Kildare student awarded Insight scholarship by An Taoiseach at Google HQ

Maynooth University student Jade Amy Orr was awarded Insight scholarship by An Taoiseach at Google HQ. In Dublin’s Barrow Street 40 students from all over Ireland received scholarships to study STEM subjects at third level. The scholarships were awarded by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

These scholarships - funded by Google.org and coordinated by the Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics and DCU – will support students from underrepresented backgrounds to study subjects such as AI, cybersecurity and digital safety at one of 13 universities in Ireland.

Students receiving scholarships included members of the Traveller community, students who have been in the care of the state, students with disabilities and refugee students. A quarter are mature students returning to education and 41.5% of the new scholars have identified as women.

Talking to students on the day it was clear that this support, which offers not just money but mentorship, will go a long way to helping these talented people to realise their career goals.

Jade Amy Orr, studying General Science at Maynooth University, has a plan. ‘I have an ambition to work in immunology and this support will out me on the right track. The mentorship is the part that is especially valuable to me as it will help me make connections for my future career. I hope one day to work in drug development as I have always found this area fascinating.’

These scholars will bring their talents and perspectives to a tech sector that needs them. As Taoiseach Micheal Martin put it on the day: ‘In an increasingly digitalised world, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent in STEM fields is paramount for the future sustainability of our society and economy. That is why I’m delighted to see programmes like this, supporting students in realising their talent and potential. For our part, the Government is focused on stepping up our efforts to fully realise the benefits of the digital and AI revolution to bring about positive change and ensuring the development and use of AI is ethical and responsible.’

Professor Noel O’Connor, Insight CEO, said: ‘Insight’s education and public engagement vision is to empower critically aware, creative communities towards a better society for all. We believe this can only be achieved if we tackle societal inequalities in STEM education. Insight and Google are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in AI and Digital Safety.’

The Insight Scholarship Programme is the largest scholarship programme of its kind in Ireland. With a funding package of €1.5 million over five years, two cohorts of undergraduate students will receive scholarships to study in one of 230 STEM courses across 13 Irish universities. Applications for the second cohort of students will open in October 2025. Successful applicants will be awarded €5,000 per year, up to a maximum duration of five years.

www.insight-centre.org/google-insight-scholarship/