Deirdre Clune MEP recently joined employees of the biopharmaceutical company AbbVie to launch a STEM-focused schools’ prize.

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 Cork, Dublin, Sligo and Mayo 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.

High-value pharma, biopharma and medical device sectors

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.

Former civil engineer Deirdre Clune MEP said she was passionate about STEM and delighted to support the initiative: “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," she said.

'Require a large pool of talent across a range of areas'

"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 Cork site head Malcolm Garde 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. “Ireland has a highly developed employee talent base, but the global market is very competitive," he said.

"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.”

Pictured with Deirdre Clune MEP at the recent launch of the AbbVie STEM Prize, are pupils from Carrigtwohill Community National School in Cork: (L-R) Deirdre Clune MEP with Sophie Purcell (12), Frank Krysiak (9); Phoebe Purcell (9); and Rían McGovern (8).