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Scholarship Programme to Increase Participation of Women in Science, Engineering and Technology in Ireland Mr. Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment together with Michael Dell, today launched a Science Foundation Ireland research driven scholarship, aimed at encouraging more young women into engineering degree courses. The scholarship is a partnership with Dell, who will be supplying all scholars with Dell notebook computers. Up to 10 scholarships will be awarded in 2006, the inaugural year of this scheme. The overall value of each award is approximately €20,000. Welcoming the scholarship, Minister Martin commented: “There is serious gender imbalance among students taking university engineering courses. This is not simply a matter of equality, but one of ensuring that there are sufficient numbers of researchers in science, engineering and technology to support a knowledge-based economy. I am confident that these talented female scholars, together with the other SFI initiatives, can go a long way towards building an ever more competitive Ireland.” “Like many countries, Ireland needs more students to pursue careers in engineering. Changing demographics and globalisation require that we tap all key talent pools,” said Michael Dell. “We’re proud to join with SFI to support this important programme to encourage young women to choose careers in science and engineering.” The designated engineering courses are among those where women have been traditionally under-represented. Based on CAO statistics, just 16.4% of students who accepted places on four-year engineering degree courses in 2002-2004 were female. The scholarship is part of a broader SFI initiative aimed at boosting the number of talented science and engineer researchers in Ireland. SFI Board member, Dr Jane Grimson, said: “There is a clear and unequivocal case for increasing the participation of women in science, engineering and technology in Ireland. The under-representation of women threatens our global competitiveness and requires a co-ordinated set of focused research driven programmes.” Scholars will receive an annual award of €2,000; a Dell Precision M20 notebook computer at the start of their degree; the assistance and support of a research active mentor throughout their undergraduate career; encouragement to spend summers in a research internship in university or industry. Applicants must be female and have completed the Irish Leaving Certificate either in the year they are applying to third-level education (2006) or in the previous year (2005). They must achieve an A1 or A2 grade in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics, and an A1 or A2 in either Physics, Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level in the Leaving Certificate Examination and secure a CAO Offer for an eligible course in the first round of CAO offers in 2006. Details of the application process and eligibility requirements are available on the SFI website: www.sfi.ie | ||
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