Napier libraries project targets the STEM gender gap
Edinburgh Napier University is launching a new project geared towards opening pathways into engineering education for girls and other groups that are underrepresented in the industry.

ENU is launching “Libraries of Inspiration” with support from a £99,700 grant from The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Diversity Impact Programme.

Dr Debbie Meharg, Associate Professor and Head of Applied Informatics at ENU, said that the obstacles keeping girls and other underrepresented groups out of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers are also holding back innovation.

“It is not just about fairness, it's about unlocking the full potential of these pupils, giving them opportunities and also for the betterment of society, the economy, and the field of engineering.”

The Libraries of Inspiration project will provide 10 subject-specific resource kits for 12- and 13-year-olds.

Read more: Breaking down STEM subject barriers among girls

Students will help design the kits themselves, which will let them explore augmented reality, robotics, AI, information systems and other cutting-edge technologies while working collaboratively.

Date posted

23 January 2024