The Interreg Europe WeSTEMEU project, aimed at advancing gender inclusivity in STEM fields across Europe, recently completed a two-day study visit in Letterkenny, coordinated by the WiSAR Lab at ATU Donegal.
Held on October 23-24, the event brought together leading stakeholders from academia, industry, and government to foster dialogue, share best practices, and strengthen interregional collaborations.
The four-year project (2023-2027), led by Igualada City Council in Spain, brings together partners from Lithuania, Ireland, Greece, Albania, Romania, and Poland with a total budget of €1.7 million. In Ireland, the project is coordinated locally by the WiSAR Lab at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), with Donegal County Council as an associate partner.
During the visit, delegates engaged in stakeholder events, site visits, and interregional exchanges that underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing gender gaps in STEM education and employment. A Stakeholder Dissemination Event included presentations by local leaders, such as Joanne Sweeney of GEMX Northwest, who highlighted regional collaborations promoting STEM skills, and Grace Korbel of Donegal’s Local Enterprise Office, who introduced AMBITION, an innovative local program supporting female entrepreneurs.
Participants visited Donegal ETB’s Errigal College, where a STEM lab—developed in partnership with Optum—showcases how early STEM education can drive greater gender inclusivity. The delegation also travelled to Welditz Ltd. in Carndonagh, where co-director Maureen Cuddihy emphasised the positive impact of inclusivity on company culture and performance.
The visit also included an interregional exchange of case studies, showcasing regional programs like the Atlantic Futures initiative at Ulster University, which provides mentorship and resources for women entrepreneurs. This segment allowed representatives from the Northwest to share effective practices for fostering STEM engagement among young people and women.
The study visit culminated in a thematic workshop focused on work-life balance, a critical component for sustaining a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.
Dr. Shagufta Henna from the ATU Donegal Department of Computing led discussions on flexible work practices, while Margaret Quinn of Donegal Digital and Elaine Whoriskey of Donegal County Council highlighted how digitalisation can facilitate greater work-life balance.
“The Letterkenny visit has provided invaluable insights into how local innovation can inform broader European policies. The engagement, collaboration, and ideas exchanged here set a benchmark for fostering gender inclusivity in STEM right across the EU,” remarked project leader Dr. Nick Timmons of WiSAR, ATU.
“As the project progresses, insights from the Letterkenny visit will continue to shape initiatives aimed at breaking down barriers for women in STEM across Europe, strengthening networks, and establishing best practices for future policy.”
Dr. Shagufta Henna of ATU highlighted the importance of the visit, stating:
“Hosting this international delegation underscores ATU’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and innovation in STEM. By sharing ideas and strategies, we’re taking tangible steps towards breaking down gender barriers in education and employment.”
