Dublin, Ireland — 27th August 2024 — We had the joy of sitting down with the wonderful Dr. Niamh Shaw, a trailblazing Irish engineer, scientist, writer and performer who’s on a mission to inspire the world—and especially young people—by sharing her incredible journey toward space.
In our chat, Niamh opened up about her dreams, the importance of curiosity and the wonder that awaits at the National Children’s Science Centre.
Q1: Niamh, your journey into the world of science is so inspiring. Can you tell us what sparked your passion and what keeps you motivated?
Niamh: I’ve always been fascinated by stories—stories of people and their experiences, especially when it comes to space. My love for science began with my Dad, who was part of something amazing in the 1960s. His company in Dundalk made parts for the NASA space programme! I didn’t even know this until recently, but it feels like a part of me has always been connected to space.
But more than that, I’ve always felt a pull to tell stories. When I imagine what it would be like to look at the Earth from space or when I talk to people involved in space missions, I’m drawn to their humanity—their fears, joys, and dreams. That’s what I want to share with the world. My goals are pretty big and they all revolve around space. First, I want to go on a trip with a suborbital flight rocket, like Blue Origin. It’s a short journey, but it’s a huge step. Then, before the International Space Station is decommissioned in 2030, I dream of visiting it and orbiting the Earth. Lastly, as space travel becomes an everyday event, I hope to join a media initiative that will allow me to travel beyond Earth orbit and share this extraordinary experience with the world.
Space is a place of contrasts—no sound, no gravity, a vacuum where everything feels different. It might sound glamorous, but from what I’ve learned, it’s a terrifying, vulnerable experience too. Yet, the perspective it offers on life and the Earth is unparalleled. When you imagine seeing the Earth from space, you realize that borders, towns and countries are just lines we’ve drawn. We’re all just blobs of land and sea on this beautiful blue planet. It’s humbling, and it makes you appreciate what we have—water, oxygen, gravity—all the things we often take for granted.
Q2: How does your ambitious goal to get to space relate to your work in sustainability and STEAM education?
Niamh: My mission isn’t just about reaching space; it’s about gaining a deeper appreciation for our planet and using that perspective to inspire sustainable practices here on Earth. When you’re in space, looking down at our planet, you see how fragile and beautiful it is. There are no borders, just one interconnected world and it really drives home the importance of protecting it.
Sustainability is crucial for our future and it’s imperative that our governments and decision-makers prioritise sustainable policies. But it’s also important that we teach children about the science of sustainability in a way that’s positive and empowering. Kids need to understand that their voices count and that they have the power to make a difference.
Through my work in STEAM education—science, technology, engineering, arts and maths—I aim to show young people how everything is connected. Science isn’t just for scientists; it’s for everyone and it’s a tool we can all use to make the world a better place. By understanding the science of sustainability, children can grow up with a sense of responsibility and optimism, knowing that they have the ability to shape a brighter, more sustainable future.
Q3: We’re so excited about the National Children’s Science Centre (NCSC)! What are your thoughts on how the NCSC can inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers?
Niamh: The National Children’s Science Centre is going to be a game-changer for science education in Ireland. I remember the first time I visited a science museum—I was in my second year of college and it was like a whole new world opened up to me. I spent hours at the Science Museum in London, absolutely rooted to the spot. Then, I visited the Natural History Museum and saw a dinosaur and an interactive display that let you see how fish view the world. It was transformative.
That’s the wonder of places like the NCSC. They allow children to touch, feel and experience science in ways that transcend the school room and textbooks. Kids are naturally curious and the NCSC will tap into that curiosity. Whether it’s feeling what an earthquake is like or exploring the stars, the NCSC will make science come alive in 3D, 4D and more!
It’s about engaging kids in ways that resonate with them—through play, exploration and hands-on experiences. I truly believe that the NCSC will help foster a lifelong love of science in children across Ireland and beyond.
Q4: We’ve heard you talk about the importance of sustainability and science capital. Can you tell us more about that and how it relates to your work?
Niamh: Sustainability is at the heart of everything I do and science capital is a big part of that. Imagine science capital as a special 'bag' that you start filling up from the time you’re very young. In this bag, you collect all the cool science things you learn, the people who inspire you and the fun experiences you have with science.
The first 10 years of your life are especially important because that’s when your 'bag' fills up the fastest—these are the years when you’re figuring out how the world works. But not every kid gets the same chances to fill their science bag and that’s something I want to change. I want to make sure every child has the chance to explore, learn and get excited about science, so they can keep adding to their science bag for the rest of their lives.
I’m working on initiatives like the Town Scientist program, where I aim to have a trusted science advisor in every town. The idea is to make science a natural part of everyday life, just like talking to a teacher or a friend. Over the last decade, I’ve trained thousands of people, both in groups and one-on-one, and I’ve successfully rolled this out this initiative in two towns in Ireland already—Dundalk and Birr. My goal is to create a template that can be expanded to all the towns in Ireland and then go global. This isn’t just about creating future scientists; it’s about helping everyone see the value of science in everything they do, whether it’s understanding the world around them or solving problems in their community.
By engaging with science in a practical, everyday way—like understanding the sustainability of fast fashion or learning about nature around us—we can make better decisions for our future. I want to build a tribe of people who are passionate about science and sustainability and I believe the NCSC will play a huge role in this by reaching every school child in Ireland and helping them see that science is for everyone.
Q5: Your dream to go to space is so exciting! For the children reading this, can you share your plan for achieving that dream? How can young people follow along and be inspired by your journey?
Niamh: Dreaming big is something I’m passionate about and I want every child to know that their dreams can be just as big. My plan to get to space involves a lot of hard work, raising my profile globally and connecting with people who can help me achieve this goal.
For young people, I encourage you to stay curious, keep learning and don’t be afraid to dream big. Science is full of possibilities and if you’re passionate about something, whether it’s space, technology, or anything else, pursue it with all your heart. Follow along with my journey and maybe one day, you’ll be taking your own trip to space!
About Dr. Niamh Shaw
Niamh is an Irish engineer, scientist, writer and performer, recently voted one of Ireland’s leading science communicators and STEAM specialists (merging science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). She believes in Dreaming Big and is on a mission to get to Space.
In 2022, Niamh was awarded the European Space Agency's ESA Champion in Education for her innovative work using space to inspire and educate. She is also an international fellow of The Explorers Club, a prestigious organisation with members such as Jane Goodall, Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride. For more, visit niamhshaw.ie.
