This report argues that by 2030, 33% of young people moving into STEM careers in NI should be girls and that government must aim to establish Northern Ireland as an exemplar STEM region. If the potential for the entire population to embrace STEM is realised, it will drive innovation and economic growth, building a better place to live.

Northern Ireland now faces a significant STEM shortfall in the immediate term and that shortfall is set only to increase as future demand for STEM skills increases. Encouraging more women into STEM and supporting them to remain in this area could go a long way to solving those skills shortages. In examining the issue, MATRIX highlights the persistent disengagement of girls in core STEM subjects between GCSE and A Level/FE as being absolutely critical.