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: