Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) has partnered with the European Space Agency to establish the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) in Ireland.
The Hubble Space Telescope, a collaboration between NASA and the European Space Agency. Photo: ESA
This new programme aims to inspire and engage young people in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), using space as a theme and making Ireland’s space industry more accessible to students and the public.
In particular, the ESERO office will:
- Develop or distribute educational material and activities using space-related themes that will make science more exciting to school students
- Motivate students to pursue a career in science and in space-related fields in particular
- Provide a point of contact for teachers, lecturers and others seeking information about space education
- Raise the European Space Agency’s profile and foster general awareness within the education community and the public of the ESA’s work and Ireland’s involvement in the space industry
- Foster links with industry groups and public sector organisations that are participating in the space sector in Ireland
Ireland is now the fifth country across Europe with its own ESERO. The €475,000 project is supported by the European Space Agency.
Space industry
DSE’s involvement reflects Ireland’s increasing involvement in the space industry, with 70 companies established in this rapidly growing sector.
The Space Strategy Working Group believes a coherent national space strategy for Ireland could lead to the creation of 5,000 new high-value jobs by 2025, with an estimated value of €1 billion to the Exchequer.
The new programme will be delivered over a two-year period. A research and planning phase has identified how ESERO can best meet the needs of the STEM education community in Irleand.
Further phases include the development of educational and teacher support initiatives, followed by the rollout of the programme.
Learn more
Visit ESERO Ireland – promoting space as a resource for teachers
