Students, Families and Teachers ASPIRE with ABBOTT at Special STEM Events
To mark Science Week 2019 Abbott, the global healthcare company, hosted a series of special events across the country that explored the career opportunities that exist within the world of STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths). ASPIRE with ABBOTT brought together parents, teachers and students to hear from guest speakers, Abbott employees and patients whose lives have been impacted by innovative healthcare technologies.
In total, throughout November, Abbott events nationwide engaged more than 1,000 children, parents and teachers. This included three ASPIRE with ABBOTT events in Sligo, Clonmel and in Longford where it was run in partnership with the Midland Science Festival.
At each event the guests were able to hear from thought leaders within the world of STEM. In Longford this included Craig Slattery, a biomedical scientist and lecturer at UCD and Dr Niamh Shaw, one of Ireland’s leading science communicators. When ASPIRE visited Sligo, All Ireland winning footballer Kevin Nolan told his personal story of how science has shaped his life.
A highlight of the ASPIRE with ABBOTT series in 2019 was when explorer and innovator Mark Pollock spoke to the audience in Clonmel. His inspirational life story of tackling disability and using science to help overcome adversity captivated all in attendance.
A central aspect of the events is allowing the audience to hear directly from Abbott employees. Abbott volunteers based at the company’s businesses in Clonmel, Longford and Sligo shared their personal experiences in STEM-related roles. This included their career journeys, the range of opportunities that they have taken, their current roles and what it is like to work in a global healthcare company.
Daragh Fallon, CSR and Communications Manager for Abbott, shared the vision behind ASPIRE with Abbott: “As a global health technology company that recruits world-class scientists and engineers, we know that young people are a critical factor in solving the world’s biggest problems with smart, imaginative thinking.
“The world of STEM can feel daunting for both young people and their families, particularly if it is unfamiliar. ASPIRE with ABBOTT aims to provide a creative experience that encourages young people to engage in STEM. The event focused on topics such as the importance of subject choice, the future of work and how to build a pathway to third-level education and beyond.
“This event is part of our wider commitment to support our communities across Ireland. Last year our employees delivered more than 7,000 volunteer hours to good causes across the country. We are passionate about supporting young people and education, and this is the focus of much of our community work.”
Pictured above: explorer and innovator Mark Pollock discusses how STEM careers enable people to reach their full potential.
About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland:
Abbott serves the Irish market with a diverse range of health care products including diagnostics, medical devices and nutritionals products. In Ireland, Abbott employs almost 4,000 people across nine sites. We have six manufacturing facilities located in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford and Sligo and a third-party manufacturing management operation in Sligo. Abbott has commercial, support operations and shared services in Dublin and Galway. We have been operating in Ireland since 1946.
