Curiosity Cube coming to Cork this month to spark interest in STEM

The Curiosity Cube will be coming to Cork this month showcasing to young people the range of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career opportunities which are available.

The brainchild of the Life Science business Merck, who have a facility in Cork,  the Curiosity Cube aims to provide access to hands on science education opportunities for students.

As it tours Cork, the Cube will visit Scoli Mhuire Naofa on Friday (June 6) and Monday (June 9). The Cube also visits the Cork Carnival of Science on Saturday (June 7) and Scoil Chroí Íosa Junior Building on Tuesday (June 10) and Wednesday (June 11). These events will bring interactive learning experiences to local students.

One of the areas which the Curiosity Cube focuses on is exploring the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI). This is done through experiments such as exploring the difference between AI images and real photos to understand and recognize authenticity. While also discovering the similar ways in which our brains and AI learn about the world around us.

When visitors enter the Curiosity Cube, they become scientists for the day, participating in hands on science experiments and learning about new technologies.

As well as sparking curiosity in STEM, the Curiosity Cube empowers employees in Merck to serve as role models and illustrate the diverse paths available in STEM.

According to Merck, research shows that the exposure provided through the Curiosity Cube is key to helping children believe that they can pursue a STEM career.

In 2025, the Curiosity Cube is touring across Europe for the fourth time, with the goal of reaching more than 20,000 students through more than 130 events in communities across the continent. While the Cube also will visit Canada, the USA and for the first time this year Africa.

Follow the Curiosity Cube on Instagram @curiositycube_merck and #SPARKCuriosity.