The College of Science continues to thrive, thanks to the dedication and passion of our students, staff and academics. As members of our alumni community, you are an integral part of our ongoing journey of discovery, innovation, and academic excellence. It gives me great pleasure to share with you some updates from the past year.
In April 2024, one of the most influential AI researchers of the past 50 years, Professor Geoffrey Hinton received the UCD Ulysses Medal, the highest honour the University can bestow, in recognition of his immense global contributions.
Professor Therese Kinsella, CEO and founder of ATXA Therapeutics, won the 2024 NovaUCD Innovation Award. ATXA Therapeutics is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing life-changing treatments for cardiopulmonary diseases. In January 2024, a new six-month AI Ecosystem Accelerator programme was launched to support entrepreneurs developing disruptive AI solutions in key sectors such as healthcare, cybersecurity, education, sustainability, and finance.
In December 2023, Ireland’s first ever satellite, EIRSAT-1, built and designed by UCD students, was launched into space in December. The mission has been in development for the past six years with 50 Physics and Engineering students.
UCD Conway Institute marked 20 years at the leading edge of research…
Met Éireann partnered with UCD on a multi-million-euro research programme supporting the development of weather and climate services using data science and AI. It aims to develop AI-enhanced models that will enable Met Éireann to build on its forecasting capabilities.
In October 2023, UCD Conway Institute marked 20 years at the leading edge of research, innovation and impact. Over 500 alumni, staff, students and friends of UCD gathered to celebrate. UCD student, maths ace Elaine Pidgeon who is undertaking a BSc in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, has been named among the recipients of this year’s prestigious RIA Hamilton Prize, the top award for undergraduate mathematical students in Ireland.
Ireland’s first space genomics project, MARSCROP, could lead to the surface of Mars becoming fit for farming. UCD is seeking to harness microbes in plant root systems to produce safe and nutritious food using Martian soil.
