Science and Discovery Month Returns to W5 as Friendship Four Approaches

Now in its ninth year, the initiative will see W5 and W5 LIFE deliver a programme of educational activities and interactive experiences designed to inspire the next generation and showcase the opportunities available through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Taking place throughout November, Science and Discovery Month will connect education with real-world applications of STEM, providing young people with opportunities to engage with scientific concepts, explore potential career pathways, and learn from professionals working across a range of industries.

Through collaborations with education and industry partners, including the Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland, The King’s Trust, and The Royal Academy of Engineering, the programme aims to encourage greater interest in STEM subjects while helping young people understand the skills and knowledge shaping the world around them.

Victoria Denoon, Head of W5, said: “Science and Discovery Month is an opportunity to introduce young people to ideas, experiences, and potential career paths that they may have never considered before. We know how important it is for young people to see the relevance of STEM beyond the classroom, and by bringing education and industry together, we can help make those connections and give students a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.”

“As W5 celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, we’re particularly proud to continue developing initiatives that make science accessible and engaging for young people across Northern Ireland. We want every learner to leave having discovered something new, whether that’s an interest in a particular subject or an ambition to pursue a future career in STEM.”

A key feature of Science and Discovery Month will be the return of the Big STEM Day, bringing hundreds of local schoolchildren to W5 for a fun, hands-on educational experience ahead of the opening game of the 2026 Friendship Four. The event will highlight the relationship between science and sport, allowing pupils to explore the practical applications of STEM before experiencing elite-level collegiate ice hockey at The O2 Belfast.

Taking place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November, the Friendship Four will welcome Providence College, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Colgate University, and the University of Connecticut to Belfast as they go head-to-head for the Belpot Trophy in the only NCAA Division One men’s ice hockey tournament to take place outside of North America.

Steve Thornton, Sports Director at The Odyssey Trust, commented: “The Friendship Four has always been about creating opportunities that extend beyond the tournament itself, and Science and Discovery Month is a hugely important part of that.

“Each year, we have the opportunity to bring young people together with educators and industry professionals, introducing them to experiences that can genuinely influence how they think about their futures. Combining those opportunities with an international sporting event is something we’re particularly proud of. It demonstrates what can be achieved when education and sport work together, and we’re looking forward to building on that again this year.”

For more information about W5 and W5 LIFE, please click here.