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Cork school students create Gen Z-friendly science content in UCC Science Studio

9 Feb 2024

Female transition year students from three Deis schools across Cork City made their big-screen debut alongside Mary Robinson and Leo Varadkar at the RDS after recording TikTok-style science videos at the recently opened €400,000 Science Studio in UCC.

In collaboration with iWish, a programme promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects to female students, girls from Mayfield Community School, Coláiste Dáibhéad and Presentation Secondary School Ballyphehane used the science lab/TV Studio in UCC’s Kane Building to conduct experiments that were shown to nearly 3,000 students at the iWish Showcase at the RDS in Dublin.

Funded by the government’s €300m Human Capital Initiative (HCI), and implemented by the Virtual Labs project, the studio has 4K cameras embedded in the ceilings and walls of the soundproofed room, enabling students and teachers to create high-quality video content for the TikTok generation and provide outreach opportunities to primary and secondary school teachers on all topics related to STEM.

Dr Eric Moore, Senior Lecturer at UCC School of Chemistry, said:

“It was fantastic to welcome all the students into the Science Studio. They did exceptionally well and it was a great opportunity for us to showcase the capabilities of the studio.

“We want to revolutionise how students are taught STEM subjects and through this facility - the first of its kind in Ireland - we ultimately hope to widen participation in STEM and prepare our graduates to be industry-ready.

“It is really exciting to partner with iWISH and be involved with them to promote female participation in STEM, and we hope this unique experience will encourage not only the students who visited us but all those who watch their TikTok videos to participate in STEM subjects.”

Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills and Engagement at Higher Education Authority, said:

“The Human Capital Initiative, Pillar 3, projects are all about innovation in teaching and the Virtual Labs’ Science Studio in UCC epitomises this in the best possible way. It’s a great way to teach students using methods like short-form video - something they are already so familiar with - and it’s wonderful to see them pair up with iWish to share the love of STEM to an even wider audience, while mingling with esteemed female STEM leaders and other inspirational figures.

“The virtual nature of this initiative means it’s accessible to students across the country, and we wish Dr Eric Moore and all the staff and students the best in the new facility and hope they continue to inspire - and develop - the skills we’ll require in the future.”