A LIMERICK employer has been honoured at the inaugural STEM South West Awards for an initiative that aims to foster interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) from an early age.
Medical devices manufacturing company Stryker, who has a base in Raheen, was announced as the Primary Education winner at the awards for their programme Manufacturing a Healthy Future.
The initiative, a joint effort between Stryker and I-Form, the Research Foundation Ireland Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, aims to connect with children at an early age, create training materials for primary teachers in 3D printing and design, and provide 3D printers to schools so students can gain hands-on experience using this cutting-edge technology.
Stryker and I-Form engineers and scientists provided technical support to teachers and donated 3D printers to participating schools.
Mag O’Keeffe, VP of Global Additive Technologies at Stryker, said that the project aims to help students use their imagination when it comes to STEM subjects.
“Stryker recognises the importance of taking an innovative and creative approach to STEM education. By encouraging students to use their imagination and spark creativity in a fun way, Manufacturing a Healthy Future provides a clear example of how this can be achieved,” she said.
Professor Denis Dowling, Director of the I-Form Research Centre, added that “Manufacturing a Healthy Future is a really successful programme offering students the opportunity to learn about and gain first-hand experience with 3D printing technology in a fun and creative environment. We’re honoured to receive this award with Stryker at STEM South West’s inaugural ceremony.”
