by pulseprni | May 26, 2025 | Clients, News
Following a highly successful series of events earlier this year, ESB Science Blast, the RDS-led initiative fostering young scientific minds, is set to ignite curiosity and celebrate STEM learning as it arrives in Belfast on Tuesday 3 June at the ICC.
Now in its sixth year, ESB Science Blast has engaged more than 82,000 students across Ireland reflecting the growing enthusiasm for STEM education nationwide.
This year’s Belfast event will feature schools from counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Fermanagh and Tyrone and showcase 30 STEM-related projects, each exploring simple, thought-provoking scientific questions investigated by primary school students.
The event is organised by the RDS (Royal Dublin Society), which has a long-standing commitment to promoting science and education in Ireland.
In addition to the student projects, a range of leading organisations will exhibit at the event, offering fun, hands-on STEM experiences and demonstrations. Exhibitors at the Belfast event will include W5, Waterways Ireland, the Northern Ireland Fire Service, Ulster Museum, ESB, Marble Arch Caves, Kainos, NI Water, and the Armagh Planetarium. Their involvement will provide students with exciting opportunities to see how science, technology and engineering are applied in the real world.
Niamh De Loughry, RDS Deputy Chief Executive – Foundation, said:
“We are truly humbled by the incredible response from schools. It is inspiring to see the dedication of teachers and the boundless curiosity of pupils as they explore scientific questions in fun, hands-on and imaginative ways. ESB Science Blast continues to make STEM accessible and bring it to life for young people from a wide range of communities.”
Marguerite Sayers, Deputy Chief Executive, ESB, added:
“ESB Science Blast has been a transformative experience for thousands of students across Ireland. Supporting this initiative is one of the ways we help nurture a diverse talent pool and encourage children to see the endless possibilities a career in STEM can offer. We are proud to continue our partnership with the RDS and our mission to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The impact of ESB Science Blast extends beyond the showcase events. A recent national survey carried out by ESB and RED C Research highlights strong parental support for STEM education, with 80% of parents of primary school-aged children supporting participation in extracurricular STEM activities, and 54% actively encouraging their children’s interest in STEM subjects.
Furthermore, survey data shows:
- 71% of participating pupils reported improved teamwork skills
- 86% noted enhanced presentation skills
- 81% felt more confident applying STEM to real-life situations
ESB Science Blast plays a key role in developing essential life skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and confident communication – all of which are highly valued in today’s workforce.
The ongoing partnership between the RDS and ESB, extended for a further three years, reinforces a shared commitment to nurturing a scientifically literate and innovative future generation. The programme also champions inclusivity, with a strong focus on ensuring equal access for all students, including significant participation from DEIS schools (18%) and Gaelscoileanna (18%) nationally.
by pulseprni | Apr 30, 2025 | Clients, News
Farm support charity, Rural Support announces the launch of Farming in Partnerships, a new initiative which is part of DAERA’s transformational new Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
The Farming in Partnerships programme is designed to bring together farmers who do not have a ready successor with new entrants or other farm businesses who face limited access to land and other agricultural resources.
The programme is a direct response to two growing challenges in the farming community: the increasing number of family farms without a clear succession plan, and a rising generation of eager and skilled individuals who are ready to step into the world of farming but can’t find a way in.
Farming in Partnerships provides a space for new connections to form and helps participants explore a wide range of collaborative arrangements. From farm management opportunities and shared farming agreements to new enterprise development and long-term business partnerships, the goal is to build practical and lasting relationships that benefit both parties.
Each partnership is supported by Rural Support’s team of farm business mentors, who offer guidance at every stage of the journey. This includes help with relationship building, business planning, communication, and the financial aspects of working together.
According to the team at Rural Support, the process is designed to be gradual, guided, and grounded in real-world farming experience. It recognises that handing over a farm – or stepping into one—is a deeply personal and complex decision. That’s why mentoring and tailored support are key components of the programme.
Catherine McKenna from Rural Support said, “This programme is about creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers, and for those established farmers who want to see their life’s work carried on. We know these conversations aren’t always easy, but with the right support, they can be transformative. Farming in Partnerships is about building trust, opening doors, and keeping land in use for the future.”
For those who have worked on farms but never had the opportunity to take ownership, or for those thinking about the future of their own business but unsure where to start, Farming in Partnerships offers a positive way forward.
Anyone interested in finding out more is encouraged to contact Rural Support to explore the options available and begin the conversation. Contact: farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk or 02886760040
by pulseprni | Apr 14, 2025 | Clients, News
eComm Live 2025 Unveils the Playbook for Ecommerce Success in Belfast
eComm Live, Ireland’s leading ecommerce conference, returns to Belfast on Wednesday 30 April and Thursday 1 May 2025, promising two action-packed days of insight, innovation, and inspiration for retailers, agencies, founders, and software providers.
Held at The Assembly Buildings Conference Centre and surrounding venues, this year’s theme, ‘The 2025 Playbook for Success,’ sets the tone for an event focused on navigating the future of ecommerce. Attendees will explore a dynamic agenda covering the most pressing topics in the industry, including Cross-Border Growth, Social Commerce, and the launch of Amazon.ie.
With over 400 ecommerce professionals expected from across Ireland and the UK, eComm Live 2025 will offer unmatched opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration.
This year’s confirmed speakers include Grace Beverley, Founder, TALA, Niall Horgan, CEO & Co-Founder, Gym+Coffee, Lucie Macleod, Founder, Hair Syrup, Sarah Esler, Head of Digital Product, Brown Thomas Arnotts and Nilam Atodaria, Brand Partnerships Manager, TikTok.
Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions, delegates can look forward to a vibrant lineup of social and networking events, making it easy to connect with peers, thought leaders, and potential partners in an energetic and supportive environment.
For more information and tickets, visit: www.ecomm.live
//ENDS
by pulseprni | Mar 31, 2025 | Clients, News
One of Northern Ireland’s largest free farming awareness events, Open Farm Weekend, launches today, once again highlighting the local farm to fork journey.
Organised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with Bank of Ireland back as title sponsor, this eagerly awaited initiative will see 20 working farms open their gates to school children and the public. Alongside showcasing food production, the event will also spotlight key topics such as nutrition, farming heritage, and the essential role farmers play in daily life.
Set to take place over Father’s Day weekend, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 June, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend is expected to draw up to 20,000 visitors eager to experience farm life firsthand through a packed programme of interactive and educational activities.
Speaking at the launch on Armagh Apple Farm at Ballinteggart House, a farm that has been involved in the initiative since its inception in 2012, Diane McCall, Senior Business Manager, Bank of Ireland UK emphasised the significance of the agri-food industry:
“A thriving and sustainable agri-food industry is vital for communities within Northern Ireland. We’re proud to once again be the title sponsor for Open Farm Weekend and to be celebrating the important contribution the agri-food sector makes to our society and economy.
“Our local farms are working hard to address some of the biggest societal challenges, from sustainability to farm safety, all while delivering the highest standards of produce. Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend gives consumers the chance to step behind the gate to get to know local farming families and see first-hand the passion and dedication that goes into every local farm fresh product.”
Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend invites visitors of all ages to engage in hands-on activities and connect with the farming community. The initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural divide by offering an authentic look at food production and farm life, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the agricultural sector.
With farms participating across a range of counties, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the realities of modern farming.
John McLenaghan, Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union and Chairman of Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend, highlighted the diversity of experiences on offer: “This year’s event features 20 farms, each showcasing different aspects of agriculture. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Northern Ireland’s rich farming heritage, gain insight into food production, and meet the hardworking farmers who dedicate 365 days a year to putting fresh, local produce on our tables.”
Recent Comments