AbbVie launch prize to help spark Mayo pupils' interest in STEM

ABBVIE, who have a facility in Westport, are rolling out a new initiative in national schools to promote the value of STEM subjects.

The AbbVie STEM Prize encourages engagement in STEM-related learning. The company said it wished to showcase the exciting and diverse educational and career opportunities that can be unlocked for young people who develop an interest in these subjects.

The project will roll out to national schools in Mayo, as well as Dublin, Cork and Sligo, in September, to coincide with the start of the new school year.

Participating schools will have an opportunity to win STEM-related materials to the value of €30,000. Schools that enter will be asked to demonstrate how they might use STEM to solve challenges in their communities.

In partnership with other interested groups, AbbVie previously published the STEM Paths report exploring barriers to engagement in science-related subjects and careers in Ireland. The document highlighted the negative impact that low levels of STEM student interest might have on Ireland’s high-value pharma, biopharma and medical device sectors.

The company also runs a Back to School for STEM initiative. It supports employees from six of AbbVie’s sites around the country to visit local schools, including their alma maters, to talk about their jobs and the difference working in pharma makes to wider society.

Speaking at the launch, MEP Deirdre Clune said she was passionate about STEM and delighted to support the initiative.

She said: “It is great to see AbbVie engaging with young people in their schools to highlight the wide variety of career options open to students who may study STEM. The traditional role of scientist or engineer has evolved and there are many variations required in today’s workplace. Companies such as AbbVie require a large pool of talent across a range of areas to conceive, develop and deliver their products in a safe and sustainable manner. This initiative will make students and their teachers aware of those opportunities.”

AbbVie Westport site head, Darren Egan, explained that a research-driven company like AbbVie had to be proactive in its support of STEM in local communities and showcase the diverse opportunities that are available in the pharmaceutical industry.

He commented: “Ireland has a highly developed employee talent base, but the global market is very competitive. As an innovation-based company, we need to continuously engage with parents, teachers, schools, and others to highlight the broad range of high-quality opportunities that come from studying STEM disciplines.

“It’s our job to inspire the next generation of STEM workers and enthusiasts.”