21 Aug Mayo Science and Technology Festival secures €26,500 Government funding

Mayo Science and Technology Festival has secured €26,500 funding from the Government, Fine Gael general election candidate Alan Dillon has confirmed.

Mr Dillon said:

“My colleague the Minister for Business, Enterprise, and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, and the Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan, have announced an investment of €476,000 through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), to support 13 festivals and 13 events across the country as part of national Science Week.

“Science Week takes place from the 10th –17th of November this year, with a theme of climate action.

“The Mayo Science and Technology Festival will add to the local conversation about the impact of science and technology on our changing world. Science week is an excellent opportunity for adults and teenagers to connect with science and this year it will also provide a chance to learn about the ways in which science and technology can contribute to a positive climate future..

“The festival will consist of an open day, events for families, events for adult audiences without children, pre-schools, and primary and post-primary schools”.

“The primary objective of the Mayo Science & Technology Festival is to promote interest and take-up in STEM subjects among Mayo students. The festival aims to promote inquisitiveness and questioning among children and present them with opportunities to see things working and to make new things work and to make a link in young people’s minds between the choices they make at Leaving Certificate and 3rd Level and the various science / technology / engineering employment opportunities that may one day be available to them in their home county.

 “In addition to the 13 festivals, 13 other events have received funding under the SFI Discover Programme Science Week Call, which include events for both adults and children. They span topics such as climate change, health, baking in space, future fashion and much more.”

Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted to announce this important investment of €476,000 in Science Week festivals and events through SFI, which will help a diversity of citizens to access science at a local level across the country. Scientific literacy and understanding are an important facet of a modern and progressive society.”