15 Nov 2006

Inaugural SFI/Dell Young Women in Engineering Scholarship Awards

Mr Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (14 November 2006) announced the winners of the inaugural Science Foundation Ireland/Dell - Young Women in Engineering Scholarships.

The ten winners received their prizes from the Minister at a ceremony in Dublin. The overall value of each award is approximately €20,000, with each of the ten winners receiving an annual award of €2,000; a Dell Precision M20 notebook computer; the assistance and support of a research active mentor throughout their undergraduate career; plus the opportunity to spend summers in a research internship in university or industry.

The Awards were launched last year by Minister Martin and Michael Dell, Chairman, Dell at an event in Limerick.

Speaking at the Awards presentation today, Minister Martin said: "These Awards are aimed at attracting and encouraging more high-achieving young women into third-level education in engineering disciplines.  There is a clear and unequivocal case for increasing the participation of women in science, engineering and technology in Ireland. These Awards are a terrific first step towards addressing the challenge."

Nicky Hartery, VP Manufacturing, Dell said: "We are proud to join with SFI to support this important programme and to play a role in helping to encourage as many talented women as possible to pursue a career in science and engineering. Proactive steps, such as this sponsorship programme will help to ensure that talented, innovative and driven young women will channel their energies into ICT, something that is important for the future growth and development of the sector."
CAO statistics show that though there are more girls than boys taking Leaving Certificate science subjects, less than 15% of students who accept places on four-year engineering degree courses are female.

Mark Keane, Director General, SFI, said "There is severe gender imbalance among students taking university engineering courses. I am confident that in the long-term these talented female students will act as mentors for others to consider undertaking careers in science and engineering.   Engineering degrees provide a wide career choice and I would encourage female leaving certificate students to look at all of the options available to them."

Following on the success of the 2006 scheme, SFI today also launched the 2007 Young Women in Engineering competition. The scheme is again supported by Dell who will supply all the scholars with notebook computers.

The Awards are open to female applicants who have completed the Irish Leaving Certificate either in the year they are applying to third-level education or in the previous year. They must achieve an A1 or A2 grade in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, and an A1 or A2 in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Technical Drawing, Engineering or Construction Studies at Higher Level in the Leaving Certificate Examination and secure a CAO Offer for an eligible course in the first round of CAO offers.

The Winning Students:

1. Yvonne Murphy from Hewitt College, Cork, now studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at UCC;
2. Claire Morrison, from Thornhill College, Derry, now studying Engineering at UCD;
3. Christine Power, from St Gobhan's College, Bantry, Cork now studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at UCC;
4. Helen Guinane, from Scoil Carmel, Limerick now studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at UCC;
5. Laura Bree, from Dominican College, Galway now studying Biomedical Engineering at NUI Galway;
6. Eimear Dolan, from Mount Saint Michaels, Claremorrris, Mayo now studying Engineering at NUI Galway;
7. Tara Reale from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Kerry now studying Civil & Environmental Engineering at UCC
8. Una Hally, from Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel, Tipperary now studying Medical Mechanical Engineering at DCU;
9. Karen McMorrow, from Manor House School, Raheny, Dublin now studying Engineering at TCD; and
10. Niamh O' Connell from St David's Holy Faith Secondary School, Greystones, Wicklow now studying Engineering at UCD.