Two RCSI public engagement projects have received funding under the €5 million SFI Discover programme, which is aimed at encouraging understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

RCSI’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in collaboration with the Rotunda Hospital Dublin has been awarded €287,000 to run a second edition of 'Debunking the Myths: The Science Behind Our Sexual Health'. The nationwide education programme returns in 2024 with more exciting workshops, online campaigns and new resources for teachers. 

The team is committed to equipping teenagers with essential lifelong health literacy skills, empowering them to navigate the complex landscapes of sexual and reproductive health with confidence into their adult years. The new iteration of the programme will also offer free resources for secondary school teachers, a dedicated workshop for parents, and deepen discussions with teens on taboo topics such as menstruation, STIs and sexual health for LGBT+ people, addressing unique health needs, and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.  

As part of the programme the team will kick off a series of social media campaigns where healthcare experts will be answering questions from the students of past workshops, addressing important topics like contraception and tackling misinformation prevalent online.  

Professor Fergal Malone, programme lead and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at RCSI School of Medicine said: “This second round of funding marks a very exciting time for us all at RCSI Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and we look forward to engaging with many more students, teachers and parents over the next two years. This is the only health programme that gives teenagers the opportunity to discuss questions in relation to their sexual health with a team of medical experts. Young people are more online than ever, and we need to ensure that the information they receive is factual, relevant, and most of all, safe.” 

Epilepsy and concussion

FutureNeuro, the SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases based at RCSI, has been awarded €88,360 for the My Moving Brain: M'Inchinn Gluiseachta (MIG) project which will kick-start a national campaign to grow education and public engagement in brain health, epilepsy and concussion in sport throughout Ireland.  

The project will be led by FutureNeuro in collaboration with local sports partnerships representing sports organisations from different disciplines, Epilepsy Ireland, the national charity representing members of the epilepsy community; and the Neurological Association of Ireland, representing members with neurological diseases.  

The collaboration will establish the importance of sport for people with epilepsy and address the prevention and management of concussion in sport.  

Dr Omar Mamad, RCSI Research Fellow, SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre and My Moving Brain co-lead said: "This project is a testament to our commitment to fostering knowledge and engagement. We are excited to collaborate with our partners to make a meaningful impact on brain health awareness, not just in the sporting community but for the broader public. Through education and collaboration, we aspire to create a safer and more informed environment for all." 

In announcing the funding, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD said: “These initiatives, involving the general public and our communities across primary, secondary and third-level education, are essential to fostering curiosity about science, technology, engineering and maths.  

“This investment will help to broaden participation in STEM – both geographically and amongst less represented voices – and inspire all generations to deepen their understanding of what learnings, studies and careers in these fields entails. In turn, the next generation, in particular, will be better engaged and empowered to share their ideas and solutions to societal challenges.” 

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “Public engagement is key priority for RCSI, and we encourage our researchers to leverage their expertise and insights to promote great public awareness of and engagement with the science of health. Congratulations to the team at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and FutureNeuro for their success in receiving this SFI funding.”  

In line with SFI’s 2025 Strategy – Shaping Our Future, the SFI Discover Programme Call aims to empower and inspire deep public engagement and the programme is a key part of SFI education and public engagement activity.