Knockcroghery student receives prestigious STEM scholarship
Mary Dempsey, Associate Professor of Engineering, University of Galway and Avril O’Higgins, Director of R&D, CERENOVUS are pictured with recipient Laura Finan, University of Galway, at Thomond Park, Limerick to mark her receipt of a scholarship from global healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson, as part of its WiSTEM2D Programme. Pic. Conor McCabe Photography.
A County Roscommon student is among 62 students from across five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards.
At the first ever national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick Laura Finan from Knockcroghery, who is studying Biomedical Engineering at University of Galway, was presented with her scholarship.
The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design.
This is the eighth year of the annual awards programme, showcasing the company’s commitment to advancing female excellence in STEM fields. This is the first year that the company has brought all recipients together for a day-long event, with all attendees benefitting from a unique learning experience, including workshops and breakout sessions, carefully tailored to foster their growth and provide them with the essential skills and knowledge needed to prepare them for a successful career.
Research published by the Higher Education Authority earlier this year identified that 35% of students in STEM-related courses at third level are female. Furthermore, the HEA noted that the gender gap continues to remain evident at post-primary level.
Johnson & Johnson recognises the importance of inspiring students to consider a career in STEM, and is committed to igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the STEM leaders of tomorrow, and maintaining a robust talent pipeline to support the life sciences industry.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD congratulated the recipients on their achievements. “What they have achieved to date is inspirational and I hope will encourage more women to study STEM," he said.
Each scholarship recipient will receive industry mentorship, leadership training, career workshops, Johnson & Johnson site visits, and participation in WiSTEM2D events aimed at bolstering their future in STEM careers.
