MLA Ross stresses STEM subjects’ importance

Young people were today encouraged to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects at a Schools and Science event in Stormont. The event provided secondary school students with the opportunity to learn how government uses science to inform its policy decisions and to engage directly with MLAs, geoscientists from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Queens University. Pictured L-R are: Professor Alice Brown, Alastair Ross MLA and Clare Robinson, Methodist College Belfast. Picture: Michael Cooper

Published on 04/02/2013 00:00

EAST Antrim MLA Alastair Ross has said that innovation, research and development hold the key to Northern Ireland’s future prosperity.

Mr Ross made his comments after attending the Schools and Science event at Stormont last week, which was designed to promote science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects among local school pupils.

During the event, secondary school students from across Northern Ireland got to engage directly with MLAs, geoscientists from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and QUB’s School of Geography, Archaeology & Paleoecology.

“Research and development in the STEM subjects is one of the key drivers of economic growth in Northern Ireland,” Mr Ross commented.

“Events such as today’s Schools and Science initiative are designed to inspire students to consider a career in science or technology and so be part of Northern Ireland’s future economic development.

“It is very important to our economy that we persuade more students to study STEM subjects and I hope that what students heard today will make them consider how government uses science to inform its policy decisions,” the DUP man added.

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MLA Ross stresses STEM subjects’ importance

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