On March 5th, 2026, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD announced that almost €6 million in funding would be used to support thirty-two projects designed to engage the public in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the Research Ireland Discover Programme.
The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a national initiative to widen participation in STEM. This year’s projects will engage with people of all ages, from early childhood through to adulthood, through creative, community-embedded, and inclusive approaches to STEM engagement.
Research Ireland Discover Programme awards NCI
NCI’s STEM for All: Multiple Inclusive STEM Engagements for Families, Communities project, led by Professor Paul Stynes, Dean of the School of Computing, has been awarded €60,000.00 in funding.
About the project
The STEM for All project builds on Research Ireland funded programming, supporting STEM identities, skills, and aspirations of children and families facing significant socio-economic challenges in Dublin’s Inner City by creating multiple, accessible, inclusive opportunities for disenfranchised families to gain confidence, competence, and a sense of belonging in STEM, and the research and innovation world
Professor Paul Stynes, Dean of NCI’s School of Computing, shares, “This funding allows us to further advance our research into inclusive STEM education, building a stronger evidence base on what works in engaging children and families from underrepresented communities. As Principal Investigator, it enables us to evolve and scale our programmes in a way that is both research-informed and community-driven, strengthening pathways into STEM from an early age through to future study and careers.
It also reinforces NCI’s role in leading impactful, inclusive research that connects education, community engagement, and long-term societal outcomes.”
NCI’s Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is a grassroots public purpose project addressing systemic inequalities; empowering at-risk children to discover their STEM identities through creative, engaging experiences that encourage scientific thinking.
STEM is embedded across ELI’s early intervention programmes: STEM Play & Learn (home visits, ages 4–6), weekly Coding Clubs (ages 7–12), Senior Coding Club (ages 13–16), STEM events for families. Local advocacy, accessible family learning, and parent engagement are central to inclusive education, building science capital, and resilient communities.
Recognising parents’ profound role in shaping children’s learning outcomes and aspirations, ELI’s programming expands, incorporating insights from their 2024 Parental Attitudes to STEM and Digital Technology research, including findings from in-depth case studies exploring long-term STEM engagement in disadvantaged families.
To deepen impact and engagement several new elements will be introduced: Think Like a Scientist pilot, an initiative aimed at bridging a gap in children’s scientific understanding through inquiry-based learning; bespoke parent technology clinics; and STEM 101 sessions demystifying core concepts, giving parents tools to support their child’s learning. In parallel, ELI is developing longitudinal analysis framework exploring how sustained participation in the STEM programmes influences young people’s aspirations and progression to third-level education.
Brigina O’Riordan, Assistant Director of ELI’s Community Services Programmes, shares, “This funding will enable children and families in Dublin Inner City to engage in high quality, accessible, and engaging STEM learning experiences, building confidence, curiosity, and awareness in the scientific method. This programme is intentionally designed to promote access, inclusion, and diversity, with strong participation from underrepresented groups, supported by NCI as a safe and welcoming community space.”
Research Ireland New Foundations scheme awards NCI
Research Ireland’s New Foundations scheme supports eligible researchers who intend to pursue research, networking, and/or dissemination activities within and across the diversity of disciplines. At the end of February, Research Ireland announced the New Foundations Awardees for 2026. National College of Ireland has received one of the awards for dementia research led by the ProBrain Lab in the Psychology Department of NCI’s School of Business and Social Sciences.
The project, SUSTAIN CST: Supporting Sustainable Access to Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for People with Dementia in Ireland, led by NCI’s Dr Michelle Kelly and Dr Caoimhe Hannigan in partnership with Engaging Dementia, has been awarded €11, 726.01 in funding.
About this project
Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is an evidence-based intervention that improves cognition, communication, and quality of life for people with dementia. Although CST is recommended in Irish health policy, it remains difficult to access. This project will co-develop a national CST Implementation Plan in collaboration with dementia stakeholders. The Plan will be evaluated using a validated mixed-methods implementation science approach. Building on previous research, the project aims to improve the availability and sustainability of CST across Ireland, develop resources to encourage CST delivery, and promote meaningful support for those affected by dementia.
Dr Michelle Kelly, Associate Professor in Psychology at NCI’s School of Business and Social Sciences, shares, “We are delighted to be awarded funding through the Research Ireland New Foundations programme. I would like to acknowledge the continued support of Research Ireland in enabling the ProBrain Lab to conduct impactful, collaborative research that addresses key societal needs.”
Dr Caoimhe Hannigan, Associate Professor in Psychology at NCI’s School of Business and Social Sciences, shares, “This project is focused on making a real and practical difference for people affected by dementia. By working closely with stakeholders to develop and implement a national plan for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, we aim to improve access to meaningful supports that enhance quality of life.”
NCI shortlisted at the Education Awards
National College of Ireland has been shortlisted in eight categories for this year’s Education Awards.
More about the Education Awards
Founded in 2017 to honour excellence and innovation across Ireland’s higher and further education sectors, the Education Awards were designed to highlight achievements in areas such as student success, infrastructure, sustainability, and digital learning. The Education Awards aim to promote and encourage positive change in education, building a culture of continuous improvement across Ireland’s educational landscape.
Below is the full NCI shortlist:
Best Research Project: National College of Ireland – Availability of Cognitive Rehabilitation for People with Dementia in Ireland (CR-Ireland)
Best Education Outreach Award – Community & Public Engagement: National College of Ireland- STEM Family Learning in the Community
Career Impact Strategy– Employability, Access & Skills Development: National College of Ireland
Best Library Team: National College of Ireland -Academic Support Centre
Most Innovative Digital Transformation: National College of Ireland –LibMaps
Innovative Access to Third-Level Education: National College of Ireland –The P-TECH Programme
Apprenticeship Programme Award – Education Provider: National College of Ireland –The IFS Apprenticeship
Best Collaboration Award – Domestic (Public Good, Culture & Social Impact):The Autism Acceptance Festival
It is a particularly exciting time for NCI as the College is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. News like this only adds to the celebratory atmosphere across both NCI campus buildings and it encourages everyone to keep striving towards their goals.
Professor Gina Quin, President of NCI, shares, “The recent Research Ireland funding announcements alongside the news of NCI being shortlisted at the Education Awards, has greatly aligned with our 75th Anniversary Celebrations. This funding will not only allow research to evolve, but it will also help our staff work towards the larger mission of NCI which is to change lives through education. The research conducted will touch many lives and it will be highly rewarding to see that work positively helping those in our local community and beyond. I would also like to congratulate all those who have been shortlisted at this year’s Education Awards; it is brilliant to see NCI represented nationally in so many categories.”
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