CodePlus, a pioneering initiative aimed at engaging young women in Computer Science, has won the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year award at the Women in STEM Summit & Awards. This prestigious accolade recognises the initiative’s ongoing efforts to address the gender gap in technology by offering young women practical experiences in computer science, empowering them to make informed decisions about their educational and career pathways.
Professor Brendan Tangney, from Trinity College Dublin’s School of Computer Science and Statistics, has been instrumental in the development and success of CodePlus. Launched in 2015, the initiative has made a significant impact on young people, particularly women, by providing them with hands-on experience in the field of computer science. The programme expanded nationally in 2020 with support from SFI Discover and industry funding, and has since built strong partnerships with Lero, the SFI Centre for Software Engineering at the University of Limerick, and the School of Education at the University of Galway, further promoting inclusivity across Ireland’s tech sector.
In addition to the project’s recognition, Professor Tangney was shortlisted in the Male Champion of Change category, reflecting his personal commitment to advancing gender diversity in STEM fields. This dual recognition highlights the immense impact of CodePlus and its advocates in shaping a more inclusive and diverse future for the technology industry.