Professor Ann Ledwith’s Leadership of Explore Engineering Recognised as Professor Donna O'Shea Appointed Director

Professor Ann Ledwith has stepped down as Director of Explore Engineering at University of Limerick, with Professor Donna O’Shea (Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering) taking over the role.

Explore Engineering is an industry-led initiative, supported by education and training providers across the Mid-West, that aims to increase the quality and quantity of engineering talent in Ireland. Bringing together more than 50 companies alongside UL, the Technological University of the Shannon, Mary Immaculate College and Limerick and Clare ETB, it reaches thousands of second-level students, parents and teachers each year. Its flagship Showcase at Shannon Airport now attracts over 2,000 attendees and more than 60 engineering companies.

Professor Ledwith has been central to that growth. Under her leadership, Explore Engineering inspired countless students and strengthened partnerships between academia and industry across the region. Her contribution was widely recognised, most notably when she received the Engineers Ireland Thomond Region President’s Engagement Award in 2024 for her outstanding leadership of the initiative. Engineers Ireland praised her passion for promoting engineering as a career choice for everybody, particularly students in the Mid-West.

Professor O’Shea said: “Ann has left an extraordinary legacy. Explore Engineering has changed how young people in this region see engineering, and that is down in no small part to her vision, energy and generosity. I’m honoured to take on this role and excited to build on those strong foundations with our industry and education partners, so that even more students see engineering as a career that is open to them.”

One of the first highlights of the year ahead will be INSPIRE, which UL will host on Monday 30th November, Concert Hall at 10am. INSPIRE brings second-level students together with a panel of female engineers who share their career journeys, the pathways into engineering and their experiences of working in STEM. Its message is simple: engineering is for everyone. Previous editions have drawn over 800 students from more than 20 schools.

Further details are available on the Explore Engineering website: explore-engineering.ie