Launch of SciFest 2017
1st February, 2017 – Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton TD today launched the 10th annual SciFest and called on second-level students from across Ireland to demonstrate their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills. The launch took place at St Mary’s Secondary School in Killester, Dublin.
Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Education and Skills said:
“It is a pleasure to launch SciFest 2017, here at St Mary’s Secondary School in Killester. SciFest is now in its 10th year and I wish to congratulate all the organisers, the Institutes of Technology and DCU, and indeed the participating schools and teachers on reaching this important milestone. For the generation of children currently in school and about to enter it, creative thinking and problem-solving skills will be absolutely key to how they develop and achieve their potential. In particular, their ability to think critically and develop solutions will be vital for their prospects in life. Our ambition is to make Ireland’s education and training system the best in Europe within a decade. Providing STEM Education of the highest quality is essential if Ireland is to become an innovation leader at the forefront of technological and scientific change. We need to encourage our existing students, as well as future generations of students, to understand and embrace areas related to STEM. SciFest plays an important role in instilling in our students that a STEM education can open many doors and by encouraging young people to develop a love of these subjects and to engage their passions outside the traditional classroom setting.”