Johnson & Johnson has launched its WiSTEM2D programme at University of Galway for this year which aims to inspire and support more women to pursue a career in STEM after university.
The WiSTEM2D programme awards and sponsors girls and women at critical points in their educational experience and their careers, in STEM disciplines.
It was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016 and since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork and University of Galway, supporting more than 300 female students over the last six years.
This year, the programme will include Munster Technological University (MTU) for the first time.
Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead, said that they are firm believers in working with their educational partners to create a talent pipeline for the future.
“We recognise that we have a part to play in ensuring a fairer representation for women in STEM fields,” she said.
“This is why we have developed the WiSTEM2D programme, to build a diverse STEM community that reflects the great diverse aspects of society, by supporting and nurturing women studying in STEM.”
Associate Professor Mary Dempsey said that University of Galway is delighted to partner with Johnson & Johnson and offer the WiSTEM2D programme for a second year.
“Support for underrepresented students in STEM is at the core of many of the College of Science and Engineering strategic initiatives to realise our values of openness and excellence.
“We are confident that this initiative will empower our female student scientists, mathematicians and engineers to be ambitious and build confidence in their career planning.”
Thalyra Costa, a Biomedical Engineering student at University of Galway, was a participant in the WiSTEM2D programme last year.
Speaking about its impact, she said it helps young women like her gain confidence in their ability to bring innovation to the future of biomedical engineering.
“I have had the chance to expand my network and share knowledge with experienced and inspiring engineers,” said Thalyra.
“The programme has been an enlightening and insightful experience into the world of biomedical engineering, and it has helped me to decide on what career path I wish to pursue.”
Application for the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme is open to female students of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design subjects entering their second, third or fourth year of studies 2022/2023 within University of Galway.
Eligible students are asked to submit their application by Friday, 14 October 2022.
