A good start with a cup of coffee and a thoughtful discussion can brew not just ideas, but also the foundation for remarkable journeys of innovation and discovery. Such was the beginning of the START to Discover Project.

In 2015, Dr Sandra Galvin and Prof Declan Devane from the Centre for Health Research Methodology at the School of Nursing and Midwifery met to explore ways to spread the word about the significance of randomised trials to the wider community. Their innovative approach? Engage primary school students. They understood the importance of involving educators from the beginning, and so brought Mr. Dara Glynn, a Primary School Principal from Ennis, Co. Clare, to the ideas table.

This meeting of minds ignited a journey of outreach and education, transforming complex scientific inquiry into a fun, engaging activity for children. By 2016, the START Competition was launched, thanks to support from the Health Research Board and the collaborative efforts of the University of Galway community. The competition encouraged students to design and execute their own clinical trials, promoting a hands-on understanding of scientific research, fostering curiosity, and enhancing critical thinking skills.

Over the years, 61 trials have been crafted by young minds, tackling everyday questions from their school and community life, while also connecting with a broader audience including parents and childcare providers. Feedback from teachers and students alike has been overwhelmingly positive. The START Competition is hailed not just as a tool for learning about science, but as a versatile educational resource that enhances the curriculum and develops transferable skills, making it a unique addition to teaching strategies.

Each year, the START Competition culminates with a vibrant and fun awards ceremony on campus, coinciding with International Clinical Trials Day, celebrated annually on May 20th. The event is a celebration of the children's hard work and creativity, where their efforts are recognized and applauded.

This exciting occasion is enriched by the support of an array of outstanding University of Galway outreach programs, including Cell Explorers, Kitchen Chemistry, The Neuroscience Centre, Human Physiology, and the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences.

Adding to the excitement, the ceremony has had the honour of hosting the current BT Young Scientist winner, who presents the trophies to the young participants, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

In addition to the START Competition, the Meet the Scientist Webinar Series has been instrumental in bringing STEM professionals and researchers into classrooms. Through these webinars, students have engaged in meaningful discussions on a wide range of STEM topics, gaining insights into diverse career paths and directly interacting with experts through live Q&A sessions. The initiative has made significant strides in breaking down stereotypes about STEM fields, welcoming over 45,000 children in 2023 alone and featuring female professionals in roles often dominated by men.

The future looks bright for these initiatives, with a substantial boost from Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme funding set to expand and enhance the project over the next two years. A new project manager will lead the charge towards broader national and international outreach, fostering connections with more schools, communities, and partners. This effort aligns perfectly with the establishment of the Institute for Clinical Trials at the University of Galway, promising access to top-tier academic resources and innovative teaching methods.

Our vision is to make the START Competition and Meet the Scientist Webinar Series staples within Irish primary education, ensuring that every school in the country knows about, can access, and is encouraged to participate in these enriching STEM activities. By building stronger ties with educational stakeholders and leveraging our networks, we aim to create a more scientifically curious and informed generation, poised to explore the wonders of STEM.

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