS
Science and Maths Teacher, Sacred Heart School, Tullamore
Science and Computer Science Teacher, Sacred Heart School, Tullamore
STREAM 2
ENGAGING MEN AS ALLIES AND INCLUSIVE LEADERS
11:30am
WELCOME FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
Founder and CEO, Potentia Talent Consulting
11:35am
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
RECLAIMING REALITY AS THE MANOSPHERE GOES MAINSTREAM
Just as traditional masculinity in Ireland began to reimagine itself, social media algorithms identified a vulnerability to exploit and the manosphere moved from the margins of the online world into the feeds of all our boys and young men – and subsequently into all our lives. This powerful online presence of influencers, forums, porn providing platforms and algorithm-driven content packages rigid, controlling and violent masculinity as truth. It offers certainty and simple answers in a time of widespread need for vulnerability, belonging and identity. It implicitly normalises while explicitly celebrating misogyny, emotional suppression, aggression and dominance. The manosphere goes mainstream, it risks becoming the world we all live in. It’s time we reclaim reality, not just for our men and boys, but for all of us.
Educational Expert, The Sexual Exploitation Research and Policy (SERP) Institute
11:50am
PANEL DISCUSSION
MALE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE: WHAT GOOD ALLYSHIP LOOKS LIKE
Driving gender equity in leadership is not just a women’s issue, it requires the active participation of men who use their influence to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and create inclusive workplaces. This session spotlights male and female leaders in the public and private sectors who are stepping up as allies and advocates for change. They will share practical insights on what good allyship looks like, from mentoring and sponsoring female talent, to fostering inclusive cultures, and embedding gender equality into policies and organisational strategies. The conversation will highlight how male champions can move beyond words to measurable action that drives lasting impact.
Brigadier General, General Officer Commanding, Defence Forces Training Centre
CEO, Digital Infrastructure Ireland
Head of Leadership Talent and Skills, Enterprise Ireland
Ireland Site Lead & VP, Operations and Services Group, Fidelity Investments
12:30pm
PRESENTATION
OVERCOMING THE BARRIERS TO ALLYSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE
In our panel session we heard from our panellists on what good allyship looks like, but the fact is that a recent study shows that only a third of men in the workplace regard themselves as active allies. In this spotlight session we highlight the key barriers that men face in becoming allies and explore how they can overcome them to drive change. Robert will share examples from his experience in coaching male leaders in their efforts to step up as better allies to women in the workplace.
Founder and CEO, Potentia Talent Consulting
12:50pm
BOY GIRL POETRY READING
Introduction by Jane O’Hanlon, Former Head of Education, Poetry Ireland
Quarantine by Eavan Boland
Luke Power, Student, Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford
Student, Ramsgrange Community School, Wexford
Student, Coláiste Oiriall in Monaghan
Former Head of Education, Poetry Ireland
STREAM 3
BEYOND THE WORKPLACE: HEALTH, WELLBEING & SAFETY FOR WOMEN IN STEM
11:30am
WELCOME FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur, none given
11:35am
PEACE AND PLENTY WORKSHOP
“Peace and Plenty” is a powerful micro-workshop that gives audiences an immediate sense of calm, clarity, and emotional reset in the middle of a busy summit day. Blending science-backed wellbeing tools with a guided experience, it leaves participants grounded, energised, and ready to engage with the rest of the event with renewed focus.
CEO, Remarkable.ie
11:45am
PRESENTATION
BECOMING THE CEO OF YOUR CAREER
Diversity and Inclusion Expert and Programme Director, Balance for Better Business
12:00pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
THRIVING IN STEM: MENTAL HEALTH, DIGITAL HEALTH & WORK-LIFE INTEGRATION
This session explores the wellbeing and lived experience of women working in STEM, focusing on mental health, work-life integration, and personal safety in an increasingly digital world. The panel will examine how digital health, lifestyle choices, and organisational supports can improve balance, resilience, and long-term career sustainability. By bringing together experts from academia, finance, technology, healthcare, and industry, the discussion will offer practical insights into how women can thrive both professionally and personally while navigating the pressures and possibilities of modern STEM careers.
Director of People, Cairn
CEO and Co-Founder, Kowroo Limited
Online Safety Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán
Associate Professor Neurorehabilitation and Technology, School of Health and Human Performance, DCU
FINANCING YOUR FUTURE
12:45pm
PRESENTATION
MIND THE GAPS: DATA DRIVEN CHANGE IN STEM
Who is in charge in STEM fields? Who is shaping the culture at your company? What companies have balanced senior leadership, and what companies still have a long way to go?
Data has never been more important, but many people are not using it to its full potential.
In this session, Jennifer will explore how gender pay gap data can inform your career decisions and your financial health – everything from your day-to-day spending to your pension and financial security in retirement. You’ll leave understanding what gender pay gap reports can reveal not just about the pay gap, but about what’s causing it, and why you should always be checking this information before you send off that CV.
Founder, PayGap.ie
1:00pm
Networking Lunch Break & Exhibition Viewing
BUILDING AND ADVANCING YOUR CAREER IN STEM
2:00pm
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur, none given
2:05pm
THE SOUND OF SUCCESS: HOW WOMEN WIN WHEN WE WORK IN HARMONY
In this energising, interactive session, delegates will be guided by a professional singer to learn a three-part harmony piece in just ten minutes. This simple but powerful exercise demonstrates how collaboration, trust, and shared focus enable groups to achieve remarkable results together. As individual voices blend into one unified sound, participants will experience firsthand the impact of teamwork, confidence, and collective achievement.
Founder, CÓRus
2:15pm
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE
FINDING THE NEXT DAVID CLIFFORD. AND LEARNING TO BACK YOURSELF
As STEM Woman of the Year 2025, Doreen Corridan shares an honest reflection on identifying potential, making decisions without certainty, and learning to back yourself in male-dominated spaces. Drawing on science, leadership and sport, this keynote is about confidence, courage and believing early in others and in yourself.
Chief Executive, National Cattle Breeding Centre (NCBC)
2:30pm
PANEL DISCUSSION
FAST-TRACKING WOMEN INTO STEM LEADERSHIP
In a sector defined by rapid innovation, the progression of women into senior STEM leadership roles remains markedly slow. This panel focuses on concrete action rather than abstract debate, highlighting what must change now to accelerate advancement. Bringing together senior leaders from science, engineering, and technology, the discussion will centre on practical, results-oriented strategies for building and progressing STEM careers, aligned with the objectives of cross-sector organisations driving measurable progress for women in STEM and innovation, and united in their resolve to shift from dialogue to delivery on gender equity. Panellists will address how to identify and act on growth opportunities, secure effective sponsorship and mentorship, build visibility, negotiate salary with confidence, and position oneself credibly for promotion. The session’s focus is clear: dismantling systemic barriers, fast-tracking women into leadership, and equipping attendees with actionable tools to drive measurable change for themselves, their organisations, and the wider STEM ecosystem.
Head of Partnerships & Community, Women in Cybersecurity, WiCyS Ireland
Deputy Chair, Women in Technology and Science (WITS)
Parthenon Partner, Technology, Media & Entertainment and Telecommunications Industry Leader, EY Ireland
President, Professional Women’s Network (PWN)
3:00pm
CLOSING REMARKS FROM THE CHAIR AND SUMMIT ENDS
3:00pm
Drinks’ Reception and Networking Break
3:25pm
WELCOME ADDRESS
Chief Operations Officer, BH Consulting
3:30pm
IRISH PREMIÈRE The WOMEN IN SECURITY Documentary
The Women in Security Documentary, from Executive Producer Richard Ticho and Directed by Yvette Freeman, shares the untold stories of 21 women helping to shape global security that features the stories and insights from Ireland’s own Dr Valerie Lyons, Chief Operations Officer at BH Consulting, and Niamh Vianney Muldoon. Through candid interviews, reenactments of pivotal moments in history and real-world insights, The Women in Security Documentary shines a light on the resilience, leadership and innovation that women bring to every part of the security world.
4:45pm
SUMMIT ENDS