Recognition Awards 2026
STEM South West Awards
Recognising Excellence & Innovation across Industry, Education & the Community
The STEM South West Awards celebrate exceptional contributions and leadership in STEM across four distinct categories:
- Industry – Honouring businesses and individuals driving innovation, excellence, and workforce development in STEM. Includes: STEM Company of the Year, STEM Employee of the Year, STEM Apprentice of the Year.
- Education – Celebrating schools, colleges, educators, and student-led initiatives that inspire engagement and achievement in STEM. Includes: STEM Educator of the Year, STEM Student Initiative of the Year.
- Community – Recognising programmes, organisations, and volunteers making a meaningful contribution to STEM engagement across the region. Includes: Inspirational STEM Volunteer of the Year.
- Person of the Year – Highlighting an exceptional individual whose leadership, influence, and contribution have had a significant impact on STEM in the South West.
STEM South West Awards 2026 – Award Categories
STEM in Industry:
Innovation. People. Progress.
STEM Company of the Year
The STEM Company of the Year award celebrates organisations leading the way in creating a proactive, inclusive and supportive environment for STEM, both within their own company and through outreach initiatives.
- Start-Up & Small companies (up to 50 Employees)
- Small to Medium (50–250 Employees)
- Large (250+ Employees)
STEM in Industry:
Company of the Year
Details:
The “STEM Company of the Year” award celebrates organisations leading the way in creating a proactive, inclusive and supportive environment for STEM, both within their own company and through outreach initiatives.
Entries for this category should outline the organisation’s corporate culture, development opportunities, and commitment to supporting, upskilling and empowering STEM professionals. Any specific initiatives developed to encourage and inspire the next generation to consider future studies and career choices in the STEM sector can be included.
STEM Employee of the Year
Recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to STEM within their organisation through achievement, innovation, problem-solving, mentorship and measurable impact.
STEM in Industry:
Employee of the Year
Details:
The “STEM Employee of the Year” award celebrates the individuals across Cork and Kerry’s STEM industry whose contribution, innovation, mentoring and impact within their organisation stand out.
Nominations for this category should outline the nominee’s specific contribution to STEM within their organisation, any examples of innovation or problem-solving beyond their formal role, and how they have mentored or supported colleagues. Any measurable impact their work has had on their team, organisation, or the wider STEM community can be included.
STEM Apprentice of the Year
Recognises an apprentice who has demonstrated outstanding STEM capability, initiative, continuous learning and contribution within their organisation.
STEM in Industry:
Apprentice of the Year
Details:
The “STEM Apprentice of the Year” award celebrates apprentices across Cork and Kerry who are building their STEM careers through hands-on, on-the-job learning.
Apprentices must be in Year 3 or later of their apprenticeship. For apprenticeship programmes shorter than four years, applicants must have completed at least half of the total programme.
Nominations for this category should outline a specific task, project, or challenge the apprentice has tackled that demonstrated strong STEM skills or rapid progress, along with any initiative, curiosity, or problem-solving shown beyond what’s expected at their stage of training. Any examples of how the apprentice has engaged with their wider team or acted as a role model to others can be included.
STEM in Education:
Learning Today. Brighter Tomorrows.
School & Institution Awards
The STEM in Education awards celebrate educational institutes, departments and classroom-led initiatives that show the way toward creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for STEM.
- Primary Level
- Secondary Level
- Third Level
STEM in Education:
Educational Initiative of the Year
Details:
The “STEM in Education” award celebrates educational institutes, departments and classroom-led initiatives that show the way toward creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment for STEM. Applications are also welcome from individual contributors, such educators, lecturers, teachers, and career guidance professionals.
This educational initiative demonstrates a commitment to inspiring, supporting, and empowering the next generation to engage in STEM-related topics. It also demonstrates an innovative approach and robust learning opportunities for students.
STEM Educator of the Year
Recognises an educator who has made an outstanding contribution to STEM learning, engagement and opportunity, inspiring students and helping to build a strong and inclusive STEM culture.
STEM in Education:
Educator of the Year
Details:
The “STEM Educator of the Year” award celebrates the individual educators across Cork and Kerry whose passion, creativity and dedication bring STEM to life for their students.
Nominations for this category should outline a specific initiative, project, or teaching approach the educator has introduced that had a measurable impact on students’ STEM engagement, and how they have gone above and beyond the curriculum to promote STEM. Any examples of how the educator has inspired colleagues or contributed to a wider STEM culture in their school or institution can be included.
STEM Student Initiative of the Year
Recognises an outstanding student or team project demonstrating creativity, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving in STEM.
STEM in Education:
Student Initiative of the Year
Details:
The “STEM Student Initiative of the Year” award celebrates outstanding STEM projects, innovations, research and competition entries by students and student teams across Cork and Kerry.
Entries for this category should describe the project and what makes it innovative, the problem or challenge it set out to address, and the process, skills, and (where a team entry) collaboration involved in developing it. Any evidence of impact beyond the classroom — such as competition results, real-world application, or community interest — can be included.
STEM in the Community:
People. Places. Positive Change.
Inspirational STEM Volunteer
The Inspirational STEM Volunteer award recognises individuals across Cork and Kerry who give their own time to bring STEM to their community, running clubs, mentoring young people, supporting events, or championing STEM causes with no expectation of recognition. This award celebrates the quiet, consistent generosity that keeps so much of the region’s STEM engagement alive.
STEM in the Community:
Inspirational STEM Volunteer
Details:
The “Inspirational STEM Volunteer” award celebrates the individuals across Cork and Kerry who give their own time to bring STEM to their community — running clubs, mentoring young people, supporting events, or championing STEM causes with no expectation of recognition.
Nominations for this category should outline why the nominee stands out, with a specific example of their volunteering and the difference it made. Any evidence of how they have gone above and beyond, or inspired others — participants, fellow volunteers, or the wider community — can be included.
Additional Awards
- STEM Innovation Experience Award – Most Engaging Stand
Judged on the day STEM Engagement Experience Award – Most Creative & Innovative Stand
Judged on the day- STEM Initiative of the Year
Selected by our judging panel STEM Person of the Year
Selected by the STEM South West Board
Entries Open:
10th September 2026
Closing Date:
1st November 2026
Shortlist announced:
23rd November 2026
INFO FOR ENTRANTS
How to Enter
All entrants must complete the online entry form. Depending on the category, you may also be asked to upload an image or logo, with the option to include supporting website or YouTube links.
Before making your submission, please read the Terms and Conditions and ensure the following:
All activities cited in support of your entries must have been on-going within the past 12 months.
Make sure you focus on good hard information, backed up by solid facts and figures, where possible.
Entrants must be based in the Cork/Kerry region.
Submitting Your Entry
Before making your submission, please read the following:
Submitting Your Entry
Before making your submission, please ensure the following:
Items Checklist:
Items for Adjudication purposes
- Online Entry Form (required)
- Supporting Document (optional) Max file size: 8MB
- Video link (optional) Max 3 mins in length. Resolution 640 x 480 minimum.
Step-by-Step Guide
Please read our step by guide before submitting entry:
Step-by-Step Guide
Item for Awards Event Production Purposes
- Entrant Details: Click the Enter Now button in your chosen category and complete your contact details, organisation information, who will be your organisation’s representative at the Awards ceremony to accept the award if your entry wins, and project information in response to the questions and within the word limits outlined.
Entrant must be based in the Cork/Kerry region.
- File Uploads:
- Supporting document (optional)
- Link to Video (optional)
- Organisation logo (required). In JPEG or PNG format. Image resolution must be at least 300dpi. The maximum file size is 8MB.
Terms and Conditions: Submitting an entry or booking a seat at the Event confirms your agreement with these Terms and Conditions:
Our Terms and Conditions. Please note that by doing so that you agree to send at least 1 representative to attend the Awards Ceremony should your organisation be shortlisted.
Our Privacy Policy.
Recognising Leaders Driving STEM in the South West
Speaking about the importance of the awards and their impact across the region, Cliona Murphy, Education Judge for the STEM South West Awards, reflected:
“The STEM South West awards celebrate not only outstanding achievement, but also the collective commitment across our region to inspiring the next generation, fostering innovation, and creating opportunities through STEM. Together, we are building on a proud legacy and helping to shape a brighter future for the South West and beyond.”
Cliona Murphy
STEM Southwest Award Highlights 2025
The STEM South West Awards 2025 celebrated outstanding achievement across Industry, Education and the Community, recognising the people, organisations and initiatives helping to drive STEM excellence across the region.
From innovative businesses and inspiring educators to volunteers, community programmes and regional leaders, the awards highlighted the strength and diversity of STEM activity across Cork and Kerry.
With strong support from partners and sponsors, the 2025 awards once again brought the STEM community together to celebrate impact, collaboration and the talent shaping the South West’s future.
Industry Group
STEM South West Awards Judges
Bob served as Vice President and Site Leader for EMC Cork (2008–2015) and later for Dell Technologies Cork (2016–2024), while also acting as Regional Chief Information Officer for Dell Technologies EMEA from 2017 to 2024.
He currently sits on the board of the Tyndall National Institute (since 2023) and is Chair of the South-West Regional Offshore Wind Working Group, appointed in 2024.
Olivia has over 20 years experience in leadership roles, delivering large scale programmes across the Global Pharmaceutical and MedTech industries. She currently works as a Senior Program Manager for Boston Scientific in the Urology group. She is also the Co-founder of Wayfinder-Careers, which provides a dedicated career development platform that is both affordable and accessible, guiding individuals towards fulfilling career paths and personal growth.
Olivia also leads the Cork Chapter of ‘Women in Technology & Science Ireland;
Darragh Cotter is South West regional manager with Enterprise Ireland, the government agency responsible for supporting Irish businesses to start, grow, and scale internationally. Enterprise Ireland client companies employ over 234,000 people across Ireland, providing a significant contribution to the Irish economy. As South West regional manager, Darragh works closely with clients and stakeholders to optimise job creation and support start-ups, SMEs and regional enterprise infrastructure. Darragh has also held roles with Enterprise Ireland’s strategic policy team and spent several years as a senior market advisor in EI’s London office, strategically supporting Irish companies across the industrial and energy sectors
Education Group
Patrick Doyle is the South West Regional Manager with IDA Ireland, the state agency responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland. The South West Region comprises Cork and Kerry and is the largest region for foreign direct investment outside of Dublin. In his role, Patrick and his team are responsible for all IDA activity across the South West Region from attracting new clients to the region and managing the existing portfolio of IDA clients. Core to Patricks roles is to work with all stakeholders to ensure the region maximises its potential to attract further investment. Prior to taking up the role with IDA, Patrick held a number of commercial roles in the region. Patrick was the commercial manager in the new Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium and also worked as the Membership Manager with Cork Chamber of Commerce.
Cliona is an experienced Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) and Chartered Director and former Vice-President of Research & Development and Supply Chain at PepsiCo with extensive international experience including in Europe, China, Asia Pacific and Global roles. Cliona is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director of Bord Bia, of the Irish Red Cross and of the Irish Heritage Trust. She is a a member of Merieux NutriSciences Strategic Advisory Team and a mentor on the IDA’s Building Strategic Leadership Programme. Cliona is an adjunct professor at the Cork University Business School and a member of Trinity College Dublin’s Provost’s Council.
Awards 2025 Gallery
