New Inclusion Evaluation found 100% of students enjoyed ESB Science Blast
- Danny Joyce | Editor
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Yesterday (Wednesday 24th June) the ESB Science Blast Inclusion Evaluation 2026, a landmark study of more than 2,000 participants across six stakeholder groups examining how inclusion is experienced within one of Irelands largest informal STEM education programmes was launched in the Minerva Suite of the RDS. More than 110,000 children have taken part in ESB Science Blast since its launch in 2019 with 100% of those children who took part saying they enjoyed being part of the initiative and events in Dublin and Limerick.
The launch of the Inclusion Evaluation report brought together experts from across the education and inclusion sectors both in-person and online to explore the findings of the evaluation and identify practical actions to strengthen accessibility and participation across STEM initiatives nationwide. Attendees heard a keynote address from Dr. Margaret Flood, Assistant Professor of Inclusive Education, Maynooth University, who provided context on the wider challenges and opportunities relating to inclusion across primary education and STEM. A workshop facilitated by Dr. Amy Fahy, Assistant Professor of Business and Management and Societal Impact, Maynooth University, enabled guests to explore barriers to participation and identify practical actions to strengthen inclusive practice across the sector.
ESB Science Blast engages more than 17,000 primary school students annually through a whole class, inquiry-based STEM model that prioritises curiosity, creativity, collaboration and participation. Students across Ireland have taken part in the programme, including students from mainstream classes, additional need classes, DEIS schools and Gaelscoileanna. Project titles this year covered a wide range of diverse topics including, “Can 30 Minutes of Screen Time Change How Our Brain Remembers and Focuses?” and “Can Changing What Cows Eat Reduce Methane?”
Commissioned by the RDS and conducted by the IRESI Research Centre, School of Business, Maynooth University, the ESB Science Blast Inclusion Evaluation 2026 captured more than 2,000 interactions and responses across students, teachers, judges, facilitators, performers and exhibitors. Findings showed that inclusive practices were strongly embedded throughout the event environment, with participants consistently describing ESB Science Blast as welcoming, engaging, accessible and supportive.
The Inclusion Evaluation built on previous programme evaluations and accessibility audits while extending the focus to examine inclusion as a lived and multi-dimensional experience. The research was grounded in established frameworks including Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Inclusive Pedagogy, the Social Model of Disability and the Capability Approach, viewing inclusion as meaningful participation where all students are supported to engage, contribute and experience a sense of belonging.
Students reported:
100% enjoyment of the day overall
98% felt able to participate in their own way
98% enjoyed showcasing their project
97% felt included
97% reported increased confidence
Teachers reported:
88% overall inclusion score
Strong positive feedback on accessibility, communication and participation
Students consistently reported feeling included, listened to and supported throughout the event, while teachers highlighted the flexibility of the programme in enabling participation across a wide range of learning needs and abilities, allowing students to contribute in ways that reflected their strengths, interests and support needs.
In recent years, ESB Science Blast, supported through Research Ireland funding, has undertaken extensive work to strengthen accessibility, participation and inclusion, including the appointment of a dedicated Inclusion Officer and the implementation of recommendations from previous accessibility audits. Improvements included enhanced sensory and accessibility supports, alongside new resources such as venue familiarisation videos, visual schedules, sensory kits and quiet spaces to support participation for all learners.
Amy Harrington, Science and Technology Programme Manager at the RDS, said, "The evaluation demonstrated that inclusion is not achieved through a single intervention but through the combination of thoughtful design, effective communication, flexible participation opportunities and strong interpersonal support. The findings showed that inclusive practices were embedded throughout the event environment and experienced positively by students, teachers and wider stakeholders."
Paul Kelly, CEO, RDS, said, "Creating opportunities where every child feels welcomed, supported and empowered to participate is central to the mission of the RDS. These findings provide valuable evidence of the impact that intentional and sustained investment in inclusion can have and will help inform the continued development of ESB Science Blast."
The evaluation highlighted the positive impact of accessibility supports, flexible participation opportunities and strong stakeholder engagement, with findings set to inform the future development of ESB Science Blast. The findings also underscored the RDS's commitment to accessibility and inclusion, reinforcing its position as both a premier Irish venue and a destination of choice for events seeking to create meaningful and equitable experiences for all participants.
For more details on ESB Science Blast, visit www.esbscienceblast.com
Slán go fóill.
