Two projects from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences have secured funding under the Research Ireland Discover Programme.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton TD, have announced almost €6 million in funding through the programme, supporting public engagement and widening participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) nationally.

Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health – led by Professor Fergal Malone and Dr Zara Molphy – has been funded for the third consecutive year.

Developed by the RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital, the project tackles the growing impact of misinformation about sexual health among young people. Recognising that many teenagers now turn to social media, television and artificial intelligence (AI) for answers about their bodies, the initiative provides clear, evidence-based information through online workshops, resources and targeted social media campaigns.

Delivered by a national network of healthcare professionals and academics, the award-winning initiative promotes informed discussion, challenges myths and empowers young people to make confident, informed decisions about their health.

Humanarium, RCSI’s new public engagement space, has received funding to develop the flagship public event programme ‘Late at 118’. Based in Humanarium, the new public health gallery dedicated to health and well-being, ‘Late at 118’ is a bold new take on the late-night gallery format.

The evening gatherings blend food, performance, conversation and immersive experiences to explore health in surprising and culturally relevant ways. Designed for adult audiences (18+), each evening will offer a rich, reflective experience, where science meets storytelling and wellness meets wonder.

The first event took place in February, following the opening of the first exhibition, ‘Heart: more than a beat’. The event featured a silent disco with DJ Emmy Shigeta, hand-on workshops with RCSI experts, a talk on heart-healthy food with Ciara Turley and a discussion on how fiction can get your heart aflutter with writer Sophie White.

Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said: “STEM is one of the most powerful forces driving Ireland’s creativity, resilience and future prosperity. The projects announced today will widen access to STEM by bringing wonder, curiosity and real opportunities for learning into people’s everyday lives. This investment isn’t just about supporting programmes – it’s about sparking imaginations. It brings conversations about research and innovation directly into our communities and helps nurture a new generation of explorers, problem solvers and innovators who will shape Ireland’s future.”

Welcoming the announcement and her department’s funding of six projects, Minister Naughton commented: “Today’s funding is about opening doors for our children and young people. By supporting STEM projects both inside and outside the classroom, we are helping children and young people across Ireland to discover that science, technology, engineering and maths are not abstract subjects, but real career paths that they can step into. This investment will ensure more children and young people can see themselves in STEM, build their confidence, and will empower them to pursue it as part of their future.”

Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, added: “The projects funded today highlight the creativity and ambition of Ireland’s STEM engagement community, and their commitment to inspiring the next generation of scientists. They are also playing a vital role in helping people of all ages feel informed and connected to the role of STEM research in society. Research Ireland’s strategy, launched earlier this week, is built on the three pillars of talent, economy and society. We are proud to support these partners as they deliver programmes to democratise access to STEM across the country, and help support talent for our future economy and society.”