Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are extremely excited about all thing’s science for 2023! Later this year DkIT will celebrate the opening of their new state of the art 1,300 sqm Science extension which will be open to students from September. This new extension is part of an important capital investment in DkIT which will allow the Institute to transform its existing facilities into a STEM centre of excellence within the northeast. In conjunction with this, the School of Health and Science is delighted to report the launch of their new online Science Outreach Hub. This new hub allows the School to share all the latest science news, workshops and new facilities updates with schools in the region.
The new digital Science Outreach Hub was conceptualised, designed and developed by Dr Orla Sherlock, a lecturer in the Department of Life & Health Sciences with a passion for STEM, together with the Institutes Marketing team. The aim is to provide equity and ease of access for schools who would like to avail of the many science outreach opportunities hosted by DkIT staff.
Over the years, the Institute has been involved in delivery of both primary and secondary school outreach initiatives, from the well-known H2O Heroes and Cell Explorers workshops, competitions such as SciFest, campus activities including Science week, to its most recent initiative, a TY roadshow “DkIT Loves STEM” programme. Dr Sherlock says she hopes local schools will use the website to access the latest regional outreach information, book activities and engage with new initiatives including “Request School Talks” and “DkIT Champions”.
Secondary schools now have the opportunity to easily request a school talk; where a visiting scientist can share information about DkIT science programmes, discuss studying science and listen to scientist’s experiences of working in science. In school Q&A sessions will help students understand the answer to questions such as “What skills are needed to pursue a career in science? What are some of the many career paths that can be pursued? What subjects should I study in school?
Primary school’s talks will introduce and engage children with topical science issues such as climate change, water conservation and microbiomes.
Through the new “DkIT Champions” initiative, schools will be able to access and share our graduate vlogs with their students at any time. These vlog’s will showcase DkIT graduate industry leaders in this region, as well as recent graduates working worldwide. Their stories are unique, inspirational, and motivational and are aimed to inspire the next generation of scientists.
Dr Edel Healy, Head of School of Health and Science said, “DkIT has always had a strong and proud history of primary, secondary and community outreach, this digital hub is all about making it easier for you to meet us, and us to meet you, we are really looking forward to meeting all the new budding young scientists of our region whether on or off campus and we know this digital hub will make it easier for us all”.
DkIT has an extremely strong and industry recognised reputation for the education and training of highly skilled graduates in the Science fields. Graduates of their programmes are much sought after and are renowned for actively contributing to advancements in the areas of pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and environmental science, sustainable agriculture, agri-food, health science, physical activity and well-being. The Institute are also currently involved in several exciting science research projects both nationally and internationally that are changing the world we live in for the better.
