Courses
ATU and AbbVie celebrate 2025/26 AbbVie Ireland–ATU STEM Excellence Scholarship award winners
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and AbbVie recognised the 2025/26 AbbVie Ireland-ATU STEM Excellence Scholarship award winners at a recent event on the Sligo campus, attended by representatives from both organisations.
This prestigious scholarship programme provides financial support and industry experience to students pursuing STEM-related disciplines, helping to ensure greater access and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
This year’s recipients are Brandon Clarke, from Sligo who is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development (Level 7); Jana Kristiana Lietauniece, from Leitrim is a Bachelor of Engineering student in Mechanical Engineering (Level 7); and Onysiia Sokolianska, from Monaghan, who is completing a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Forensic Investigation and Analysis (Level 8).
Onysiia arrived in Ireland from Ukraine at the age of 14. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, learning a new language, and continuing her education during a time of upheaval, Onysiia has excelled academically. Her commitment and determination have led her to pursue her passion for forensic science at ATU, where she continues to thrive and set an example of resilience and ambition.
Receiving the award, Onysiia Sokolianska said:
“Receiving this scholarship is like a dream come true. Thanks to this support I can reach my full potential and fulfil my goals. I really appreciate the opportunities that AbbVie gives to students.”
Brandon Clarke added:
“I’m truly honoured to receive this award- it means so much to me and my family. I’m deeply grateful to my mum and to AbbVie for their incredible support throughout this journey. Looking ahead, I hope to continue building my future with AbbVie over the next five years, provided I successfully complete my exams!”
On receiving her scholarship from AbbVie, Jana Lietauniece said;
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this scholarship. It gives me the support to focus on my studies and keep working towards my goals. Opportunities like this make a real difference, and I really appreciate AbbVie’s support”
The AbbVie Ireland-ATU STEM Excellence Scholarship is valued at up to €12,000 per student over four years, with an internship opportunity organised in collaboration with ATU and AbbVie Ireland. The programme aims to encourage diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and ease the financial burden of higher education.
Michael Gallagher, Site Head at AbbVie Manorhamilton Road, Sligo, was impressed with the calibre of applicants to the scholarship. “We received applications from 73 highly dedicated and academically successful students, which made it very difficult to choose the three recipients for this year’s scholarship. With this bursary, AbbVie is delighted to continue its tradition of nurturing outstanding talent. I am looking forward to welcoming Brandon, Jana and Onysiia as interns to one of the AbbVie sites in Ireland as part of the scholarship.”
Alan O’Dowd, Site Head at AbbVie Ballytivnan, Sligo, said: “Fostering a love of learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in AbbVie’s DNA, with our proud tradition of offering dynamic and well-structured graduate programmes. As a company, we are committed to helping young people like Jana, Brandon and Onysiia on their academic and professional journey, growing our talent pipeline and shaping the career pathways of potential future employees and leaders for our industry.”
Dr Michele Glacken, ATU VP with responsibility for Students, Teaching & Learning, said:
“We are proud to partner with AbbVie Ireland in supporting talented students who are passionate about STEM. These scholarships not only ease the financial burden of higher education but also open doors to invaluable industry experience. At ATU, we believe in empowering students to achieve their full potential, and initiatives like this are key to building a diverse and innovative future workforce.”
Photo captions:
Photographs from the recent AbbVie Ireland-ATU STEM Excellence Scholarship awards event, held on the ATU’s Sligo campus, attended by representatives from AbbVie and staff from ATU.
The three AbbVie scholars are, L-R: Onysiia Sokolianska, Brandon Clarke, and Jana Lietauniece.
Ivana Hanjs
Communications Officer
Tel: +353 89 963 9559
