September University of Galway team up with county libraries to encourage young people to engage with STEM

Audiovisual kits available to borrow in six libraries in Offaly, Mayo, Cork and Galway as young people take part in ReelLIFE SCIENCE video competition 

The University of Galway based STEM programme ReelLIFE SCIENCE has presented six libraries around Ireland with audiovisual equipment to help young people in schools and youth groups take part in the innovative science video competition. 

Now in its 11th year, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges young science enthusiasts and filmmakers across the island of Ireland, north and south, to produce fun short science videos to educate and entertain the public. 

With a prize fund of more than €5000, the best videos from primary schools, secondary schools and youth organisations will each win €1000 and will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival at University of Galway on November 12, 2023.

Videos can be up to three minutes in length and can communicate any aspect of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), including topics like: Climate Action, How Things Work, Emerging Technology and Marvels of Medicine. 

Filming can be on smartphones, tablets or cameras.

The closing date for entries is Friday, October 13. 

Through the Digital Libraries partnership with Foróige, the audiovisual kits were presented to libraries in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Castlebar and Ballina in Co Mayo, Castletownbere and Youghal in Co Cork, and Westside Library in Galway City. 

The kits can be borrowed by young people to help them with their productions.

Speaking about the collaboration, ReelLIFE SCIENCE Founding Director Dr Enda O’Connell, said: “We are very excited to launch this pilot project with these six libraries, to enable more young people to engage with science and technology in a creative way. Having a scientifically engaged public from all regions and backgrounds has never been more important, and through the support of Science Foundation Ireland, we plan on expanding this initiative to more libraries around the country in the coming years.”

Since launching in 2013, more than 23,000 young people in 700 schools and youth organisations in Ireland have taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme, producing over 2,500 short science videos. 

ReelLIFE SCIENCE is supported by Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme, University of Galway’s College of Science and Engineering, the CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, and the Cell EXPLORERS science outreach programme.

More information about taking part can be found at www.reellifescience.com. An introductory video on ReelLIFE SCIENCE is also available in English or Irish. 

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