Young Mayo people enjoy University of Galway STEAM workshops

FROM digital storytelling to DNA, and from Lego robots to robot dogs, the next generation of scientists, engineers and filmmakers have taken part in University of Galway’s ReelLIFE SCIENCE STEAM Showcase 2025.

More than 120 young science enthusiasts from 12 Foróige youth services in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon and Westmeath took part in workshops and activities delivered by Foróige youth workers and University of Galway students and staff.

The STEAM showcase at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society was funded by the Research Ireland Discover Programme and is a joint initiative between the University of Galway ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme and Foróige’s GO Digital Youth Work Team.

Young people aged from 10 to 18 took part in workshops including music production, superhero digital storyboarding, stop-motion and green screen animation and the Cell EXPLORERS Fantastic DNA activity, while attendees also met ‘Scratch’, the School of Computer Science robot dog.

The event concluded with a ‘Media Mash-Up’, where participants showcased their STEAM activities via film, including Lego robotics, coding, engineering challenges and animation, alongside recent prizewinning Foróige entries to the ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition.

Megan Depinna, senior youth officer at Foróige GO Digital, said: “The ReelLIFE SCIENCE STEAM Showcase is a fantastic opportunity for young people involved in Foróige to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths in a hands-on and creative way. It’s the perfect launchpad for creativity and discovery.

“We’re encouraging all young people to take their ideas further by entering the ReelLIFE SCIENCE competition, which is a unique platform for them to express their curiosity, creativity, and passion for science, and to have their voices heard on a national stage.”

Foróige’s Digital Youth Work Strategic Plan aims to ensure that all young people develop the key digital skills, values and competencies necessary to excel in the digital era by design and not simply by chance.

The University of Galway ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing the communication and digital skills so important for the 21st century.

The programme is led by Dr. Enda O’Connell who welcomed the young people on campus to learn new skills and explore the possibilities an interest in science and technology can bring.

“Partnerships like these are vital to broaden participation, increase the awareness of STEM careers and provide connections between STEM and the creative arts,” he said.

More information about this year’s competition, which closes for entries on October 10, can be found at www.reellifescience.com.