Beth Gardner (Dungarvan) was among 62 students from across five Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of the prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards at the first ever national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick.
Beth is studying Structural Engineering at Munster Technological University.
The Award recognises outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing and Design.
Sixty-two students from Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, University College Cork, University of Galway and Munster Technological University have received scholarships as part of the programme.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, said:
“Huge congratulations to the recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award on their achievements. What they have achieved to date is inspirational and I hope will encourage more women to study STEM.
“There is so much more we can do to reduce the gender gap in STEM studies and as Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science I am committed to pulling every lever to do so, and making sure that there are no barriers to educational opportunities.
“It’s a great time to celebrate this occasion as it’s Science Week, a time when we celebrate the wonders of science and the potential it holds.”
“Our capacity to tackle the challenges of the future will be significantly enhanced through advancements in research, science, and innovation and it’s clear to me the full potential of the STEM community can only be realised when we eliminate gender disparities.
“I want to thank industry leaders like Johnson & Johnson for their commitment to empowering and investing in brilliant young women. By igniting the spark of curiosity in young minds, nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, and supporting the development of a robust talent pipeline, we are investing in our shared future.”
Each scholarship recipient is set to embark on an inspiring journey, gaining access to a student award, industry mentorship, leadership training, career workshops, Johnson & Johnson site visits, and participation in WiSTEM2D events aimed at bolstering their future in STEM careers.
Recipients of the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Award scholarship were also presented with bespoke framed glass artwork crafted by Fermoy-based artist Suzanne O'Sullivan.
