Applications for the AbbVie Stem Prize 2025 are now officially open. The prize, a science education initiative of the biopharmaceutical company, AbbVie, seeks to encourage primary school pupils to develop a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem)-related [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] project that will make a real difference in their community. The deadline for entries is the end of March 2025, with winners announced in May 2025.
The aim is to inspire primary school pupils to think about challenges in their localities and to use skills learned in science, technology, engineering and maths to come up with solutions that will make a positive impact.
The AbbVie Stem Prize was run for the first time earlier this year, with 880 students from 23 schools in six counties participating. The 2025 programme is now being rolled out to national schools across the country. With a total prize fund of €30,000, four winning entries will receive top prizes of €5,000 in Stem-related materials and resources for their schools, with 10 runner-up schools receiving €1,000 worth of materials.
AbbVie previously published the Stem Paths report, which explores barriers to engagement in science-related subjects and careers in Ireland. The document highlighted the negative impact that low levels of Stem student interest can have on Ireland’s high-value pharma, biopharma, and medical device sectors. It also emphasised the important role that industry can play in highlighting the wide variety of career options available to students who study Stem and the positive impact these careers can have on society.
The company also runs a Back to School for Stem initiative. It supports employees from six of AbbVie’s sites around the country to visit local schools, including their alma maters, to talk about their jobs and the difference working in pharma makes to wider society.
AbbVie’s Irish heritage dates back to 1974 and the company now employs approximately 2,600 people across six locations in Ireland. Alongside five manufacturing facilities in Cork, Dublin, Sligo, and Mayo, two offices in Dublin serve the needs of the company’s commercial, supply chain and operations activities.
This latest initiative reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to the promotion of science education in Ireland to highlight career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, according to AbbVie Cork Site head Malcolm Garde.
“At AbbVie, we are all about making a difference locally and globally,” he says. “With the AbbVie Stem Prize, we want primary school pupils to think about the problems that they see around them and to come up with creative Stem-based ideas to overcome them.”
The prize has several objectives, Garde continues. “The first is to change our communities for the better. The second is to get pupils excited about Stem subjects in solving real-world issues. And the third is to showcase the exciting and diverse careers that lie ahead in the pharmaceutical industry when we immerse ourselves in science, technology, engineering and maths. We really want to ignite the spark of a new generation of Stem enthusiasts.
“So, whether it’s protecting the environment or promoting a health initiative, we want to unleash the creativity and imagination of primary school pupils. In so doing, pupils will grow their potential to become problem-solvers, community youth leaders, and the change-makers of tomorrow.”
Commenting on the positive impact of the AbbVie-supported initiative, Josh Pigott, a teacher at St. David’s Boys’ National School, Artane, Dublin which was one of the top prize winners of the inaugural competition, says: “Stem competitions like this are an amazing opportunity to integrate subjects across the curricular areas through child-led activities. Although AbbVie’s Stem prize isn’t just about integration and fun, it pushes the children to look deeper. The community element of this prize makes it highly appealing to enter as it promotes discussions about belonging to communities. This has supported the children of my class to realise that they are part of a bigger picture and are important for the school community, the local community and the wider world. This competition is a great idea and by simply following the guidelines, you can achieve something brilliant.”
To download an AbbVie Stem Prize 2025 entry form, visit abbvie.ie