The Nimbus Centre was delighted to be involved with the I Wish initiative on February 12th, which aims to promote careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) to female students.

According to the Higher Education Authority, the number of females entering third level courses in STEM subjects has declined significantly. To tackle this decline, I Wish invited over 1,000 female students in Cork to events across the region highlighting the many rewarding careers in STEM.

Numerous events around Cork took place, with hubs in East, West and North Cork. The CIT hub facilitated the City West region and the North Cork hub was held in Mallow, which Nimbus attended. Female researchers from the Nimbus Centre were on hand to talk to students about the research and projects going on in the centre, and the many career options available for women in STEM. Female researchers at the Nimbus centre come from a variety of STEM backgrounds, and are passionate about educating and inspiring young women about the opportunities open to them.

The Cork Institute of Technology also played host to the I Wish drive, and coordinated the world’s first mass female selfie, cleverly dubbed the ‘STEMfie.’

Gillian Keating, Cork Chamber President and I Wish co-founder, speaking at the event said: “There is a huge variety of exciting careers and opportunities for women in the STEM sector. I Wish is about being proactive, rather than reactive, to the STEM skills shortage. We are giving young girls the choice, and the chance, to make changes that could impact their future careers.”

The Nimbus Centre was excited to be part of such an important event, and will continue to support and promote STEM education in Ireland.