TU Dublin Awarded €323,991 for National AI Literacy Initiative for Older Adults
Following the highly successful launch of Age-Friendly AI: A National Conversation on Artificial Intelligence on Thursday 27th of March, TU Dublin is pleased to announce that its project: ‘National AI Literacy Initiative for Older Adults,’ has been awarded €323,991.00 under the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland's Discover Programme. This funding will support efforts to bridge the AI knowledge gap for older generations, ensuring their active engagement in the evolving digital landscape.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, and Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee TD announced this award as part of a €6.5 million investment in 40 projects designed to enhance public engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Minister Lawless emphasised the importance of such initiatives, stating:
These Discover-funded projects are crucial for triggering curiosity and encouraging greater participation in STEM across all education levels and within our communities. In particular, this investment will help foster a deeper understanding of STEM among underrepresented voices and inspire many of them to potentially become more involved in studies and careers in these fields. This will empower future generations to tackle societal challenges and share innovative solutions.
The project team at TU Dublin; Paula Kelly, Dr’s Dympna O'Sullivan and Damon Berry, in collaboration with Dr’s Emma Clarke, Cara Greene and Laura Grehan from the Research Ireland ADAPT Centre aims to equip older adults with essential AI knowledge through interactive workshops, digital resources, and community driven outreach programs. The initiative will provide older individuals with the confidence and tools to engage with AI technologies, fostering a more inclusive technological future equip older adults with essential AI knowledge through interactive workshops, digital resources, and community driven outreach programs. The initiative will provide older individuals with the confidence and tools to engage with AI technologies, fostering a more inclusive technological future.
Paula Kelly, TU Dublin project lead commented:
Artificial Intelligence has the potential to transform society, but it is crucial that all generations, including older adults, are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to navigate and contribute to this rapidly evolving landscape. We are delighted to receive this funding, which will allow us to involve older adults in meaningful interactions and discussions about AI fostering a more inclusive AI landscape and providing crucial insights to shape future policies, services and development in Ireland to ensure that AI advancements are inclusive and representative of all generations.
Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO at Research Ireland, welcomed the announcement:
The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a cornerstone of our education and public engagement strategy. We are so pleased to be supporting these 40 projects and look forward to seeing them strengthen STEM engagement across Ireland and encourage more inclusive participation in shaping the future of science and innovation in Ireland.
The Age-Friendly AI initiative speaks directly to TU Dublin’s values of lifelong learning, inclusion including digital inclusion, community engagement and the role of universities in shaping a more equitable and informed society.
Read the funding announcement here.
Learn more about the TU Dublin Digital Futures Research Hub