Inaugural awards celebrate STEM heroes
Cork and the south-west is a hub for science and tech companies and a new STEM awards scheme recently announced their first ever winners.
The first-ever STEM South West Awards have highlighted the achievements of individuals and organisations driving innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sectors across the south west region.
An awards ceremony took place last week at Cork County Hall, and celebrated excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), recognising leaders and initiatives that are shaping the future of STEM in the region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries. In a busy week for the organisers, the awards followed the success of the STEM South West Expo held in Cork City Hall last Wednesday week where upwards of 2,700 students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors explored the widespread and diverse STEM career opportunities showcased by leading STEM industry and education partners. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mary Good, Chairperson of STEM South West said: “Tonight, we celebrate those who are not only excelling in their fields but also inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders. Their efforts are a testament to the thriving STEM ecosystem in the south west, which is fundamental to the region's economic future.”
The inaugural STEM South West Awards 2024 winners are:
- STEM in Industry: Company of the Year
The STEM Company of the Year award celebrates organisations leading the way in creating a proactive, inclusive and supportive environment for STEM, both within their own company and through outreach initiatives.
· Small/Startup (up to 50 employees): Stemwizz
· Small to medium (50-249 employees): Designer Minds
· Large (250+ employees): Johnson & Johnson
- STEM in Education: Educational Initiative of the Year
The STEM in Education award celebrates educational institutes, departments and classroom-led initiatives (primary, secondary and third level) that show the way toward creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for STEM.
· Primary Level: I-FORM, SFI and Stryker
· Secondary Level: Coláiste Daibhéid
· Third Level: Tyndall National Institute
- STEM in the Community: TY Challenge of the Year
The TY Challenge of the Year award celebrates a STEM in Transition Year (TY) initiative that created an excellent development and learning opportunity, inspiring the next generation.
· Transition Year Challenge of the Year: Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk
- STEM in the Community Expo Award: Analog Devices
- STEM Person of the Year: Bob Savage, former CIO (EMEA) & Cork Site Lead, Dell Technologies
The awards, launched earlier this year by Michael McGrath European Commissioner-Designate, were designed to showcase the talent, innovation, and commitment in the region's STEM sectors.
Bob Savage, who chaired the judging panel, and who was himself awarded the accolade of STEM Person of the Year as decided by the board of STEM SW added: “Our winners exemplify the innovation, collaboration, and community engagement that are essential for continued STEM success. This region has consistently led in STEM excellence, and it’s clear that we’re nurturing a pipeline of talent and opportunity for years to come.”