DCU and Fidelity Investments Ireland announce two-year research project into STEM engagement in schools
Dublin City University and Fidelity Investments Ireland have announced a new two-year research project facilitated by DCU Educational Trust, which will examine the barriers and opportunities that influence females' engagement with STEM subjects in schools. Fidelity Ireland is investing €184,000 in this initiative, highlighting the importance of gaining insights that can help close the gap in STEM education uptake and driving interest in STEM courses at third level.
The two-phase study will combine an assessment of the current landscape focusing on sustaining engagement in STEM for all children, with interviews, surveys, and focus groups involving students, parents, teachers, and professionals who once faced similar choices.
This new research collaboration builds on the ongoing Women in STEM Scholarship Fund with DCU which is funded by Fidelity Investments Ireland. The scholarship fund, delivered in collaboration with DCU’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing, DCU Sport, and the DCU Access Programme, offers a wide range of financial and developmental supports designed to inspire and enable more young women from diverse backgrounds to pursue studies and careers in STEM. Applications for the Women in STEM Scholarship are now open to eligible undergraduate students in DCU School of Computing, with a deadline of October 24th.
Lorna Martyn, Head of Corporate Services Technology at Fidelity Investments, said: “By engaging in this research, and through our scholarship programme, we aim to create a future where more women can thrive in STEM careers, ensuring Ireland remains a hub for innovation and talent. Our common goal is to better understand the interventions that may positively impact the participation gap in STEM education and careers. Collaborations with institutions like DCU demonstrate the power of industry and academia working together to drive systemic change.”
Dr Aisling Twohill at the School of STEM Education, Innovation, and Global Studies at DCU’s Institute of Education said, ‘At DCU, as part of our mission to transform lives and societies, we are committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to achieve their potential within the STEM disciplines.
‘Through this important collaboration with Fidelity Investments Ireland, we can deepen our understanding of the barriers girls and young women face and identify solutions that empower more girls to thrive in STEM subjects and careers. This collaboration brings together world-class research and industry leadership to help close the gender gap and create a more equal future for innovation in Ireland and beyond.”
The research will investigate why girls are not sustaining participation in STEM at senior cycle and beyond, identifying actionable recommendations to strengthen engagement and outcomes.
Findings from the research will inform national policy and classroom practice, feed into global research on effective interventions and strengthening the pipeline of female talent into higher education and industry.