For the past few months, the REEdI team has been actively engaging with the community through a variety of initiatives. The team conducted school visits, participated in the Kerry Science Festival, and carried out over 1,000 in-person surveys with the general population in Kerry to explore knowledge of STEAM and sustainability. Community engagement like this is a core part of REEdI’s activities, helping us connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.
STAM Powered Action for Sustainable Futures – Public Consultations & Workshop Commencement
During the summer, our three REEdI interns travelled across Kerry to engage directly with the public as part of the Blocks4Change project. They approached over 1,000 members of the public and collected 600 survey responses, providing valuable insights that shaped the following phases of the project. This public engagement formed Phase 1 of the STEAM-Powered Action for Sustainable Futures Initiative, funded by Research Ireland.
The Blocks for Change workshops have also officially commenced, bringing together participants from not-for-profit organisations, community groups, and volunteer networks to explore sustainability in a creative and hands-on way. Using the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, these interactive sessions encourage collaboration, open discussion, and innovative thinking around real-world sustainability challenges. By building and sharing ideas through practical activities, participants are empowered to reflect on their roles, exchange perspectives, and develop meaningful solutions that can support more sustainable practices within their communities and organisations. To learn more about STEAM Powered Action for Sustainable Futures (Blocks 4 Change) visit https://reedi.ie/steam-powered-action-for-sustainable-futures/
Kerry Science Festival Celebrates 10 Years
Since its beginnings in 2015, Kerry Science Festival has grown into one of the region’s flagship public engagement programmes. Each year, the festival reaches thousands of schoolchildren, families, and communities, offering interactive events, exhibitions, and workshops that spark curiosity and inspire future innovators. For more information of Kerry Science Festival visit www.kerryscience.ie
School Visits
The REEdI team visited several secondary schools across the region, as part of the continuous comprehensive school outreach programme, including Coláiste na Ríochta, Listowel, Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí, Tralee, and Causeway Comprehensive, to speak with students about the MT834 BEng (Hons) in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering at MTU. These visits provided a valuable opportunity to engage with prospective students, discuss pathways into engineering, and showcase the opportunities available through the programme.
REEdI was delighted to welcome a new Education and Public Engagement Officer, Aoife Breathnach, who now leads and facilitates these visits, bringing fresh energy, enthusiasm, and a strong passion for engaging learners and the wider community. Her role is central to creating interactive and inspiring experiences that connect students and visitors with the exciting world of STEM and sustainability.
