STREAM 1
11:30
OPENING REMARKS FROM THE STREAM CHAIR
Sonya Lennon
TV Presenter, Designer, Founder & Social Entrepreneur
11:35
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Unlocking Solutions: empowering researchers through challenge-based funding
Dr Abigail Ruth Freeman
Director Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
11:50
PANEL DISCUSSION
Encouraging girls’ development of STEM-related skills
The role of educational institutions from early childhood right through to third level is paramount in encouraging girls’ development of STEM-related skills. Promoting engagement in technology from a young age allows girls’ interests to develop free of societal bias and will encourage them to take an active interest in subjects that will lay the foundation for them to study STEM disciplines at higher levels. It will also outline how working with the educational sector, industry associations and not-for-profit organisations is not only good for women, but good for business.
Jennifer McGarry
Teacher, Alexandra College Junior School
Mary McMahon
Scrum Master, Fidelity Investments Ireland
Sheila Porter
Founder & CEO, Scifest
Tracey-Jane Cassidy
Founder & CEO, Junior Einsteins Science Club
12:30
SPOTLIGHT ON…RISING STARS
In this session we turn the spotlight on three women blazing a trail in STEM and hear some quick-fire presentations on their experiences
STEMazing Futures: Igniting passion and promoting participation in STEM for young girls
Jeevantika Lingalwar
Founder, International Women in Tech
From Research Excellence to Impact, Sensors for Sustainable Agriculture
Dr Han Shao
Postdoctoral Researcher, Tyndall Institute
Cadet to Engineer: My journey in the Irish Defence Forces
Lieutenant Eva Finn
Platoon Commander, 2 Brigade CIS, Irish Defence Forces
MAIN AGENDA
STREAM 2
STREAM 3
BREAKING BARRIERS IN ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS