More third and fourth level science, technology, education and mathematics graduates are essential in Ireland than ever before, according to the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN). We need these graduates today and well into the future in order to:

• Deal  with the increasingly complex demands of the global economy, including the proliferation of technologies and growth of internationally traded services and manufacturing services
• Attract high value-added investment and highly skilled job creation
• Develop the research base which provides opportunities for the development of new products, services and ideas
• Increase the number of better quality and better paid jobs in the economy
• Meet the continuing strong demand for specific technical and business skills – including for engineers with strong skills and experience

Science, engineering and technology offer attractive career paths for students, and the National Skills Strategy has highlighted how all occupations are becoming more knowledge-based.

The Industrial Development Agency’s announcements in 2008/2009 also show a distinct shift in the nature of foreign direct investment towards research, development and innovation activities, global business services, and expanding investments by existing multinationals in higher value-added activities.

For example:

• IBM announced the establishment of its Global Centre of Excellence for Water Management in Dublin, through the development of green data-centre technologies
• AON, a provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage chose Dublin as its location for a global innovation centre with the creation of 100 jobs
• Facebook established its international HQ  in Dublin
• Alcon, a leading eye care company, announced a €21 million expansion in Cork, with 186 new jobs
• Microsoft expanded its Irish operations with a €360 million investment in a strategic data centre
• PayPal announced a €15 million investment in a new European Centre for Operational Excellence in Dublin
• Hewlett Packard announced an €18m expansion of its Global Service Desk Operation, with 500 to 1,000 new jobs in Leixlip, Co Kildare
• Big Fish Games Inc established its European HQ in Cork with100 jobs

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From medical devices to renewable energy, read about the sectors where STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills will be needed.

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has identified a range of current and likely future demand in  Ireland for science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.

Some of these skills are sector or occupation-specific, while others are more generic and required across sectors.

Medical devices sector

Research indicates a strong demand  for those with an understanding of design engineering, good management practices, quality assurance, and understanding of regulatory affairs.

Biopharmaceutical sector

This sector has a demand for organic chemists and those who can combine business, clinical and engineering skills.

In some manufacturing sectors such as food or medical devices, there is a shortage of process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles for production processes.

ICT sector

The EGFSN says the ICT sector in Ireland has moved to higher value activities, with a continuing strong demand for software engineers, computer analysts and programmers. ICT companies identified a particular demand for people with very high levels of engineering skills.

Many also identified an important need for more people with combinations of both technical and business skills.

Convergence of technologies

In some areas there is an increasing convergence of IT, biotechnology, nanotechnology and cognitive science.

This is creating many new business opportunities for Ireland, such as web services, enterprise software, personalised medicine, financial services, smart materials and medical devices.

There are opportunities for qualified engineers particularly in key sectors such as:

• ICT
• Biotechnology sensor technology
• Robotics
• Integrated electronics
• Telecommunications and internet
• Financial engineering
• Imaging
• Genetic technology
• Nanotechnology

This is resulting in a demand for hybrid engineers and technologists with backgrounds in science, IT, nanotechnology and cognitive science.

ICT skills feature in most interdisciplinary convergence processes (e.g. business and IT; finance and IT; biotechnology, nanotechnology and IT).

Renewable energy

Science and engineering graduates will be increasingly in demand in the energy sector, particularly renewable energy which is set to become one of the key growth sectors of the economy.

Demand is likely to increase at technician and professional level, combining new technologies and interdisciplinary backgrounds such as science/engineering/business.

Advances in areas such as renewable energy, water treatment and waste may require completely new skills and expertise, from research through to operation/production functions. In addition, with the commitment to the development of the “Green Economy”, there may also be opportunities for workers who relied on the traditional construction sector for many years towards areas of work such as, for example, in energy efficient systems design, installation, repair and maintenance.

Engineering skills

There is a strong demand for design engineers, particularly in R&D in the medical devices sector – especially individuals with experience and/or industry specific knowledge such as process automation design.

In a number of manufacturing sub-sectors such as food processing or medical devices, there is a demand for process diagnostic and control engineers and technicians who can implement lean manufacturing/Six Sigma principles to production processes.

As is the case for science graduates, engineers, especially electronic, electrical, quality control, and design and development, are in demand in the renewable energy sector (e.g. wind, wave and tidal), which is expected to be one of the drivers of future growth.

Ecology and environmental protection are becoming increasingly important, creating new career opportunities for environmental engineers with expertise in the management of ecosystems.

Mathematics

The proficiency level of students in mathematics is a key factor influencing the domestic supply of graduates for sectors with growth potential such as ICT, life sciences and business, financial and professional services.

Speech and Language Therapy is a challenging, varied and creative job. It provides the opportunity to facilitate others to reach their social, educational and vocational potential, by enabling them to communicate effectively with others.

After completing her degree in Manchester University in 1996, Karen Henderson began working as a Speech and Language Therapist with the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) in Clontarf, Dublin. She has been working for Cheeverstown House in Templeogue, since June 2002.

There she works with other professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Music Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and doctors, in the course of assessing, diagnosing and treating a variety of communication difficulties in adults and children who are living with disabilities or disorders.

“I work primarily with individuals with physical disability, many of whom are non-speaking or have unclear speech. Our role is to assess for and implement Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. These systems supplement and in some cases replace speech as a means of communication.”

There is currently a national shortage of Speech and Language Therapists and hence a large number of vacant posts in Ireland.

In order to apply for a Speech and Language Therapist’s post, you must show you have qualified from an approved 3rd level institution.

Most courses demand languages and science subjects at honours Leaving Cert level. The degree is varied, combining academic teaching with hands-on clinical experience and encompassing such areas as Anatomy, Physiology, Embryology, Linguistics, Audiology, Psychology, Phonetics, Child language and development, Neurology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Learn more

International Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication - an organisation devoted to advancing the field of Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC).

Central Remedial Clinic – is a non-residential national centre for the care, treatment and development of children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities.

Luke O’Neill’s favourite subject at school while studying for the leaving cert was biology. He is now Associate Professor of Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin.

His work involves lecturing in various subjects – such as Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Immunology and Molecular Medicine to both science and medical students. It also involves leading a research team of 12 individuals in the areas of immunology and inflammatory diseases, including 6 post-docs, 4 Ph.D. students and two technicians.

He has written many scientific papers and his work has been published in Nature, the world’s leading science journal. In 1995, among various other awards and achievements, he received the Royal Irish Academy Medal for Biochemistry, and in 1999 was runner-up for the Boyle Medal, presented by the Royal Dublin Society.

How it all began

As with many people who pursue a career in science, Luke recalls having an interest in the natural world, in particular geology and biology, from an early age:

“I liked the exactness of science and also the wonders to be found in biology.”

He didn’t particularly enjoy biology in the early part of secondary school, but loved it by the time he completed the leaving cert. The way a subject is taught is often instrumental in how popular it is with students, and this proved true for Luke as he credits his biology teacher as having a part to play in his love for biology.

The second science subject he completed for leaving cert was chemistry, paving the way for future plans to study science after school.

Career path to becoming a researcher

Luke’s next step was to go to Trinity College Dublin, where he now lectures. For four years he studied for a BA (Mod) in Natural Sciences. Studying for a degree in Natural Science at TCD involves studying a combination of subjects from biology, chemistry, physics, geology, geography and maths, in the first and second year, and then specialising in one particular area, such as Genetics, Environmental Science, Physiology or Biochemistry, for example. Luke preferred to specialise in Biochemistry in third and fourth year. As part of this degree, he would have had to complete a research project in his final year, giving the student experience in the laboratory and a chance to make a contribution to an area of research.

Luke graduated with First Class honours in 1985 from Trinity College and had already decided that research was the area for him:

“The idea of discovering and seeing something no-one had seen before, and contributing to knowledge in the world really stimulated me.”

He decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacology at the University of London (Royal College of Surgeons) in 1988. He then followed what he terms ” the standard career path” – post-doctoral research, which meant a move to the University of Cambridge, and then a lectureship in Biochemistry at Trinity. The decision to lecture came naturally:

” I wanted to lecture as I feel it’s very important to pass on your enthusiasms and knowledge to the next generation.”

Outstanding Contribution to Biomedical Research

The awards and recognition Luke has so far received speak for themselves in terms of how successful he has been in his career to date – among those mentioned before in 1996 he received the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland Conway Medal for Biomedical Research and a year later was presented with an Outstanding Achievement award by the International Cytokine Society.

But more importantly than awards, his research has made many important discoveries and contributions in its respective areas. His Ph.D. project made a discovery that led to a new class of anti-inflammatory drugs – the COX-2 selective inhibitors. His research has made important discoveries into the inner workings of cells of the immune system, responsible for helping our bodies to fight disease. Through his work, he has also discovered new proteins and processes, which have a part to play in diseases such as arthritis and sepsis.

In particular in the last couple of years, his research group have made two key discoveries. The first is they have found that pox viruses (such as small pox itself) have ways of disabling our immune system and therefore not allowing it to do its job properly. They have also found a new human protein in white blood cells that acts as a master switch, turning on the immune response to harmful bacteria in the body. This protein is called Mal. Both of the discoveries could lead to better treatment for certain inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

A rewarding career choice

Luke considers his choice of career a particularly rewarding one and outlines three main aspects of the job that are most enjoyable: the first is the rewards from the research itself – “The process of discovering new things that may lead to better treatments for various immune and inflammatory diseases.”

He also enjoys learning about progress in his own research areas through the work of other laboratories and research groups, as well as the teaching element, part of his job as a lecturer at TCD.

Apart from rewards, there are also certain advantages, such as getting to travel and being able to work in almost any location:

“Travel is a major bonus – I have given seminars all over the world and spent time in labs in the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Having a Ph.D. means you can get a job anywhere and there is constant travel to conferences.”

Luke also highlights that as a biomedical research scientist he is his own boss and can work to his own schedule, which he certainly finds an advantage.

A look to the future

Looking to the future of biomedical research, in his opinion, the rate of progress and advancements in this area is “astounding”, eventually leading to new and better treatments for human diseases such as cancer, arthritis, MS, Crohn’s disease and AIDS.

Looking at Luke’s personal future in biomedical research, he seems focused on one goal and that is to make further breakthroughs in his own research area.

His advice for students wishing to pursue a similar career path is simple:

“If you like Biology, sign up!”

Mary Mulvihill - Science writer

Career snapshot

Mary’s first job was as a dairy cattle geneticist with the State agricultural research authority. She helped artificial insemination stations to select the best bulls by examining statistics on their mothers’ milk yield.
But she wanted to share her passion for science with the general public and left to become a science journalist. Mary edited Technology Ireland magazine for 10 years, has written for newspapers and magazines in Ireland and abroad, and has been a regular contributor to RTE radio programmes, such as the Pat Kenny Show.

Mary also works as a consultant and helps researchers to explain their work to general audiences. Her book, Ingenious Ireland, published in 2002, takes readers on a magical journey around Ireland’s scientific treasures.

What’s so brilliant about your job?

“The variety is great. I might learn to drive a DART train one day, and the next be with air traffic controllers, or hear researchers describe their latest discoveries, or interview a government minister. I love science and enjoy learning things. I’m lucky to have found a way of making a living from that.”

How do you spend a typical day?

“What’s a typical day? It all depends on what I’m doing – researching, writing, meeting people. The three years I was working on Ingenious Ireland, were mostly spent in the wonderful National Library, reading reference material for all the people and places included in the book.”

Are you a science bore?

“Science is anything but boring. It explains the world around us, shapes who we are and what we do. And even a basic knowledge of science helps you understand important issues like genetically modified foods and climate change”

Did science give you a buzz at school?

“Yes, it did. I was curious about the world. I suppose I got some of that from my Dad, who was a mechanical genius. I remember the first driving lesson he gave me was about the theory of the internal combustion engine. My aunt was another role model. She was an industrial scientist working in the State laboratory.”

What has been the high point of your career?

“The book was obviously a big project, and hopefully people will now realise Ireland has a rich scientific heritage. And I’m proud of my role in setting up WITS, the organisation for Women in Technology and Science. When I was working in agricultural science, it was male dominated. But more women are now working in science and technology and WITS has been a great support network for then, as well as campaigning on policy issues.”

Education

• Primary degree in genetics, Trinity College Dublin

• Masters degree in statistics, Trinity College Dublin

• Masters degree in journalism, Dublin City University

Want to find out more?

Visit Mary’s website

Cian O'Mahony - teaches science

What were the main ‘career decision’ milestones in your life so far?

I chose Biology and Chemistry for my Leaving Cert, as I always had an interest in science and nature. This interest came from home and from my father in particular, who had and still has similar interests.

After school I continued with the science, and after two years in research I decided that teaching of science appealed to me. I still have an interest in developments in science and particularly in watching nature. This helps me to maintain an interest in my job too.

Who are the people who most influenced your career direction?

My father has been the main influence in terms of interest in science and nature. Outside of that, the good teachers I had in second and third level were an inspiration to teach.

Does your job allow you to have a lifestyle you are happy with?

Both myself and my partner Lisa are teachers. This affords us a very interesting lifestyle, travelling for many summers to parts of the world that combine my interest in nature with her interest in language and culture.

While we will never be millionaires, the salary combined with the time off are reward enough for the job we do. We have also been able to take one year of a career break so far. This was a fabulous opportunity to further our broad education.

How did you go about getting your current job?

After studying science, I did a one-year Higher Diploma in Education in UCC.

This involved studying the theory of educational practice as well as having practical work experience. I was very fortunate to remain almost immediately in the school that I did my teacher training in.

Describe a typical day

Certainly no two days are the same. You can never predict what might happen at any time.

The challenges are those of sticking to a prescribed timetable. But the rewards are the gratitude of parents and students and actually seeing the pupils learn in a fun environment.

What are the main challenges?

Managing my time during the school day is the biggest challenge. For example, timing practical work to be finished before the pupils have to be off to their next class is always a challenge!