Irish astronaut candidate at launch of AbbVie’s latest science education initiative

Irish astronaut candidate Dr Norah Patten helped to launch AbbVie's latest science education at a special event at the company's Ballytivnan, Co Sligo, site last month.

Dr Patten has a PhD in aeronautical engineering from University of Limerick, and is also a faculty member at the International Space University. She is a scientist-astronaut candidate with Project PoSSUM and is determined to be Ireland's first person in space.

Back to School for STEM is a new schools outreach programme focused on showcasing science role models currently active in the Irish workplace. The initiative, which will be delivered by AbbVie employees, aims to encourage greater student awareness of the rewarding career opportunities available to STEM graduates.

A passionate STEM advocate, Patten highlighted that Ireland’s ambition to be a significant global player in the life sciences, tech and related sectors could only be fulfilled if young students were excited about science, engineering, space and a host of other STEM-related activities.

“Role models are vital if young people are to be inspired and encouraged to consider committing to STEM educational pathways and potential careers”, she said. “As the saying goes ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Support, motivation and encouragement are fundamental, and there are key people along everyone’s journey who are influential in terms of subject and career choices.

“We need to continuously highlight the broad range of opportunities that come from studying STEM disciplines. The way to do this is to interact with the various stakeholders – parents, teachers, students, career guidance counsellors and others – and showcase what studying STEM can open up for boys and girls.”

Careers

The new initiative has its origins in a 2017 report exploring the barriers to engagement in science-related subjects and careers published by AbbVie. The multi-stakeholder STEM Paths report highlighted the negative impact that low levels of STEM student interest could have on Ireland's talent pipeline, particularly in the high-value pharma, biopharma and medical device sectors.

Among the key recommendations of the report was a need to highlight the positive personal experiences of young Irish people currently working across Irish industry within the STEM disciplines.

The Back to School for STEM initiative will see employees from AbbVie’s five different Irish sites visit schools, including those they themselves studied at, to talk about their jobs and the difference their work makes to wider society.

The outreach, supported by Science Foundation Ireland, will also detail the many exciting employment possibilities that a strong STEM education can help unlock.

Dr Patten was joined by Mairead McGuinness MEP and representatives from Science Foundation Ireland at the launch

“I have no doubt this programme will help raise awareness amongst young people of the attractive and diverse careers that are currently available in Ireland with the many companies active within the STEM sectors”, McGuinness said. “AbbVie’s ongoing efforts to support STEM in our communities is welcome, and it highlights the benefit of a partnership approach between schools, industry and other organisations to ensure that young people, teachers and parents are aware of the exciting opportunities that are available with companies.”

AbbVie recently announced a €113 million expansion in oncology-focused manufacturing technology at its Ballytivnan site. The investment will create approximately 100 new jobs over the course of three years in a variety of technical and manufacturing positions.

In this context, Ballytivnan site director Columba McGarvey explained that a research-driven innovative company like AbbVie, which is expanding its footprint in Ireland, has to be proactive in its support of STEM in local communities.

Talent base

“Ireland has a highly developed employee talent base, but the global market is very competitive and it is still incredibly important to help cultivate and foster our future talent pipeline,” she said. “The products manufactured by companies in the Irish life sciences sector are highly innovative and positively impact millions of people around the world. However, young students, perhaps like many in wider Irish society, may not fully understand this pioneering industry and fail to appreciate the incredible career paths that could be available to them.”

Prof Mark Ferguson, director general of Science Foundation Ireland, added: "I am delighted to see this important campaign being launched. At Science Foundation Ireland we are committed to improving student perceptions of STEM, and are supportive of efforts to bring them into contact with superb role models.

“Encouraging our young people to become involved in STEM from an early age is crucial to guiding them towards a future that is both enjoyable and rewarding. Working with industry and schools across Ireland to generate innovative and impactful ideas will help us achieve this, and inspire others to do the same.”