Trinity College Dublin Announces 2026 Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarships for Women

Trinity College Dublin has announced the recipients of the 2026 Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarships for Women, marking another milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing women’s education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

Seven Talented Women Awarded Prestigious Scholarships

Seven exceptional students have been selected for this year’s cohort, representing diverse STEM disciplines across Trinity’s renowned faculties. The scholarship recipients include:

• Leah Nolan – Theoretical Physics (1st year), Cork
• Anuska Saha – Engineering (1st year), Kerry
• Lucy Pakenham – Engineering (1st year), Meath
• Heather McFadden – Physical Sciences (1st year), Sligo
• Charlotte MacDonnell – Theoretical Physics (2nd year), Dublin
• Alicia O’Keeffe – Engineering with Management (2nd year), Cork
• Rahma Elmbaridi – Engineering (2nd year), Louth

These scholars join more than 20 previous recipients since the program’s inception in 2022/23, demonstrating Trinity’s sustained commitment to fostering female talent in STEM disciplines.

Comprehensive Support for Women in STEM

Each scholarship provides substantial financial support worth €20,000 over a four-year undergraduate degree program (or €15,000 over three years). Beyond financial assistance, recipients receive valuable mentoring support from both Three Ireland and Trinity’s Faculty of STEM, creating a robust support network for academic and professional development.

Program Objectives and Impact

The Three Ireland Connect to STEM Scholarships are specifically designed to:

• Attract talented women to pursue STEM studies at Trinity College Dublin
• Provide financial support to remove barriers to education
• Offer mentorship opportunities with industry leaders
• Build confidence and create pathways to career opportunities
• Address the gender imbalance in STEM fields

Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative

Dr. Linda Doyle, Provost of Trinity College Dublin, emphasized the program’s significance: “We need many more women studying, shaping, and leading in STEM, and it is vital that we create pathways that empower them to do so. The Three Ireland Connect to STEM programme is proving to be transformative in this mission.”

Professor Sylvia Draper, Dean of STEM at Trinity, highlighted the caliber of applicants: “I want to acknowledge the personal stories and the achievements of all the applicants. The students who have won these scholarships are truly deserving of our admiration and our support. I have no doubt that they will go on to do extraordinary things and to make their mark in the college, in science, in society, and the world of work.”

Elaine Carey, Chief Executive Officer of Three Ireland, reinforced the company’s commitment: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do at Three Ireland and as a major employer in this sector, we are deeply committed to building a more diverse and representative STEM community. We know we need more women in STEM, and that is why our partnership with Trinity matters so much.”

Eligibility and Application Process

The scholarships are open to female students who are residents of Ireland and have accepted places in specific Trinity undergraduate programs, including:

• School of Computer Science & Statistics
• School of Engineering
• School of Mathematics
• School of Physics
• School of Chemistry (Chemical Science only)

The application process, which was open to both first-year and second-year students in October 2025, involved a comprehensive written application review to select the most promising candidates.

Building a Diverse STEM Community

This initiative represents a significant step toward addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. By providing financial support, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, Trinity College Dublin and Three Ireland are creating a pipeline of talented women who will become future leaders in science and technology.

The program’s success is evident in the growing number of recipients and the positive impact on participants’ academic journeys and career prospects. As these scholars progress through their studies, they will not only benefit from the program but also serve as role models for future generations of women considering STEM careers.

Looking Ahead

With the 2026 cohort now established, Trinity College Dublin continues to strengthen its position as a leader in promoting women’s education in STEM. The ongoing partnership with Three Ireland demonstrates how industry collaboration can create meaningful opportunities for students while addressing critical workforce needs in the technology sector.

For prospective students interested in applying for future scholarship cycles, the program represents an excellent opportunity to pursue STEM education with comprehensive support from one of Ireland’s leading universities and a major telecommunications employer.

Related Success Stories

This year’s announcement follows the success of previous scholarship recipients, with six students receiving awards in the 2024/25 academic year. The growing alumni network of Three Ireland Connect to STEM scholars continues to expand, creating a community of women who are making significant contributions to STEM fields across Ireland and beyond.

The continued success of this program underscores the importance of targeted initiatives in creating lasting change in educational and professional landscapes, particularly in fields where women have historically been underrepresented.