TU Dublin recently celebrated the remarkable achievements of its researchers and innovators at the 2024 Annual Awards Ceremony, recognising excellence across various fields and disciplines and acknowledging individuals and teams who are pushing the boundaries of knowledge, supporting sustainability efforts, and driving innovation. The ceremony featured a diverse range of award categories, recognising groundbreaking work in business, science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. It also acknowledged the vital role of research in addressing global challenges and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and communities.
Dr Brendan Jennings, TU Dublin Vice President for Research and Innovation, expressed pride in the university’s research community:
“As a Technological University, research activity carried out in close collaboration with enterprises and community groups in the Dublin region is central to our mission to deliver positive impact on society. We are hugely proud of the effort and commitment of our community of 1,000+ researchers and innovators and are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate their achievements. I congratulate all the award winners, everyone nominated for an award, and everyone across the university who supports them in their impactful work.”
The ceremony featured a keynote speech by Professor Grace Mulcahy, Professor of Veterinary Microbiology at University College Dublin (UCD) and Chair of the All-Island Research Culture Network. Professor Mulcahy praised the event’s focus on research excellence and the importance of collaboration:
“I am delighted to be at the TU Dublin Research and Innovation Awards ceremony to hear of the impressive research being done across a wide variety of disciplines here, and to discuss with my TU Dublin colleagues how we can work together in our research ecosystem to provide a supportive research culture – essential in underpinning research integrity and research excellence”.
The awards ceremony offered a platform for sharing and discussing new ideas, innovations, and collaborations between TU Dublin staff and students, partners and guests. As part of the festivities, attendees were encouraged to view the shortlisted nominees’ poster presentation showcase, engage in networking, and participate in discussions around the future of research and innovation. Several awards were also presented in recognition of the showcased collaborative efforts, which have led to new ventures, spinouts, and potential patents that will have long-lasting societal impact.
Quote from Dr. Mathew Sheehan: Winner of the One to Watch Award 2024
“Winning the ‘One to Watch’ Award is an honour, it is so uplifting to see the hard work of the research team at the National Optometry Centre acknowledged, and in promoting the importance that ocular microtremor plays as a quantitative biomarker for neurological function. This clinical investigation of the iTremor-One device is nearing completion, and the collaboration reflects our commitment to advancing accessible, precise healthcare solutions. The award highlights the exciting wide-ranging possibilities for iTremor-One in clinical settings, from optometry and neurology to on-the-field concussion assessment. This recognition encourages us to continue pushing boundaries, with the goal of making meaningful contributions to patient care and diagnostic innovation.”
The event highlighted the close ties TU Dublin has with local enterprises, governmental bodies, and non-profit organisations. Over the past year, the university’s researchers have made significant strides in sustainability-focused innovations, from energy-efficient technologies to sustainable educational practices, demonstrating their commitment to addressing both local and global environmental challenges. The university’s ongoing partnerships with businesses have resulted in groundbreaking products, solutions, and services that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Quote from Emma Geoghegan Winner of the Research Sustainability in Education Award 2024.
“I’m honoured to receive the Research Sustainability in Education Award. Through projects like the HCI Building Change initiative and ARCH4change, we are reshaping architectural education to prioritise sustainability and climate literacy. This work is a truly collaborative endeavour, and it is particularly gratifying that the award acknowledges the ongoing research and scholarship required for impactful curriculum change. This recognition supports our ongoing efforts to foster a new generation of environmentally conscious professionals and influences national policy to ensure architecture education meets the needs of a changing world.”
These awards reflect TU Dublin’s strong commitment to excellence in sustainability and innovation, recognising the importance of both individual achievements and collaborative efforts in addressing societal challenges. The event celebrated not just academic success but also the far-reaching impact of research on industry, education, and the wider community.
Pictured: Dr Brendan Jennings, TU Dublin Vice President for Research and Innovation, presents the Early Career Researcher Award to Dr Ciara Ahern at TU Dublin’s Research and Innovation Awards 2024. Dr. Ahern was awarded the honour for her significant contributions to sustainable building research.
