It is my great pleasure to share with you some of the exciting developments taking place across the College of Science. Despite the rapid changes going on in the world, I am struck by the energy of our faculty, staff and students, who continue to deliver impactful science across discipline boundaries.
As I reflect on the past year, it has been another very busy period. The Science Phase III building project remains on track, and the fully renovated Science North building was returned to use in January. One feature is a series of displays, highlighting eight of our ongoing research stories. If you plan to visit the campus, please take some time to visit this interactive exhibition. The West building is in its final phase of fit-out and is planned to be operational by the end of this year.
Elsewhere, AIMSIR, UCD and Met Éireann’s new Centre for AI, Meteorological Services, Innovation and Research, was launched. The Centre will harness artificial intelligence to transform weather forecasting, while supporting Ireland’s preparation for the growing risks posed by climate change.
Teaching and learning remain at the heart of our mission. We are continually evolving our programmes to ensure that our graduates are equipped not only with deep disciplinary knowledge, but also with the critical thinking, creativity and adaptability needed in our rapidly changing world.
As alumni, you also play a vital role in our science community. Your continued engagement through mentoring, collaboration, and philanthropy helps to shape our future and inspires the next generation of scientists. I encourage you to stay connected and involved in the many ways available.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the College of Science. I look forward to continuing to build on our shared achievements in the years ahead.
In October, UCD led a new €1.5M biodiversity programme to restore native oyster reefs to strengthen coastal resilience. “We will assess how these reefs can stabilise sediments, improve biodiversity, enhance water quality, and provide a natural buffer to the impacts of climate change, all while supporting the sustainable use of our harbours and ports,” said Project Coordinator Dr Paul Brooks, UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.
Researchers at UCD identified a genetic ‘switch’ determining the sex of cannabis plants, and found that the same key genes were found in hops. This could have practical implications for agriculture, where female plants are economically preferred.
UCD scientists discovered a previously unknown ‘courier system’ that cells use to deliver coherent biological messages between each other, opening new possibilities for medicine and biotechnology. These systems also possess ‘keys’ to natural (endogenous) gateways, allowing them to reach biological locations currently inaccessible in conventional delivery medicine.
UCD maths ace Mhyls Salapuddin was an awardee of the prestigious RIA Hamilton Prize, the top accolade for undergraduate mathematical students. Mhyls was among nine students recognised by the Royal Irish Academy for mathematical excellence.
UCD Athletics Club sprinter and Computer Science alumnus Bori Akinola claimed the title of Ireland’s fastest man, setting a new 60m Irish record at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting. At the World Indoor Tour Gold meet, Akinola clocked a time of 6.54 seconds to finish in second place, taking three hundredths of a second off the record set by fellow UCD Ad Astra alumnus Israel Olatunde in 2023.
Athletics star and Chemistry alumna Nicola Tuthill won silver at the European Throwing Cup. Tuthill achieved a personal best of 72.73, claiming the title at the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet in Poland. The Ad Astra Elite Sport Scholar made her Olympic debut in the hammer at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The University launched its ‘Space Strategy to 2030’ in May, with an ambitious plan to position Ireland as an international leader in space research, innovation and higher education. The strategy sets out UCD’s vision for expanding Ireland’s role in the rapidly growing global space economy, expected to exceed €850 billion over the next decade.
■ ucd.ie/science