Eighteen schools receive national accolade in Curious Minds Awards
Funded by Research Ireland, the Curious Minds Awards recognise schools that embrace hands-on, inquiry-based approaches to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
Minister James Lawless today announced that eighteen primary schools in Mayo have received a Research Ireland Curious Minds Award for 2026.
Funded by Research Ireland, the Curious Minds Awards recognise schools that embrace hands-on, inquiry-based approaches to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).
The programme supports educators and students at every stage of their STEM learning journey, from schools taking their first steps in STEM engagement to those embedding STEM across the entire school community.
Activities undertaken through the programme include biodiversity studies, coding and programming projects, experiments exploring forces and materials, design-and-make challenges, and investigations that encourage students to test ideas, ask questions and develop problem-solving skills.
Minister Lawless expressed his delight to announce that 337 schools across the country have won the Research Ireland Curious Minds Awards this year.
“Through Curious Minds, schools across Ireland are helping young people to ask questions, explore ideas, and develop the confidence to experiment and problem-solve.”
Furthermore, he extended his thanks to the teachers involved and sent his congratulations to every school recognised.
Also commenting on the awards, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, stated that by supporting teachers and embedding these curiosity-centred approaches in everyday learning, the programme is making a real difference in helping to develop skills that will benefit students both now and into the future.
Schools participating in the Curious Minds Awards initiative apply for one of three award tiers:
- Silver Award: for schools beginning their STEM journey, involving a minimum of two classes.
- Gold Award: for schools further along their STEM journey, involving at least half of the classes in the school.
- Platinum Award: for schools that have already achieved the Gold Award and wish to further integrate STEM into their school culture.
The recipient schools are from Mayo, and the award types are:
Gold Award (16)
School
Location
Ardagh NS
Via Crossmolina P.O., Ballina
Crimlin National School
Ross, Castlebar
Culleens National School
Knockduff, Beal atha na fheadha
Gaelscoil na Cruaiche
Br. An Chúrsa Gailf, Cathair na Mart
Quignamanger NS
Creggs Rd, Ballina
Scoil Chomáin Naofa
Hollymount
Scoil Mhuire Róibín
Hollymount
Scoil Naomh Brid
Ballycastle
Scoil Náisíunta Naomh Feichín
An Crois, Claremorris
Scoil Néifinn
Keenagh, Ballina
Scoil Phadraig
Newport Road, Westport
SN Croi Muire
Beal An Mhuirthid
SN Gleann a Chaisil
Bun Na Habhna, Beal an Atha
SN Muine Chonallain
Beal An Atha,
St. Joseph's P.S.
Ballinrobe
Tamhnaigh an Fheadha
Charlestown
Silver Award (1)
School
Location
Barnatra N S
Barnatra, Ballina
Platinum Award (1)
School
Location
Scoil Naomh Bhríde Ballycroy
Baile Cruaich, Cathair Na Mart