Dublin students awarded scholarships by An Taoiseach at Google HQ
Padraig Conlon 17 Feb 2025
Last Thursday (13th) was a day filled with excitement and ambition at Google HQ on Barrow Street, as 40 students from across Ireland were awarded prestigious scholarships to study STEM subjects at third level.
The ceremony, attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin, celebrated the launch of a transformative programme designed to break barriers and open doors for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Funded by Google.org and coordinated by the Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics and Dublin City University, the scholarships will support students pursuing fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety at 13 universities throughout Ireland.
The initiative aims to foster diversity in the tech sector and help bridge the digital skills gap.
Students receiving scholarships included members of the Traveller community, students who have been in the care of the state, students with disabilities and refugee students. A quarter are mature students returning to education and 41.5% of the new scholars have identified as women.
For many, the financial support is life-changing, but the added benefit of mentorship from experts in the field is what truly sets this programme apart.
Speaking at the event, scholarship recipient Emmanuel Nguessa from Ghana, who is studying Computer Science and Infrastructure at TU Dublin, said, “This support is such an important part of my journey. I am especially excited about the mentoring; I think that is going to make all the difference to me.”
Keilan Noona Kessie, a Computer Science student at Trinity College Dublin, highlighted his desire to use AI to improve assistive technology. “There are people with disabilities in my family, and I feel we are not using AI to its full capacity in this area.
“There is so much we can do with AI to assist people with disabilities. I will use my scholarship to study this area and hopefully develop resources in the future,” he said.
Chelsea Conn (pictured above), beginning a course in Business Computing at TU Dublin, expressed her gratitude. “I’m shocked! I can’t believe the incredible opportunity I have been given.
“It’s so important that people from all backgrounds get to study and work in the tech sector, but it’s really hard to finance it. I have a part-time job that takes so much of my time; now I will be able to concentrate more on my studies.”
The importance of such support was echoed by Milan Tamanq, a Computer Science student at DCU. “I come from a DEIS school, and this scholarship is really going to help me with my career goal, which is to work in cybersecurity. Eventually, I’d like to start my own business,” he shared.
Ingrid Francis, soon to begin a degree in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics at TU Dublin, emphasized the programme’s practical impact. “I’ve always been very interested in tech and especially cybersecurity.
“I feel like having cybersecurity skills in today’s world is a bit like having martial arts skills – you need to be able to protect yourself!
“This scholarship is so important to me, and especially the mentorship programme, which would be very hard for me to access otherwise.”
Claire Dunne, Access Support Manager at TU Dublin, underscored the value of wraparound support.
“What people don’t realise about students from access backgrounds is that it’s not just about money,” she said.
“These students do not have access to the professional networks that their more affluent peers have.
“Mentorship can help overcome the ‘sense of belonging’ barrier that no one talks about.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin stressed the broader significance of the programme. “In an increasingly digitalised world, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent in STEM fields is paramount for the future sustainability of our society and economy.
“That is why I’m delighted to see programmes like this supporting students in realising their talent and potential.”
Professor Noel O’Connor, CEO of Insight, echoed this sentiment. “Our vision is to empower critically aware, creative communities towards a better society for all.
“This can only be achieved if we tackle societal inequalities in STEM education.”
Dr Jessica McCarthy, Vice President of Engineering at Google Ireland, highlighted the potential impact of these students on Ireland’s digital future.
“This scholarship programme offers key support for students from diverse backgrounds to shape the future of technology, creating innovations that truly serve everyone.
“AI, including generative AI, has the power to transform Ireland’s society, healthcare outcomes, and economy.”
With a funding package of €1.5 million over five years, the Insight Scholarship Programme is the largest of its kind in Ireland.
Two cohorts of undergraduate students will benefit, receiving €5,000 annually for up to five years. Applications for the second intake open in October 2025.
As these 40 scholars embark on their journeys, they are not only shaping their own futures but also paving the way for a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive tech sector in Ireland.
For more information, visit: www.insight-centre.org/google-insight-scholarship/