Muriel O’Byrne
SVP, Head of International Regulatory Affairs and Head of the European Business Office, Regeneron
Ivor Downey
VP, HR, IOPS, Regeneron
Christina Chan
SVP, Corporate Affairs, Regeneron
This article has been fully funded and written by Regeneron
Biotechnology company’s STEM-Fueled™ programming connects Irish students to world-class science opportunities, from classrooms to international recognition.
Ireland punches above its weight in science and innovation, yet the biopharma sector faces a widening skills gap. With 29,000 new roles projected to emerge by 2027, and 104,000 STEM positions going unfilled in the last 12 months alone, demand for qualified talent is rapidly outpacing supply.1 Obstacles to young people pursuing STEM pathways require a multi-pronged approach, with initiatives to tackle each in turn.
As a leading biotechnology company, Regeneron has taken on this challenge by supporting over four million students globally through STEM initiatives since 2020. STEM-Fueled™ represents the company’s growing collection of programmes, partnerships and sponsorships strengthening the STEM ecosystem with the goal of fuelling future scientific innovators, celebrating science and equipping educators.
“Ireland is central to our global STEM-Fueled™story,” says Muriel O’Byrne, Senior Vice President, International Regulatory Affairs and Head of the European Business Office. “What makes the initiative so meaningful is that it connects local opportunity to international ambition. We want Irish students to know their ideas can take them anywhere, even to the world stage.”
Classroom to competition
Science competitions encourage students to think critically and develop a passion for science that carries through into adulthood and potentially leads to future STEM careers. Regeneron sponsors an award at SciFest, a series of STEM fairs, culminating in a national final at Dublin City University. Regeneron employees volunteer as judges, providing hands-on engagement with students and their work.
Winners are sponsored to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), often described as the Olympics of science fairs, with ~2,000 finalists from 60+ countries competing across 22 disciplines for ~$7 million in awards. Regeneron also sponsors a Special Award at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, with the winner earning an ISEF place.
When students see themselves reflected in leadership and science, it shapes what they see as possible
Representation in STEM
Women are significantly underrepresented in Ireland’s STEM workforce, taking up only 25% of roles,1 making targeted action important to close this gap.
Regeneron is a gold partner of the I Wish event, a showcase designed specifically for Transition Year girls aged 15 to 17. At the event, they meet female STEM leaders who share their career journeys, providing role models and tangible examples of success.
“When students see themselves reflected in leadership and science, it shapes what they see as possible,” says Christina Chan, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Regeneron, “Representation is about more than visibility; it’s about ensuring the next generation of scientific discovery is shaped by the diverse ideas and voices that reflect the challenges and world we serve.”
Campus to career
A lack of work experience opportunities makes pursuing a career in STEM challenging for Irish students. With 26% of young people reporting a desire for STEM work experience but unable to access it,2 the Regeneron Industrial Operations and Product Supply (IOPS) STEM Academy supports students in navigating the education system to make that desire a reality through weekly hands-on workshops.
The College Award Programme bridges a gap, sponsoring awards at the University of Limerick, University College Cork and the Technological University of the Shannon. Winners receive financial bursaries and paid placements at Regeneron’s Limerick site during their studies.
“We’re not just sponsoring competitions, we’re investing in people,” says Ivor Downey, Vice President, HR, IOPS. “The College Award Programme gives students real-world experience inside one of the world’s most innovative science companies, which could change their careers.”
STEM-Fueled™ aims to remove obstacles to STEM pathways. Regeneron’s programmes, partnerships and sponsorships help expand access, strengthen Ireland’s scientific community and ensure the next generation of researchers has every tool needed to shape a better world.
[1] Adecco. (2025). Future-proofing Ireland’s STEM workforce. https://tinyurl.com/545fp926.
[2] Dunn, B. (2024). Young people show declining aspirations in STEM – is climate change the answer? https://tinyurl.com/24bk6mb7.
