Survey: AI literacy should be taught in schools
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The expo award was presented to Johnson & Johnson with Mairead Cummins, STEM SW board member; Susan Dunlea, Johnson & Johnson; Paul O’Brien, STEM SW board and Cliona Murphy, judge .Image 2 of 12
Dr Cliodhna Sargent and Dr Susan Rea, both MTU.Image 3 of 12
Alwyn O’Donoghue and Preeti Bobde, both MACOM.Image 4 of 12
Aine McCarthy, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork and Mairead Cummins, STEM SW.Image 5 of 12
Naoimh Riordan and Katie O’Leary from Scoil Mhuire Primary School.Image 6 of 12
Sean Donovan and Sean McSweeney, both MTU.Image 7 of 12
Grace Tobin, Alison Walsh, Denise McCarthy, chair of Engineers Ireland, Cork Region and Rachel Fitzgerald, PepsiCo.Image 8 of 12
Donal Sullivan of CompuCal with his wife Irene O’Flynn.Image 9 of 12
Claire O’Connor, Vision Contracting, and Olivia Sheehan, Wayfinder Careers.Image 10 of 12
Minister Jerry Buttimer TD, Anita Maguire, UCC, and John Morrissey, PepsiCo.Image 11 of 12
Matilda Miniussi from Colaiste Mhuire, Crosshaven, being present with an award by Brendan O’Connell of STEM SW.Image 12 of 12
STEM in the Community Volunteer of the Year award winner was Shane Ruddle, with Martin Boyle, STEM SW board and Eli Lilly.The Chair of STEM South West has said AI is at the forefront of our times, and there is a strong demand for its adoption in schools.
Mary Good made the comment at the recent STEM South West Awards where they launched a new national survey which showed there is strong public support for preparing the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a changing world. Three-quarters of adults believe coding and AI literacy should be taught in schools, with junior secondary (12-15 years) seen as the ideal stage. Young adults strongly favour early AI education, while older adults and lower-income groups are more likely to prefer optional learning.
The awards celebrated excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and recognise individuals and organisations whose achievements drive innovation, education, and community engagement in the STEM sector across the south west region, which collectively employs over 75,000 people in STEM-related industries.
Mary Good added: “There’s a recognition that young people must be equipped with the skills to thrive in this new digital landscape. (These) awards showcase the people and organisations who are already leading the way in preparing our next generation for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
She continued: “This evening is all about celebration and recognition. It is also a time for us to reflect on what we have achieved in the past year and embrace the many opportunities of the future, while recognising the rapidly evolving global landscape and its challenges. Our AI & Future skills survey throws a focus on the opportunity for growth in education across science, technology, engineering and maths as we prepare and adapt to changing demands in the workplace.”
“These results show that the adoption and education of our students with AI skills is critical. It’s a call to action for educators, policymakers, and industry to work together to future-proof Ireland’s workforce.”
Patrick Doyle, South West Regional Manager, IDA and member of the judging panel, said: "Congratulations to STEM South West and all of the finalists and winners for their commitment of time, expertise, and resources in support of STEM skills development and education. Their efforts will provide opportunity for the next generation and future-proof the talent pipeline to sustain the long-term success of STEM industries across the south west region."