Observatory Is STEM Star

A visit to the Armagh Observatory to learn more about its cutting edge scientific research has led an Executive Minister to call for a new generation of young people to study science - and STEM subjects in particular.

Minister for Employment and Learning, Danny Kennedy, visited Armagh Observatory this week and heard that it is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland, and that it continues to pave the way in terms of its world-class academic research helping to broaden and expand our understanding of astronomy and related sciences.

UUP Minister Kennedy commented: "The Observatory is a world-leading astronomical institution and is another example of how Northern Ireland and our talented scientists are at the forefront of their field.

"The research undertaken here relies on the skills of well qualified scientists, yet increasingly young people are shying away from studying science subjects.

"This is of great concern to me and has implications right across the spectrum of Government Departments in Northern Ireland.

"For that reason, we have recently published a draft Government STEM (science, technology and engineering subjects) Strategy which considers how we can work together to equip our workforce with the STEM skills needed by our employers."

During his visit, Minister Kennedy learnt more about principal research programmes and its current outreach activities which include cross-cutting educational programmes that promote STEM and encourage young people to develop a more creative and scientific way of thinking.

(BMcC/KMcA)