Reference no: EM132184917

Midlands Science in Partnership with Integra LifeSciences Midlands Science is a not-for-profit development 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 four counties of the Midlands [Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath]. Midlands Science values education, continuous learning and up-skilling as key building blocks for sustainable regional development. In collaboration with partners from the private, public and community sectors, Midlands Science is committed to facilitating and delivering a number of targeted annual education initiatives in the Midlands. This work enables Midlands Science to reach 13,000 people directly per annum at events and workshops. Integra LifeSciences, a world leader in medical technology with 19 manufacturing plants worldwide is dedicated to limiting uncertainty for surgeons, so they can concentrate on providing the best patient care. Integra offers innovative solutions in orthopedic extremity surgery, neurosurgery, and reconstructive and general surgery. Integra has an enduring tradition of giving back. Part of Integra’s CSR Strategy is to create an awareness of science & technology skills and careers among students and teachers, by actively supporting positive STEM experiences in the Midlands. At Integra all employees are encouraged to make a difference in the communities in which they live and work and to extend their caring to meaningful causes across the globe. Integra’s local partnership with Midlands Science has enabled the company to facilitate the organization and delivery of hands-on workshops in local primary and secondary schools during the Midlands Science Festival, which is held annually during national Science Week. QA Compliance Specialist at Integra LifeSciences Ireland Ltd, Maria Rogers said, ‘Industry needs diversity and alternative thinkers in order to continue to develop new concepts and products. In Ireland we need to maintain our reputation as a high skills destination in order to remain an attractive destination for global industry and research funds. We need to nurture and develop the scientific brains of our future generation in a fun and meaningful way and the Midlands Science Festival schools programme is an effective way to do this.’ The Midlands Science Festival is a seminal week-long event that promotes and celebrates the importance of science and technology across all age groups in the region. It is a carefully planned programme which showcases science in a variety of different ways, attracts large and diverse audiences and receives extensive media coverage. This exciting and innovative festival provides approximately 130 different science education outreach events and activities. The work of Midlands Science has been independently and positively evaluated by Behaviour & Attitudes Ltd and the Edinburgh Science Festival and was found to be impactful, creative and innovative. Midlands Science use evaluation to measure impact but also to adjust programmes as necessary in order to achieve maximum impact and benefit. John O’ Donovan, Plant Manager at Integra LifeSciences Ireland Ltd commented, ‘Integra is very pleased to partner with Midlands Science as a corporate sponsor in order to provide hands-on, interactive science events to some of our local primary schools. Science surrounds us in ways that we don’t often think, and we need to do all we can to ensure that young people understand the importance and significance of science in day to day life. The Midlands Science Festival creates many opportunities for people of all ages to connect with and celebrate science and Integra was delighted to be a part of this for 2017.’ Please answer the two questions below, 1. Maria Rogers argues that industry needs diversity and alternative thinkers. Why is that?"