Meet the Explorium Science Interns Shaping the Future of STEM Engagement
8 min read
Explorium, Ireland's National Sport and Science Centre, proudly concluded its first-ever Summer Science Communication Internship Programme, a 12-week initiative that ran from June 3rd to August 23rd. Nine students from local Irish universities—UCD, DCU, Maynooth University, and Trinity College Dublin—came together to learn and shape how STEM is communicated to the public.
Interns Selected from a Competitive Pool
From over 40 applicants, nine students were chosen, each from a different STEM background, including physics, biology, and environmental sustainability. The selected interns were:
Brian Maloney - Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, Maynooth University
Colm Aherne - Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy, and Law, UCD
Dominik Jakobczak - Physics with Data Analytics, DCU
Elinore Katus Kinane - Zoology, Trinity College Dublin
Kloi Dibra - Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Maynooth University
Michelle Bielecka - Zoology, Trinity College Dublin
Neasa Bissett - Biotechnology, DCU
Róisín Long - Genetics, Trinity College Dublin
Ross Gaynor - Physics, Trinity College Dublin
Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Science Communication
This internship was designed to tackle a key challenge in the world of science—how to make complex scientific ideas accessible to everyone. While science degrees focus on technical knowledge, the ability to explain research clearly is often overlooked. The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the critical need for public understanding of science, sparking initiatives for open communication and accessible research.
Programme Highlights and Achievements
The interns experienced an immersive and hands-on programme, receiving expert training in translating complex scientific concepts into engaging content for diverse audiences. Their mentors included science journal editors, public engagement specialists, peer-review experts, and video creators. They worked together across disciplines to create STEM projects and science floor exhibits to improve the public's understanding of the science all around them.
Some standout projects included:
🧬 Sustainable DNA Exhibit
Biology and physics students teamed up to create a 2-metre-long, 3D-printed DNA model from biodegradable materials, highlighting a genetic mutation related to lactose tolerance in the Irish population.
The 2024 science interns exhibit display on the topic of DNA and cells, featuring a 2-metre-long 3D-printed DNA model and cell. Located in the Biology section.
✧ Bioluminescence Cave
Zoology students, with support from the Irish Marine Institute, transformed a disused cave into an immersive bioluminescent experience. Fireflies, jellyfish, and anglerfish were featured to demonstrate the wonders of bioluminescence.
The summer science interns' bioluminescent cave exhibit featuring 3D-printed insects, mushrooms, and deep-sea creatures. Located in the Glow Cave, Activities section.
🛰️ Satellite Tracker
Physics student Dominik Jakobczak created an interactive satellite tracker for EIRSAT-1, Ireland's first satellite, which enhanced Explorium's space exhibit. The physics team also developed an interactive display showcasing the scale of the solar system.
The satellite tracker displayed on a screen beside our replica model of EIRSAT-1, created by our science intern in summer 2024. Located in the Space section.
📱 School Programmes and Viral Videos
Interns crafted school programmes focused on climate awareness and created engaging social media content, with some videos going viral.
View this post on Instagram
Looking Forward
The internship may have ended, but Explorium is continuing its mission to connect Irish universities with the public. Starting in September, UCD researchers will engage visitors every Saturday to discuss the science behind Explorium's exhibits. Some of the interns will even stay on as part of their university placements, further strengthening the partnership between academia and public outreach.
Reflections from Our Interns
Here's what some of our interns had to say about their experience:
Dominik Jakobczak: "As a Physics and Data Analytics student, I've loved collaborating with biologists and environmental students. Together, we've come up with ideas none of us could have dreamed of individually, creating some really cool projects!"
Neasa Bissett: "Working with like-minded people from diverse backgrounds and disciplines has been the highlight of this experience."
Elinore Katus Kinane: "Fueled by my passion for biology, I wanted to create an immersive bioluminescent cave that brings science to life for the public. I've learned so much during my time at Explorium—skills that I'll carry forward in my future science communication."
Conclusion
The success of the inaugural Summer Science Communication Internship Programme demonstrates Explorium's commitment to nurturing the future of STEM engagement. With innovative projects, dedicated mentorship, and an unwavering belief in the power of communication, this programme sets the stage for a bright future in Irish science communication.
Stay tuned as we continue shaping the future of STEM in Ireland!
Science interns receiving their certificates of internship completion from Dr. Niamh Shaw and Dr. Ailís O'Carroll. L-R: Neasa Bissett, Michelle Bielecka, Róisín Long, Elinore Katus Kinane, Dr. Niamh Shaw, Dr. Ailís O'Carroll, Colm Aherne, Dominik Jakobczak, Kloi Dibra, Brian Maloney. Missing from photo: Ross Gaynor.
Gallery Reel: Behind the Scenes
Science Communication interns planning DNA exhibit
Science intern, Kloi Dibra, holding 3D-printed DNA exhibit during creation process
Science Communication interns sanding exhibit pieces before painting begins
Science Interns receiving talks from science editors and science communication experts
Bioluminescence cave created by interns Michelle Bielecka and Ellinore Katus Kinane
Interns, Ross Gaynor and Brian Maloney preparing DNA exhibit
Watch until end! Timelapse of anglerfish printing
Watch until end! Timelapse of DNA printing
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
