University of Galway teams up with Offaly library to encourage young people to engage with STEM

THE University of Galway based STEM programme ReelLIFE SCIENCE has presented six libraries around Ireland with audiovisual equipment through the Digital Libraries partnership with Foróige.

The kits were presented to libraries in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Castlebar and Ballina, Co Mayo, Castletownbere and Youghal in Co Cork, and Westside Library, Co Galway.

Now, in its 11th year, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges young science enthusiasts across Ireland to produce fun, short science videos to educate and entertain. The audiovisual kits can be borrowed from each library to help with the production of these videos.

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.

The best videos from primary and secondary schools and youth organisations will each win €1,000, with the videos being screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival at University of Galway on November 12th, 2023.

Videos can be up to three minutes in length and can communicate any aspect of STEM 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 13th.

You can find more information at www.reellifescience.com.