Johnson & Johnson have announced the expansion of its WiSTEM2D programme in partnership with Munster Technological University.
WiSTEM2D stands for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design. The aim of the undergraduate programme is to inspire and support more women to pursue a career in STEM after university and increase female representation in the STEM2D workforce.
STEM courses are growing in popularity, with the CSO reporting that Ireland has a much higher level of STEM graduates when compared with other EU nations, 35% for Ireland compared to an EU average of 19%. However, there is still a disparity between the amount of CAO applications from males and females, with females recording fewer applications.
The programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016. Since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork in 2018, and University of Galway in 2021, supporting more than 300 female students over the last 6 years.
“We are excited to be expanding our WiSTEM2D programme to Munster Technological University this year. Johnson & Johnson has a proud history in Cork, and we are firm believers in working with our educational partners to create a talent pipeline for the future,” said Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D University Lead and Director of Strategy, Johnson & Johnson Campus Ireland. “We recognise that we have a part to play in ensuring a fairer representation for women in STEM fields. This is why we have developed the WiSTEM2D programme, to build a diverse STEM community that reflects the great diverse aspects of society, by supporting and nurturing women studying in STEM”.
