Later this month will see the annual Sligo Engineering Fair return for its third year. Taking place virtually, the fair will be beamed from IT Sligo directly into people’s homes through a dedicated website, while special kits will be sent in advance to allow for participation in family-friendly hands-on activities. The event is sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland and healthcare leader Abbott, and is also in association with Engineers Ireland STEPS and Smart Futures.
The theme of this years’ fair is to encourage everyone to Design, Build and Discover the exciting possibilities of engineering. The online event will include engineering shows, interactive workshops and talks, explaining engineering in a fun way for all age groups! Cathy Foley from Science Foundation Ireland explained, “The Sligo Engineering Fair is part of SFI’s Discover programme, which aims to grow the communities contributing to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and to empower people to shape Ireland’s future through innovation.”
The fair will take place over 2 days on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February. Between 12 noon and 5pm each day, there will be a range of performances, interactive displays, workshops and demonstrations. Special workshop packs are available free of charge and can be ordered online at www.sligoengineeringfair.ie
The Sligo Engineering Fair is one of many STEM activities organised by IT Sligo with Abbott Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland that aim to inspire young people to become engineers of the future.
IT Sligo Engineering Lecturer Dr Marion McAfee said the Institute has learned to hold engaging events online since restrictions have made live events impossible:
“Over the past year, IT Sligo has learned to adapt their most popular events into exciting and engaging online virtual experiences. This year we will include an exciting pack, which will be sent to your household so you can join in the workshops from the safety of your home. Engineering is such an exciting and important career that can take you on some of the most incredible journeys. The Sligo Engineering Fair will give you a taste of what you can expect from the world of Engineering. Some of the events on offer are the entertaining careers-driven show, ‘Rough Guide to Engineering’, where participants can virtually journey around the world and find out what engineers do, and how they do it! You can also learn to make a Fan-Powered Car or a Bio-Engineered Artificial Hand.”
Niall Plunkett from Abbott in Ireland said:
“Engineering has been central to delivering innovation for every single generation. At Abbott, we have witnessed this first hand, with our teams of inspiring engineers working together to create the future of healthcare through products that help people around the world live better and healthier lives. Today the world faces new challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change, and meeting these will require a new generation of innovators, many of whom will be engineers. We are proud to support the Sligo Engineering Fair and hope it encourages that next generation to embrace their creative and inquisitive sides and consider a future in engineering.”
The Engineering Fair from IT Sligo will also include Dr Niamh Shaw, a presenter, writer, podcaster and artist who will explore engineering in space from the perspective of an average, everyday person who is on a quest to pursue their childhood dreams. Sharing highs and lows of the journey so far including adventures on the simulated Mars mission in the desert, her work with the European Space Agency, a zero gravity flight, and trips to Baikonur cosmodrome.
The Sligo Engineering Fair is a FREE to all event available to anyone. To book places on any activity visit www.sligoengineeringfair.ie. The website will be live from 11th February for bookings.