TikTok Partners with Midlands Science to host TikTok STEM Creative Labs as part of National Science Week Ireland 2024

A quarter of teens in Ireland are engaging with #StemTok on TikTok's STEM Feed every week

Portlaoise, Friday 8 November, 2024: TikTok, in partnership with Midlands Science and in association with Science Week, will be hosting TikTok STEM Creative Labs, an interactive event for secondary school students taking place on Friday 8 November, 2024.

The event, which is taking place during the run-up to National Science Week 2024, will see teenagers aged 16+ from across the Midlands lean in to #StemTok by participating in a series of interactive STEM activities at TikTok's bespoke STEM Creative Labs in Portlaoise. The event is aimed at connecting young people with STEM subjects and will be co-hosted and supported by popular TikTok Creators, Shanice Griffin [@itshanice_], Protein Bor [@jamesdoylefitness] and Mark the Science Guy [@markthescienceguy].

L-R: Dr Craig Slattery, Chairperson Midlands Science, Kate Duffy, Conway institute UCD, Pauline Nally, Fundraising and Partnerships, Midlands Science, TikTok Creator, Shanice Griffin [@itshanice_], TikTok Creator, James Doyle/Protein Bor [@jamesdoylefitness], Susan Moss, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, TikTok, Jackie Gorman, CEO Midlands Science, Dr Nikki Soo, Safety and Well-being Public Policy Lead for Europe, TikTok

The partnership with Midlands Science, a recipient of TikTok's Digital Future Fund which is supported by Rethink Ireland, follows the successful launch of TikTok's dedicated STEM feed earlier this year in Ireland and across Europe. In Ireland specifically, since the STEM Feed launch: -TikTok STEM content in Ireland, has grown by more than 35%. -More than 25%* of teens in Ireland are engaging with the feed every week

Additionally, earlier this week, TikTok announced that the STEM Feed is now turned on by default for all users in Ireland.

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science commented: "We are delighted to be working with TikTok to bring this immersive experience to the midlands as part of our Science Week activities. Engaging with science is all about providing experiences which build curiosity, confidence and creativity in our young people. The upcoming event with TikTok provides the perfect opportunity to provide such an experience." Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital Transformation and Company Regulation commented: "I am delighted to see TikTok partnering with Midlands Science to boost STEM education in Ireland as part of its overall investment in STEM. Collaborations such as this, which bring together industry, academia and government, are essential to our national digital agenda and will help to strengthen our position as global leaders in technology and research. The STEM industry is an exciting career field and it is so important that the multinationals which invest here play their part in promoting the accessibility of the careers, in turn inspiring the next generation of innovators and securing our digital future."

Dr Nikki Soo, Safety and Well-being Public Policy Lead for Europe, TikTok commented: "TikTok remains committed to providing a platform that is not only entertaining but also educational, offering young people across Ireland the opportunity to explore and learn about the world of STEM. Since we launched the STEM feed earlier this year, the growing #STEMTok community has showcased the power of TikTok in making STEM accessible, fun, and relevant to young audiences across Ireland. In Ireland, by partnering with local organisations, such as Midlands Science, and hosting the TikTok STEM Creative Labs, we are building a vibrant online community centred around curiosity, innovation, and learning."

*Source: Internal TikTok Data, October 2024

About Midlands Science: Midlands Science is a not-for-profit company which works to create greater interest in STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths] education and skills among students, teachers and members of the public in the Midlands [Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath]. It provides a range of school and group outreach experiences all year round and runs activities such as a regional science festival and activities for Engineers Week and Maths Week. It also provides a range of projects and activities based on special interests and for groups who have not engaged much with STEM to date. It is funded by a wide range of partnes and acknowledged widely for its creative and impactful STEM outreach.

About Science Week: Science Week, a week-long event in Ireland each November, celebrates science in our everyday lives. Science Week 2024 explores the theme of 'Regeneration' and takes place from 10-17 November with 32 festivals and events nationwide. Science Week is supported by Research Ireland, the new national competitive research and innovation funding agency, which amalgamates the activities and functions of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC).

About TikTok's STEM Feed:

In April 2024, TikTok launched a feed dedicated to STEM, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, across Europe; to empower continued discovery on TikTok and connect a dynamic community of people over shared interests.

TikTok users are able to click on the STEM feed, alongside the For You feed, to open up a world of knowledge from respected experts in their fields. The feed includes English-speaking content with auto-translate subtitles, which will be fact-checked by two independent organisations.

Since the STEM Feed launched in Ireland April 2024, content related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has grown by 35%, with 25% of Irish teens visiting the STEM feed on a weekly basis.

Some of the standout Irish STEM creators who are inspiring and educating audiences include:

• Emma Ronan (@leavingcertbiology.ie), who makes complex subjects accessible and entertaining, helping Leaving Cert biology students with engaging content tailored for their needs.
• Conor Duffy (@theleavingcerthub), who provides study tips, detailed notes, projects, and sample answers, all delivered in a fun, educational style that resonates with his followers.
• Denise Doyle (@lcchemistryprep), an intern doctor, creates content that's both entertaining and informative, supporting students with Leaving Cert Chemistry and HPAT prep.

About the TikTok Digital Future Fund:

The TikTok Digital Future Fund is a partnership between TikTok and Rethink Ireland.

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