Limerick firm scores an award win over educational plan
Stryker honoured at inaugural Stem awards
RAHEEN firm Stryker, which produces devices for those with hip and knee complaints, has been named the first winner of a new award.
The firm won the Science, Technology, Education and Maths, or Stem south-west awards. This prize was in recognition of Stryker’s partnership with I-Form, the research centre for advanced manufacturing.
The two groups ran a programme, entitled Manufacturing a Healthy Future.
The initiative is inspired by a shared desire to spark an interest in Stem subjects from an early age through excitement, fun and learning.
It aims to connect with children at an early age, create training materials for primary teachers in 3D printing and design, and provide 3D printers to schools so students can gain hands-on experience.
To bring this programme to life, Stryker and I-Form scientists and engineers provided technical support to teachers, judged the entries of the associated national 3D printing competitions, and donated equipment and 3D printers to participating schools.
Stryker and I-Form have also hosted national and European showcase events with the schools and welcomed several groups of students and teachers on-site for tours of Stryker's state-of-the-art facilities.
Mag O'Keeffe, vice-president of global technologies at Stryker, said: “By encouraging students to use their imagination and spark creativity in a fun way, Manufacturing a Healthy Future provides a clear example of how this can be achieved. I'm delighted that STEM South West has recognised our efforts in creating this partnership with I-Form.”