Category: 2022

ONE OF MY first activities as Acting President was to visit as many faculty and staff as possible across campus through a series of town hall meetings. Accompanied by Acting Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Barbara Dooley and Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact, Professor Orla Feely, together, we listened to people.

What we heard was a strong, communal belief that the primary purpose of the university is education and research for the benefit of society, for the public good. UCD has a strategic plan in place which informs what we do and what we need to achieve. But, as long as we’re focused on those two primary purposes: on the education and holistic development of our students; and the scholarship and research impact of our faculty, then everything we do will be in the right space.

Given the period we have just been through, the immediate future is all about making sure the pandemic and its legacy are left behind and that faculty, staff and students alike come back and re-engage with campus and fill the empty spaces that COVID-19 left behind. Everyone can be a part of the next chapter of our UCD story.

In a post-pandemic educational setting, reimagining the university experience is one of the biggest challenges we face. A significant number of students have not experienced the University in the same way as students before COVID-19. They have been studying in their bedrooms, often isolated from their peers. We must help them to re-engage with campus life.

UCD is all about community. That is, the faculty, the staff, the students, the alumni. A university is only as good as its people. They are its lifeblood, they define it.

We need to make sure that everything that we do on campus has a purpose. We need peer-to-peer interaction and engagement between students and clubs or societies – all those activities which were hybrid over the past two years – to get back to being fully face-to-face. Then the real benefit of the on-campus experience becomes evident.

It is important that we also get our faculty and staff back on campus – the experience is not just about students, it is about the overall UCD community and bringing it back to life in a meaningful way. It is important to focus again on that collegiate experience. If we can get that vibrant atmosphere going again, people will really see the rationale, the benefits, the reasons, for coming back.

The UCD Student Village is open. Adjacent to our newest on-campus residences, is a welcoming hub with a vibrant range of food outlets, gym, dance studio and adaptable spaces. This provides a central location for students to meet, talk, study and collaborate on a whole range of activities.

We also want to ensure that student facilities and supports are readily available. We are very aware of the national trend of students facing mental health and other challenges. We’re working hard to ensure that our facilities, our supports, our student advisors, our counselling services, are geared up to best support the issues that students will face as they re-engage with, not just a different way of learning, but a re-entry to the social scene which is such an important aspect of university life.

There will also be a significant effort to make sure that the research and scholarship that have been going on throughout the pandemic are brought back up to full speed, resulting in a level of activity that fully supports the University’s strategy of delivering impactful teaching, learning and research.

We want our students to receive an impactful education, not just in their own chosen discipline but also in their personal and professional development. I am enormously proud of our students, our future graduates – the future leaders who pass through these doors. Making sure we are focused on the impact and quality of our teaching, learning and research is of the utmost importance.

Education is a balance – students should leave UCD equipped with the skills to tackle the challenges the world faces on both an academic and personal level.

I am also enormously proud of you, our alumni community worldwide. We celebrate and acknowledge your achievements in these pages. We love to hear memories of your time in UCD and we thank you for your commitment to us in so many different ways. We look forward to connecting and reconnecting with you in the coming year.

■ www.ucd.ie

UCD VILLAGE

UCD Village is an exciting new addition on the Belfield Campus – state-of-the-art student accommodation in a safe, communal environment, only a short walk from UCD’s world-class academic and sports facilities. The completed first phase of the UCD Village, with over 900 student beds and flagship Village Centre, is just the first part of an ambitious programme that will provide over 2,000 new beds over the next few years. With social and retail spaces, dance studio, market-style food hall, gym, laundrette, and auditorium, the UCD Village ensures UCD students can avail of high-quality accommodation on campus with world-class facilities on tap.

UCD Village living options include shared apartments and studio rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, study and storage space and fully equipped kitchens, plus an on-site 24/7 support team. www.ucd.ie/residences

HONEY AND APPLE JUICE

Beekeeping had not been practised on campus for many years when in 2014 Dr Brian Tobin and his team at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Rosemount Environmental Research Station set out to change that. They established the “Bringing Bees Back to Belfield” project and set up an apiary next to the Irish heritage apple orchard at Rosemount. Today, thanks to a collaborative effort by students and staff, Belfield honeybees contribute to the pollination of the Rosemount Orchard and parklands and gardens close by, and the apiary facilitates research into pollination ecology and gives students valuable hands-on experience in apiculture. Both the apiary and orchard have become important flagship projects for Rosemount’s outreach activities.

UCD won a Grand Gold CASE Award in 2020 for the Rosemount Honey project, the panel calling it “a perfect representation of the work and research happening in the important areas of horticultural and environmental science.” The honey initiative has since been joined by production of apple juice from UCD’s orchard of heritage native apple trees. The production of these products on campus provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate excellence in food production and plant management systems, as well as a valuable teaching demonstration. Both these items are examples of umbrella-like products representing Rosemount’s contribution to UCD’s vision of sustainable production.

Green Spaces

Want to take a walk around UCD’s beautiful wildflower meadows and biodiverse Woodland Walks during your next trip to Belfield? Plan your trip!
Walking maps for five beautiful, biodiverse walks are downloadable at www.ucdestates.ie

BETTER BIKING

UCD is the first third-level institution in Ireland to achieve Gold Level Certification as a cycle-friendly employer. The ‘Gold Level Certification’ achieved by UCD is underpinned by The Cycle-Friendly Employer Certification Framework, developed by the European Cyclists’ Federation, aimed at establishing a European standard for bicycle friendliness in the workplace. There are now over 5,000 cycle parking spaces for those commuting on bike. The new pedestrian and cyclist entrance at the N11 provides a vehicle-free environment and at the UCD Sports Centre, the roundabout has been upgraded to a cyclist-friendly configuration, and vehicle speed reduction measures introduced. UCD supports the Bike to Work scheme for staff and offers a student buy-back scheme, where bikes purchased from the campus bike shop can be sold back at the end of the academic year. Moby GPS-enabled bikes are located on bike racks throughout the campus.

UCD GREEN CAMPUS

The initiative encourages students and staff to raise awareness of environmental issues and improve the environmental performance of their institution. Sustainable development and climate change are two of the greatest challenges of our time. UCD can play an important role through research and teaching, the operation and development of the UCD estate as well as through individual and collective behaviour and actions of the UCD Community. The Green Campus Initiative will highlight energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable commuting and biodiversity. Even lake clearing is carefully undertaken before nesting season, so as not to disturb the nesting wildfowl so beloved of students, alumni and visitors to UCD’s beautiful campus.

OUTSIDE THE BOX

The Creative Futures Academy (CFA) a new partnership between UCD, the National College of Arts and Design and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, will offer students training in the creative and cultural sectors, addressing the needs of the most talented writers, artists, filmmakers, musicians and designers. The Black Box Studio and Media Lab in the old DramSoc theatre in the Newman Building will be fitted out with the highest quality technology to prepare future generations of talent for the creative sectors.

FUTURE CAMPUS UPDATE

Enabling works, landscaping, reconfiguration of the internal campus road network and construction of a new entrance plaza at the University’s main gate on the N11 are underway as part of the Future Campus development – the creation of 22,500sq m of teaching, learning, research and engagement space in two new state-of-the-art buildings and the upgrading, refurbishment and expansion of other buildings on campus. The development is part of the University’s five-year plan aimed at increasing faculty and student numbers, putting in place world-class academic facilities and student amenities and services. The development will relieve capacity pressures on existing campus buildings and facilitate growth of the student population by 3,300. The Centre for Future Learning will provide flexible teaching spaces that facilitate active group work and peer learning. The Centre for Creativity will be home to faculty from UCD College of Engineering and Architecture.

Campus development plans also include an extension to the O’Brien Centre for Science, the refurbishment of the Physics and Mathematics, Earth Sciences and Biology wings; the refurbishment of the Newman building, which houses Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and the James Joyce Library (some of the oldest teaching buildings at Belfi eld); and new and improved sporting facilities.

The UCD campus development plan exceeds €1 billion, and funding will be sourced from the EIB, philanthropy, increased student numbers, loans and Government grants.

THE SIMPLE LIFE

A new experimental early medieval roundhouse has been erected on the grounds of UCD, replacing a similarly unique structure destroyed by fire almost three years ago. The reconstruction by UCD Archaeology staff and students is part of an ongoing research project by the UCD Centre for Experimental Archaeology and Material Culture in the Roebuck district of the campus. The hazel post-and-wattle roundhouse measures six metres in diameter, and is based on archaeological and environmental evidence gathered from an 8th-century excavated site in Co. Antrim.

FUTURE LIBRARY

IN MARCH 2022, Professor Mark Rogers, UCD Acting President and Lorna Dodd, UCD Associate Librarian, launched an ambitious new strategic plan for UCD Library, addressing how the Library will meet challenges presented by the rapid changes in the higher education and research landscape. The plan is to develop high-quality, connected and accessible library spaces that provide students with the opportunity to engage with learning, connect with resources and collaborate with other learners. There will be enhanced digital services for students and faculty, supported by the development of critical digital literacy skills. The Library aims to claim a space for UCD’s unique and world-renowned collections as a resource for research and citizen engagement.

In the same month, Dr Sandra Collins, former Director of the National Library of Ireland, was appointed Librarian at UCD, joining a dedicated team across five libraries. “Twenty-five years ago, I completed my PhD in UCD. I am delighted to be returning to the University where I learnt so much, and relish the prospect of working with the students and staff,” Dr Collins said, citing as a particular highlight of her time as Director of the National Library of Ireland, the partnership project with UCD to create the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) at Newman House. Dr Collins leads a dedicated team across fi ve libraries and UCD’s extensive archives.

RE: JOYCE A LIFE IN THE DAY

To mark the centenary of Ulysses, UCD School of English, Drama and Film and UCD Arts and Humanities created the short film RE: JOYCE A LIFE IN THE DAY, to salute James Joyce, the University’s most famous graduate. The film tracks protagonist Leo through an imagined day in her life at UCD, on a deadline to complete an essay about James Joyce. Re: Joyce features a number of excerpts and words from Ulysses and animates them via spoken word, music, performances and dream sequences, all performed by UCD students from a wide range of UCD disciplines, as well as members of UCD DramSoc, Choral Scholars and UCD Ad Astra performance scholars. Re: Joyce, directed by Ignas Laugalis, was premiered at the UCD Festival in June 2022 and plays at MoLI. Watch on UCD College of Arts and Humanities YouTube Channel.

UCD Micro-credentials

Developed and delivered by UCD’s academic faculty, UCD Microcredentials give you the opportunity to upskill in highly specialised areas with short, accredited, industry-aligned courses. UCD Micro-credentials are designed for busy professionals, who may not have the time to engage with larger programmes of study, and most are online or blended. Enrolling on a Microcredentials course is a great way to develop in your current role, fast-track your career progression, or pivot to a new area. For more information and details on discounts available to UCD alumni, visit www.ucd.ie/microcredentials.

SCIENCE FOR SCHOOLKIDS

The National Concert Hall, University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin Schools of Education, supported by Science Foundation Ireland and ESB, has launched QUAVERS TO QUADRATICS, which explores the intersection of the worlds of music and science through a series of hands-on workshops, encouraging children in third-sixth class to play with ideas common to music and science. Children are guided in their play by university science and music education students who work with class teachers. www.nch.ie.

THE POETRY JUKEBOX

In St Stephen’s Green is part of the Poetry as Commemoration initiative led by UCD Library and supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the Decade of Centenaries 2012- 2023 programme. Members of the public can tune in to listen to 20 poems relating to the events that led to the establishment of the Free State and the Civil War.

Wordle Practice Makes Perfect

When it comes to Wordle practice does makes perfect it seems, according to a new analysis of more than three million tweets of the word puzzle, where players have six attempts to guess a five-letter word. Professor Barry Smyth, Digital Chair at the UCD School of Computer Science, analysed over three million Wordle tweets posted by 800,000 players between December 2021 and January 2022 and found players manage to solve the game in fewer rounds the more they play, with more experienced players solving the puzzle on their fourth attempt. Professor Smyth also found that some words are considerably more challenging than others, with Wordle picking a difficult word about once a week. These words were usually less common words, with unusual combinations of letters, and more likely to have duplicate letters.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

THIS YEAR WE welcomed our students back to campus and navigated the new hybrid world of both online and in-person learning and events. It has been a hugely successful and busy year for staff, students and alumni alike.

In January 2022, UCD Special Collections acquired the personal correspondence of writer Mary Lavin. This acquisition was made possible by the support of UCD Foundation’s Arts and Humanities College Support Fund and the generosity of UCD alumnus, Dr Joseph Hassett.

Congratulations to UCD Creative Fellow Colm Tóibín, who was announced as the Laureate for Irish Fiction 2022-2024 by the Arts Council. His three-year term began in January, when he succeeded Sebastian Barry.

In March 2022, UCD awarded honorary doctorates to some of Ireland’s finest musicians in recognition of their outstanding contribution to arts and culture. Mary Bergin, Mary Black, Finbar Furey, Paddy Glackin, Andy Irvine, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Mary O’Hara were honoured by UCD for their commitment to Irish music and culture. These musicians also featured in ‘The Flourishing’, a documentary spearheaded by Associate Professor P.J. Mathews which aired on RTÉ One over Christmas 2021.

College Principal

Creative Futures Academy announced a new BA in Creative & Cultural Industries available from the College, with its first intake in September 2022. Speaking at the announcement, RTÉ Chair and UCD Creative Fellow Moya Doherty said: “We are at a pivotal moment in our understanding of the place of creativity and the creative industries relative to the wellbeing of our economy, society and community.”

In April 2022, the UCD Symphony Orchestra performed Saint-Saëns’ spectacular Organ Symphony as part of a programme of French music presented in collaboration with the UCD Philharmonic Choir in the stunning setting of Dublin’s St Patrick’s Cathedral. The concert drew an audience of over 800 attendees, resulting in a stunning evening of live music after a hiatus of over two years.

The UCD Arts and Humanities Annual College Lecture resumed this year in April with the School of Classics hosting the event. The College welcomed Professor Isabelle Torrance for a lecture on ‘Classical Culture and Irish Identities: Diachronic and Polyphonic Perspectives’.
www.ucd.ie/artshumanities

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

CELEBRATING TWO KEY milestones in the last year, UCD College of Business continues its strong legacy of business education that has positively impacted Ireland and the world for over 110 years.

In October, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School celebrated 30 years since it first welcomed students to Ireland’s only campus solely dedicated to graduate business education. The new location facilitated a significant expansion of postgraduate business programmes offered, including the introduction of a full-time MBA programme.

This September, we will celebrate another key milestone – 20 years since the launch of the UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business. In 2002, all UCD undergraduate business programmes were brought under one roof in the new state-of-the-art business school. A first of its kind among European universities, the building was designed with a focus on e-technology and completely wi-fi enabled.

Our commitment to excellence was exemplified in historic Financial Times rankings for the CEMS Masters in International Management programme, which was ranked third globally, and UCD Smurfit Executive Development Open Enrolment programmes which achieved a position of 31st in the world and first in Ireland.

College Principal

Innovative research is the bedrock of the College and original thinking is foundational in ensuring our programmes are transformative and that our work has a positive impact on business and society.

Recent research highlights include UCD’s GUARD project, led by Professor Michael O’Neill, which was awarded €5.1 million to combine artificial intelligence and drone technology to intercept drug smuggling operations and also help with sea search and rescue.

Associate Professor Geertje Schuitema is a Co-Principal Investigator of The iCRAG Earth Science in Society team which was awarded €28 million to address how consumers respond to unsustainable supply chain practices in business.

Assistant Professor John McCallig was awarded the 2022 Nova UCD Invention of the Year Award for his research on how blockchain technology can create transparency in verifying accounting information.

As we launch a new strategy for the next four years, we aim to actively inspire and co-create a better future for our students, staff, alumni and for business and society in Ireland and across the globe.
www.ucd.ie/business

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

UCD COLLEGE OF Engineering and Architecture began the academic year with conferrings, career fairs and other events being hosted online before resuming with face-to-face interactions in 2022.

The UCD Engineering Graduates Association (EGA) continued to engage with alumni through virtual engagements such as the Autumn and Spring Panel Discussions, as well as the annual Distinguished Graduate Awards for 2020 and 2021, which acknowledge alumni and their commitment and contributions to industry during their careers thus far. Dervilla Mitchell, Joint Deputy Chair for ARUP, received the 2020 award with Decawave (now part of Qorvo) co-founders, Ciaran Connell and Michael McLaughlin receiving the 2021 award.

Aoife O’Connor-Massingham, Assistant Planner, South Dublin County Council; Anjali Swaminathan, Analyst, KPMG Future Analytics; Daniel Gallagher, Energy and Climate Consultant, ARUP and other alumni participated in a number of career-focused events such as mock interviews, career bootcamps, masterclasses and other mentoring services, providing invaluable guidance to students.

UCD had unprecedented success in the European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants competition. Professor Eoin Casey, Head of UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, was awarded €2.5 million for his research: ‘Analysis of Biofilm Solid Interactions Underpinning Wastewater Treatment’.

College Principal

UCD spin-out PlasmaBound was successful in raising €2.35 million in its latest funding round, which will allow the engineering company to accelerate its vision of sustainable lightweight materials being a standard feature on vehicles, devices and structures globally.

UCD Energy Institute will lead the €16 million NexSys strategic research partnership to deliver energy system integration to decarbonise the energy sector.

The WaterLANDS project was launched to tackle large-scale restoration of Europe’s wetlands with €23 million of funding from the EU Horizon 2020 Programme Green Deal, led by Dr Craig Bullock and Dr Shane McGuinness in the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy (APEP).

The School of APEP congratulated students and graduates alike for their accomplishments over the past year. Two LARC students, Joseph Eustace and Cillian O’Cróinín, were awarded joint winners in the categories ‘Best Category One (Student) Concept Master Plan Design’ and ‘Best Innovative Concept Detail Design’ in the GLDA Student & Graduate Design Competition 2022.

Our congratulations also to UCD alumnus, Patrick J. Quinn (BArch 1954), who has won the ACSF’s 2022 Award for Outstanding Achievement.
www.ucd.ie/eacollege

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

OVER THE COURSE of this academic year, the College was pleased to host a number of events which demonstrated the translation of our One Health vision into action. A research retreat took place at Brook Lodge, Co. Wicklow to welcome Ad Astra Scholars and other recently appointed colleagues. The annual college Teaching and Learning Showcase displayed the best in innovative and interdisciplinary learning initiatives, as well as presenting the University for All Faculty Partners, who are working in all schools across the College to support and accelerate the implementation of Universal Design for Learning. The Graduate Research Student Symposium showcased the best in student research across the College, where the green shoots of One Health in action were again on display. The College was also pleased to take a leading role in cross-university events for Neurodiversity Celebration Week.

A celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the School of Veterinary Medicine move from Ballsbridge to Belfield took place in June 2020. We are immensely proud of our alumni and to mark this important milestone we celebrated 20 alumni from the UCD Veterinary community who have excelled in their field and made a positive impact, by recording their names on our newly installed Alumni Wall. The full listing can be found at www.ucd.ie/vetmed.

As part of the Agri Aware Farm Walk & Talk series, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science welcomed almost 400 students from all over Leinster and beyond to UCD Lyons Farm in Co. Kildare to give them a practical insight into many of the themes in the Leaving Certificate agricultural science syllabus.

College Principal

UCD School of Medicine Medicine Graduates Association (MGA) launched its podcast series MGA Clinical Influencers, hosted by Professor Muiris FitzGerald, Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics at UCD, a proud graduate of the Class of 1964. The podcast, which features Medicine graduates discussing career highlights and challenges, is available via Apple, Spotify and at www.ucd.ie/medicine/alumni/mgapodcastseries/

In Radiography news, Associate Professor Jonathan McNulty (BSc 2000) won the EuroMinnies 2022 award for the Most Influential Radiographer in recognition of his international work representing, promoting and developing the profession. Associate Professor Shane Foley (BSc 1999) was an invited expert on the pilot International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) advisory mission on medical exposure. This group of experts visited hospitals and clinics across Estonia to inspect and produce a national report on radiation protection practices. The mission featured a multidisciplinary team of experts from Croatia, Finland, Lithuania, Italy, and Slovenia. John Tuffy (BSc Radiography 2004) was appointed Head of Programme for Healthcare Services at the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

Dr John P. Gilmore, Assistant Professor in Nursing, who has a Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, was awarded the prestigious Fulbright-HRB Health Impact Award. John will visit the Center for Gender and Sexual Minority Health at the University of California San Francisco to explore enablers and barriers to community-led LGBTQI+ healthcare. Dr Gilmore’s research, teaching and scholarship centres around themes of inclusion health, social justice, LGBTQI+ Health and broader sexual health.
www.ucd.ie/chas

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

THE LAST 12 months have seen UCD College of Science revert to full in-person teaching and learning at scale which has resulted in a sense of renewed energy across campus. We are delighted to share with you some of the College highlights for the academic year 2021-2022.

In November 2021, Professor William Gallagher from UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science was named Science Foundation Ireland’s Researcher of the Year. This award recognises Professor Gallagher’s outstanding achievements in the field of cancer research, and reflects a sustained academic career of the highest quality.

In February 2022, UCD launched a new role model video series to encourage girls to consider STEM careers. From the College of Science, this was led by Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, from the UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics, and Dr Catherine Mooney, from the UCD School of Computer Science.

In March 2022, Professor Dominic Zerulla from UCD School of Physics won NovaUCD’s 2022 Innovation Award for his research which has the potential to transform the understanding of processes such as cell signalling and cell proliferation in cancer.

College Principal

Also in March 2022, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering inducted Professor Kenneth Dawson from UCD School of Chemistry into its College of Fellows, which consists of the top two per cent of medical and biological engineers in the United States.

In May 2022, Professor Fiona Doohan from UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in recognition of her exceptional contribution to the sciences, specifically reflecting her expertise in the development of sustainable methods of crop production. The RIA welcomed four other UCD professors – Professor Katherine Browne (Geography), Professor Andreas Hess (Sociology), Professor Tadhg Ó hAnnracháin (History) and Professor Stefan Oscarson (Chemical Biology).

Also in May 2022, an international research team led by Professor Brendan Kennedy from UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, uncovered a potential treatment approach for advanced uveal melanoma (UM), which is the most common adult eye cancer.
www.ucd.ie/science

COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND LAW

HIGHLIGHTS 2021-2022

THE COLLEGE OF Social Sciences and Law hosted two panel discussions for International Women’s Day on the 2022 theme of “Breaking the Bias”. UCD Alumni Awardees in Law and Social Sciences, Fiona McEntee (BCL 2005) and Caitríona Palmer (BA 1993), joined Labour leader Ivana Bacik in conversation with Assistant Professor Joe McGrath, Vice-Principal for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the College of Social Sciences and Law. A panel featuring four inspirational UCD Social Sciences and Law alumni was also a huge success. Panellists included Siobhán McKenna, Head of Diversity and Inclusion at the Public Appointments Service, who also took part in the UCD Alumni career-focused webinar series What It Takes.

In April 2022, researchers from across UCD College of Social Sciences and Law examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equalities and social justice, ethics and misinformation as part of a wide-ranging COVID-19 Research Showcase hosted by the College.

Principal of the College, Professor Colin Scott, has been appointed to the Irish Research Council. This prestigious three-year appointment was made by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD, who remarked that Professor Scott, who also serves as Vice-President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion at UCD, would make a valuable contribution to the Council.

College Principal

The UCD Sutherland School of Law hosted a number of in-person, virtual and hybrid events. These included the annual John M. Kelly Memorial Lecture at which Lord Sumption was the keynote speaker, and a visit from BCL 1986 graduate, the Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, who discussed his ‘People and Purpose’ mayoral theme with RTÉ broadcaster and fellow alumnus Miriam O’Callaghan (BCL 1979). Also this spring, Chief Justice of Ireland, The Hon. Mr Justice Donal O’Donnell (BCL 1980), launched UCD Student Legal Services Journal, a student-run publication. This year’s Journal explores 100 Years of the Irish State, marking the centenary of Irish independence.

Business leaders and policymakers shared thoughts about the evolution of the digital assets industry and debated different policy approaches at the Matheson UCD Leadership Series in May. The theme of the event was ‘Crypto and Digital Assets Revolution, What’s Next?’
www.ucd.ie/socscilaw

CUIRFIDH COBÁC AN chomhdháil stáit deireanach Deich mBliana na gCéad Bliain i láthair ar an 2 agus 3 Nollaig 2022, ag ceiliúradh Bunú Saorstáit Éireann 100 bliain ó shin. Cuireadh deireadh leis na socruithe a leagadh amach sa Chonradh Angla-Éireannach ar an 6 Nollaig 1922, agus Éire sa tréimhse ba mheasa den Chogadh Cathartha,. Leis seo, bunaíodh Saorstát Éireann go hoifigiúil cothrom an lae a síníodh an Conradh AnglaÉireannach. Ba chomhartha é seo gur bunaíodh Saorstát Éireann go dlíthiúil agus tráth ríthábhachtach a bhí ann i saoirse na hÉireann. Sna 12 mí ó síníodh an doiciméad, tharla deighilt ann sa tír agus sna gluaiseachtaí a bhuaigh saoirse na hÉireann leis an doiciméad céanna sin.

Déanfaidh an chomhdháil measúnú ar bheartas intíre agus ar bheartas idirnáisiúnta. Déanfar measúnú chomh maith ar fhothacaí dlíthiúla an stáit, a bhunreacht, aistriú na státseirbhíse, na breithiúna agus bunú ranna rialtais. Pléifear féiniúlacht, teanga, agus struchtúr sóisialta na hÉireann neamhspleáiche. Cuirfear an áit a bhí ag inscne, reiligiún, eispéireas an mhionlaigh, agus soláthar seirbhísí sa stát nua san áireamh.

Ag teacht as críochdheighilt agus foréigean, ba mhór an dúshlán don Saorstát stát feidhmiúil, seasmhach agus daingean a chruthú i ndiaidh deich mbliana de chogadh agus réabhlóid. D’fhág an foréigean agus an scrios a tharla idir an tÉirí Amach agus tús an Chogaidh Chathartha, lorg fisiceach ar an tír. I mBaile Átha Cliath, bhí Ard-Oifig an Phoist, na Ceithre Cúirteanna agus na sráideanna cóngaracha ina bhfothracha go fóill ón Éirí Amach agus ó thosú an Chogaidh Chathartha faoi seach. Ar an lá tar éis bhunú Shaorstát Éireann, scaoil fórsaí frith-Chonartha leis an TD Seán Hales agus mharaigh é agus é ar a bhealach go Dáil Éireann. D’ordaigh comh-aireacht an tSaorstáit ceathrar príosúnach de chuid an IRA a chur chun báis láithreach mar bheart díoltais. Mhair an polasaí le daoine a dhaoradh chun báis agus an Cogadh Cathartha a spreag é go Bealtaine 1923.

Ó thaobh airgeadais de, bhí an tAire Airgeadais dúghafa le hairgeadas na tíre a chomhordú. Mar sin féin, ceadaíodh roinnt forbairtí bonneagair uaillmhianacha, go háirithe Scéim Hidrileictreach na Sionainne a réitigh an bealach le haghaidh leictriúchán tuaithe. Bhí teorainneacha an tSaorstáit ag síorathrú go fóill. Chuir an conradh Coimisiún na Teorann ar fáil chun líne dhealaithe idir an Saorstát agus Tuaisceart Éireann a shocrú. Nuair a chlis ar an gcoimisiún seo i 1925, fágadh an teorainn mar a bhí agus mar atá anois. B’ócáidí cinniúnacha a tharla le linn an athraithe ó réabhlóid go forbairt státacht na hÉireann iad; fórsa póilíneachta feidhmiúil agus neamharmtha a bhunú, ceannairc san arm a chur faoi chois i 1924, aistriú síochánta cumhachta ó pháirtí a bhí ar son an Chonartha go páirtí polaitíochta frithChonartha i 1932.

In ainneoin na ndúshlán seo, tháinig Éire slán. Sna blianta ina dhiaidh sin, lean sí ag feidhmiú mar dhaonlathas nuair a tháinig deachtóireacht fhorlámhach i gcumhacht i gcuid mhaith stát Eorpaigh sin nó go ndearnadh ionradh agus ionghabháil orthu. Ina ionad sin, ba í an bhagairt eiseach ba mhó a bhí ar Éirinn i lár an fichiú haois ná eisimirce agus an bhochtaineacht ba chúis leis. Críochnóidh an chomhdháil le díospóireacht chomhchéime ina scrúdófar forbairt na hÉireann, go sóisialta, ó thaobh na polaitíochta de agus ó thaobh an gheilleagair de sna céad bliain ó 1922.

Tá fáilte roimh alumni a bheith linn ag an gcomhdháil.

■ www.ucd.ie/centenaries. Is Ollamh Comhlach é Conor Mulvagh, Scoil na Staire COBÁC agus bíonn sé páirteach go gníomhach i ngníomhaíochtaí comórtha ar an ollscoil, ar leibhéal náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta.

MOTIVATING BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE

Our value system places a great emphasis on equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe the laws that govern our society should be based on concepts of justice. And in a digital world, where disinformation can cause havoc, we stand up for the protection of human and civil rights. Each of these principles supports our goal to empower humanity.

The key to empowering humanity is to understand what shapes human thinking and what motivates behaviour and behavioural change. As a progressive, research-intensive university, UCD plays a role in this empowerment by building a holistic understanding of the behaviour and interaction of individuals in societies and across cultures.

Central to empowering humanity is trust and trustworthiness. The rise in populism and the manipulation of media have affected public perceptions of trustworthiness in governments and democracy.

The war in Ukraine, coming before we really break free of the impact of COVID-19, places extreme pressure on society. The economic cost of supporting people during lockdown, quickly followed by surging inflation, especially in energy costs, paints a worrying scenario for the future. There is no doubt that we are currently faced with a profound crisis of social trust.

The PERITIA project (Policy, Expertise and Trust in Action), funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme and led by UCD across Europe, seeks to help people and policy-makers identify trustworthy expertise.

In a major study undertaken across six European countries earlier this year, PERITIA found that distrust of government is widespread. None of the countries in the study does particularly well, with large proportions of the public in each saying they are cautious about trusting their government, disagreeing that they are honest, truthful and provide unbiased information. A point of difference in Ireland is the public’s favourable view of the European Commission, the most favourable of the six countries surveyed.

However, in the midst of the current political, economic, social and public health crises, the PERITIA study finds that there is strong public trust in science and in university scientists (94 per cent) across all six nations. This is reassuring but should not be taken for granted. The research we undertake across social sciences as well as health and data sciences, creates experts. Our role and responsibility is to use this expertise with integrity and independence in order to empower humanity.

ACCESS AND INCLUSION

More than one billion people worldwide identify as having a disability. Over three-quarters of disabled people have acquired their disability during the course of their life, and as we age, most of us will experience some form of disability – whether visible or hidden. But the disability derives not from a particular impairment, but from barriers in society that make participation and inclusion challenging and difficult. As Ireland’s global university, UCD is well placed to tackle these barriers, both by ensuring access to higher education and research for people with disabilities, but also by identifying solutions that can be applied across all sectors.

Universal Design is the design of the built environment, products and services, information and communications technology so that they can be accessed, understood and used by everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability. It is vital that our universities embed Universal Design in their campuses, their curricula and in their research outputs. Not only will this facilitate access for anyone with a disability, but it will generate a pipeline of graduates and researchers who will understand universal access as a fundamental right, and work to achieve it in whatever they do.

It is tempting to think of disability as something ‘marginal’, and potential solutions as being relevant only to one group within the population. But if we accept that everyone is only ‘temporarily able’ we see the importance of designing our society so that we can all participate and contribute at every stage of our lives. And if we ensure that the doors of our higher education institutions are open to all, we tap into a talent base with expertise in creativity, problem-solving and innovation. ‘Cothrom na féinne’ as a motto enshrines equal access for all, so that we can continue to grow a society in which this becomes standard rather than the exception.

LANGUAGE MATTERS

In Ireland, multilingualism is rapidly growing through more immigration and a renewed interest in the Irish language. Ask around and you will hear that being bilingual is an asset, good for your brain, and a superpower! Yet, one in four parents in Ireland struggle with confidence in how best to raise bilingual children and have concerns over discrimination (Mother Tongues survey results 2022). Passing your language to your child is not a given. It requires a decision, commitment, dedication and more than anything, support from others (medical professionals, early years practitioners, teachers, relatives) in the shape of a positive attitude towards bilingualism regardless of the language and cultural background.

Statistics show that worldwide, there are more people who are bilingual or multilingual than people who speak only one language. Still, many people think that being monolingual is the norm and this fact is in itself proof of the so-called “monolingual mindset”, which affects our societal norms, how we view others, our professional training and our policies.

Here at Mother Tongues, we often meet teenagers who tell us that they can’t speak the language of their parents or grandparents and that they missed out on the family bonds the language would have allowed them to develop as well as all the other advantages to being bilingual. We also meet parents who confess feeling angry with themselves because, in order to shield their children from discrimination, they decided to speak English to them instead of their mother tongue and are now at a loss to connect with them in the language of their heart and their ancestors.

Cognisant of the many challenges and opportunities multilingualism poses, our advocacy at Mother Tongues involves communicating the value of multilingualism and instilling confidence in parents who want to transmit their language to their children, as well as in practitioners who wish to create a welcoming environment for bilingual and multilingual children.

Language can both unite or divide us. To build a more constructive society, let’s choose curiosity and openness towards diversity over a fear of difference, and let’s use this as a catalyst for how we think about and relate to our Irish heritage.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

Digital technology-driven innovation is powering fundamental changes in every aspect of our lives today. Rarely does a week go by without attention-grabbing news highlighting astonishing advancements in the digital world. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is promising to entertain and assist us, eventually surpass us. Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) are providing the basis for new types of cryptocurrencies. Quantum computing is showing us glimpses of how we can supercharge some of our digital activities today with unimaginable computation. And then, there is the metaverse, a completely digital world waiting to be built and explored. The possibilities seem endless.

Today’s mega-trends are likely to have an outsized impact on the future of humanity. Let’s start with work. Not only can some of us now seamlessly and collaboratively work from home, but what we will actually be working on, if at all, in the future is also up for debate! The promise of eliminating not just repetitive/mundane tasks, but activities that may require creativity and critical thinking are now in the realms of possibility. This is an astonishing discussion.

Money makes the world go round. But will future generations physically carry cash around or will it be purely digital? Will digital technology enable the millions of unbanked individuals to reap the benefits of society and globalisation that the rest of us take for granted?

Additionally, technology is making the world smarter and smaller, enabling conversations across boundaries and cultures. From Smart Homes to Smart Cities (and even Smarter People!), technology is helping us solve some of the most pressing problems facing humanity. Can we solve global warming? I believe human ingenuity combined with technology-driven solutions has already started to provide some of the most innovative answers.

Before we get carried away, a small word of caution. I am not opposed to optimism, but I am fearful of the kind that comes from self-delusion. We cannot outsource our hopes and dreams, or our current predicaments, to technology. We have to work together to better ourselves and repair our environment. Technology is only an aid (for now)!

ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS

As the first civilisation that understands its planetary dilemma, those working in scientific research and innovation face a new responsibility to give courage to our society to embark on sustainable pathways by the end of this decade. We are living through a decade of decisions. We know that we face tipping points in the delicate web of climate, ecosystems collapse, energy transition and economic change. Research must empower people and decision-makers to choose a better destination for the next version of humanity.

Across key life support systems, there is a mobilisation across Europe through Horizon Europe’s ambitious programme and globally in Europe’s cooperation on climate with the IPCC, COP. The mission of the European Union to deliver a climate neutral continent by 2050 has been set out in the European Green Deal, which is refitting all policies, instruments and investments to deliver a transformation of our planetary, economic and social future.

There is encouraging progress taking shape quickly. The four Green Deal missions are using research to drive the development of 100 climate neutral cities, the empowerment of climate adaptation resilience in every region, the regeneration of the continent’s soil and the restoration of our ocean and water systems, by 2030. We have just signed an declaration that creates an All Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance from coast to coast and pole to pole to work together to understand, harness and restore our common ocean home.

The dilemma of the decade is how to reconcile our biosphere with our economy. Europe’s leading Bioeconomy Strategy will be renewed this year to empower countries, regions, rural and coastal communities to harness joined-up policy and investment to develop an economy that is sustainable, inclusive and innovative. In all of this, the debate in Ireland, a leading actor in research and innovation and where the opportunities of the bioeconomy, the pressures of climate change and the needs of social and economic fairness remain at the centre, continues. In decision, there is always choice. The great transition offers us an opportunity to design a better place. What kind of a future destination do we envisage for this green island? Can we reimagine our cities, our countryside, our industry, our ocean wealth, our food system, our energy choices, our services and our society? Research and innovation needs to step up to empower and enable this transition. We may be running out of time, but we are not running out of solutions.

CREATING EQUAL SOCIETIES

Equality. Diversity. Inclusion. Three words that represent hugely important ideas, not just for the workplace, but for Irish society at large. Research has shown that valuing and respecting diversity of thought, skills, and life experience can empower people to innovate, increase productivity and challenge groupthink in the workplace.

I recently returned home after 20 years in London to take up the role of Head of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at publicjobs.ie – Ireland’s centralised provider of recruitment services across the civil and public service. Ireland has changed considerably over that time – mostly for the better. For generations a country of origin, Ireland is now a country of destination for people looking for a better life. We are a global, progressive country where one in eight of us was born elsewhere but now calls Ireland home. Irish families now come in all shapes, colours and sizes. More women are now in the workforce than ever before, as are more people with disabilities, and huge progress has been made around LGBTQI+ rights.

The Irish civil service supports the government to shape effective, accountable, and trusted policies and services for everyone. My role is to help the civil service harness this growing Irish diversity, so that it is representative of the society that it serves. To do this, we look to identify who is working in the civil and public service (and who is not) and ways to attract and encourage people from under-represented sections of society to join the service. This includes developing more inclusive entry routes for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and ensuring our recruitment processes are equitable and accessible to all candidates. With a gender pay gap of 14 per cent, an 80 per cent unemployment rate in the Irish Traveller community and just 36 per cent of working-age disabled people in employment – we still have a way to go to ensure that we truly benefit from all that our diverse population has to offer.

Publicjobs.ie will continue to take a leading role in supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace; however, it will take a whole-society effort to truly make Ireland a better country tomorrow, than it is today.

CHILDRENS’ MENTAL HEALTH

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the absolute necessity of high-quality mental health and healthcare services like never before. When the pandemic threatened to break even the most basic healthcare services around the world, the true value of a properly functioning healthcare system was clear for all to see. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that signatory countries recognise ‘the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health’. As signatories to the UNCRC, can Ireland say that every child here enjoys the highest attainable standard of health?

As Ombudsman for Children, I have many concerns in this regard, including issues my office was raising publicly long before the onset of the pandemic. Take for example the scourge of children waiting an unacceptably long time for an Assessment of Need and for procedures to treat scoliosis, or children who need access to timely and high-quality mental healthcare services. When it comes to the latter, the closure of in-patient beds in children’s mental health facilities and the abject failure in the recent Kerry CAMHS scandal have highlighted the gaping holes in the system. In light of this, my office is delighted to have been asked to advise on the review of CAMHS services across the country being undertaken by the Mental Health Commission in 2022 that will hopefully lead to much-needed improvements for these vital services for children. We cannot let the lessons learned over the past two years go to waste.

One significant move forward that would positively impact children’s mental health is the provision of therapeutic supports in all schools. Protecting and ensuring that the healthcare rights of our children are fully realised should not just be a job for my office today and in the years to come, but a responsibility for society as a whole. When it comes to catering for our children’s healthcare needs, we simply must do better. Their, and our future depends on it.

SANCTUARY FROM CONFLICT

When the war in Syria began in March 2011, millions of Syrians fled and are now scattered around the world. Similarly when Iraq was invaded in 2003, millions of Iraqi people were forced to seek safety elsewhere. UNHCR data shows that there are over 100 million displaced people globally – the highest number on record – with four in every five people hosted in the developing world. The European Union response to displacement seems to be very inconsistent. At the peak of migration flows, the EU was very divided in responding to what is often described as an ‘influx’. Germany today hosts more than a million refugees while other EU countries reluctantly agreed to resettle a few thousand. The EU paid billions to Turkey in the form of ‘humanitarian aid’ to prevent refugees from reaching the EU frontier states.

‘Migration/migrant crisis’ dominated news coverage and policy discourse across the EU, but the EU had to halt reform proposals as there was no consensus on how it should respond to the migration flows. It was odd then to see the speed of the EU’s decision-making helping refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. As Russian bombs started raining on Ukranian citizens, the following day Irish authorities removed visa restrictions for Ukranian passport holders entering Ireland. Seven days later, EU ministers with responsibility for immigration unanimously agreed to activate the Temporary Protection Directive – the first time this has been used to respond to refugees – allowing Ukrainian nationals to bypass the regular asylum procedure and enjoy access to public services as citizens in many cases. Before the Russian invasion, the EU was actively preventing displaced people from reaching its frontiers, while those who managed to reach the EU would be stuck in camps, with those who reached Ireland ending up spending years in the Direct Provision system which has been condemned by domestic and international human rights bodies, including the UN.

The activation of the Directive carried with it the recognition that people fleeing a war deserve to be treated with dignity. Such compassion in response to conflict should not be reserved for particular nationals. All human beings fleeing conflict have the same need for dignity, liberty, shelter, food, and safety. Thus, if there is any lesson to be learned, it should be that EU member states are well capable of hosting refugees and treating them with dignity.

ON 2 AND 3 December 2022, UCD will host the final state Decade of Centenaries conference marking the Foundation of the Irish Free State 100 years ago. On 6 December 1922, with Ireland at the nadir of its civil war, the provisional arrangements laid down in the Anglo-Irish Treaty came to an end. With this, the Irish Free State officially came into being on the anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Legally, this marked the foundation of the Irish Free State and a significant moment in Irish independence. In the 12 months since the signing of the document, the country and the movements which had won Irish independence had been sundered by divisions over that very document.

The conference will assess domestic and international policy, the legal underpinnings of the state, its constitution, the transition of the civil service, the judiciary, and the foundation of government departments. It will explore identity, language, and the social structures of independent Ireland including the place of gender, religion, minority experience, and the provision of services in the new state.

Born into partition and violence, the Irish Free State faced major challenges in building a functional, stable and solvent state following a decade of war and revolution. Much of the country bore the physical scars of violence and destruction wrought between the Rising and the outbreak of the Civil War. In Dublin, both the GPO and the Four Courts along with stretches of adjacent streets still lay in ruins from the Rising and the opening of the Civil War respectively. On the day after the Irish Free State came into being, TD Seán Hales was shot dead by anti-Treaty forces while making his way to Dáil Éireann. The Free State cabinet immediately ordered the execution of four IRA prisoners in reprisal. Both the executions policy and the civil war which provoked it lasted through to May 1923. Financially, the Free State’s minister for finance obsessed with balancing the country’s finances. However, some ambitious infrastructural developments were sanctioned, most notably the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme which paved the way for rural electrification. The borders of the Irish Free State were still in flux. The treaty had provided for an Irish Boundary Commission to determine the dividing line between the Free State and Northern Ireland. With the collapse of this commission in 1925, the border was left as it was and is. The formation of a functional and unarmed police force, the suppression of an army mutiny in 1924, and the peaceful transition of power from pro- to anti-Treaty political parties in 1932 were all milestones in the transition out of revolution and into the maturation of Irish statehood.

In spite of these challenges, Ireland survived and continued to function as a democracy in the ensuing decades which saw many European states either succumb to authoritarian dictatorships or suffer invasion or annexation. Instead, Ireland’s greatest existential threat in the mid-twentieth century was emigration and the poverty which provoked it. The conference will conclude with a roundtable discussion which will examine the evolution of Ireland, socially, politically, economically in the century since 1922.

Alumni are welcome to join us at the conference. For tickets and further information, click here.

■ www.ucd.ie/centenaries. Conor Mulvagh is Associate Professor, UCD School of History and is actively involved in commemorations activities at university, national and international level.

“GIVEN THE POTENTIAL of startups in wealth creation in our economy, universities now play a leading role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Tom Flanagan, UCD Director of Enterprise and Commercialisation. “Since it was established almost 20 years ago, NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs at UCD, has nurtured many high-tech companies to grow and scale nationally and globally.”

NovaUCD, which officially opened in October 2003, is a world-class, purpose-built facility dedicated to supporting and incubating high-tech start-ups with global ambitions, and is based around one of the University’s historic Georgian buildings, previously known as Merville House.

NovaUCD has developed an excellent infrastructure and facilities, a range of comprehensive support programmes including a suite of dedicated accelerator programmes, and a peer-support system that nurtures an enthusiastic and dynamic community of talented entrepreneurs. Such was the demand from start-ups to access NovaUCD that a €6.7+ million development project to develop and extend the facility’s East Courtyard was completed at the end of 2019. This has enabled NovaUCD to significantly increase its capacity to house start-up companies on campus.

Officially opening the new wing last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said, “Since opening in 2003, NovaUCD has become one of the leading hubs in Ireland’s start-up ecosystem, supporting ambitious entrepreneurs and innovative high-tech companies. With NovaUCD’s strong track record, and now with its significant increase in capacity, I am sure it will continue to flourish in the future as it continues to assist entrepreneurs who want to locate at NovaUCD and leverage its excellent facilities, accelerator programmes, expertise and network to help them to grow and scale their startups on the global stage.”

In addition to supporting start-ups, the NovaUCD team is also responsible for supporting the wider UCD entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes those companies based at NexusUCD, the University’s Industry Partnership Centre, along with spin-out and spin in companies based across the Belfield campus. This entrepreneurial network equates to a community of 60 start-ups and established companies being located on the campus at any one time.

Since 2003, NovaUCD has supported over 500 start-ups and early-stage ventures and the NovaUCD entrepreneurial community has now raised some €1 billion in equity funding to date. Earlier this year, Wayflyer, a revenue-based financing and growth platform for eCommerce businesses, secured $150 million in a Series B funding round, with a post-investment valuation of $1.6 billion, making the company Ireland’s sixth tech ‘unicorn’.

Wayflyer was established in 2019 by Aidan Corbett and UCD alumnus Jack Pierse as a spin-out from Conjura, a NexusUCD-headquartered company, co-founded by Aidan Corbett and Fran Quilty in 2018. Conjura has developed a platform which provides customer analytics to drive business performance and growth.

Among other companies supported by NovaUCD over the last 20 years are Equinome, Life Scientific, Logentries and OxyMem.

Equinome, an equine genomics company, was co-founded in 2009 by Professor Emmeline Hill, in partnership with Jim Bolger, renowned Irish trainer and breeder. A spin-out from the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, the company was established to commercialise research which identified the ‘Speed Gene’ in Thoroughbred horses and the development of the Equinome Speed Gene Test which predicts the optimum race distance of a Thoroughbred horse. By 2015, Equinome was working with many of the world’s leading Thoroughbred training and breeding operations when it was acquired by Plusvital, the Irish equine nutrition company.

In 2020, Nicola Mitchell, founder and CEO of Life Scientific, was named the overall winner of the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Ireland). Life Scientific, established by Mitchell in 1995, specialises in the development and registration of off-patent agrochemicals and currently has a portfolio of more than 70 products available in EU agrochemical markets. The company has developed strong links with UCD over the years and was headquartered at NovaUCD before graduating to NexusUCD. The company now has a staff of over 80 at its new headquarters in Belfield Office Park, adjacent to UCD.

Logentries was established in 2010 as a spin-out from the UCD School of Computer Science after a decade of joint research with IBM. Based on the simple premise that there was tremendous value to businesses hidden within log data entries, the company developed a SaaS-based log management service for collecting and analysing big data and making this data easily accessible to improve IT and business operations. The company secured $11 million in funding and was servicing tens of thousands of users in over 100 countries before being acquired by Rapid7 in 2015 for $68 million.

OxyMem, established in 2013 as a spin-out from the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, developed a breakthrough technology, the Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor, to address the global need for a more energy-efficient wastewater treatment. At the end of 2019, when it was acquired by DuPont, OxyMem had more than 60 employees, a manufacturing site in Athlone, Co. Westmeath, and had secured significant investment and major clients around the world.

Among NovaUCD’s current client companies are EpiCapture, Equal1, Manna, PlasmaBound and Zipp Mobility. EpiCapture, an early-stage UCD start-up supported by NovaUCD, has emerged from research carried out by Associate Professor Antoinette Perry in the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science. The company is developing a novel urine DNA test for aggressive prostate cancer which measures six epigenetic biomarkers which are indicative of aggressive disease, using a widely available PCR platform.

EpiCapture’s test has potential as a noninvasive, early-detection and screening test to augment the current PSA blood test for the early-detection of aggressive prostate cancer. EpiCapture’s Edward Simons was introduced to the company through the NovaUCD Mentors and Business Partners Network. This network of commercial and professional members was established by NovaUCD to provide mentoring and advice to researchers who are seeking to develop start-up ideas at the early stage with opportunities for mentors to become investors and executives in the start-ups as they mature.

Associate Professor Antoinette Perry said, “It was through the NovaUCD Mentors and Business Partners Network that I was introduced to my co-founder and CCO Edward Simons. Edward brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in finance, commercial deals and customer relations. Teaming up with Edward has been transformative in driving the technology beyond academic research and into an exciting start-up opportunity. Since joining UCD in 2015, NovaUCD has been a valuable source of support, mentorship and independent advice in the development and commercialisation of the EpiCapture-prostate test. I’ve been fortunate to participate in a number of their programmes, of which Customer Discovery and VentureLaunch were particularly constructive experiences in shaping our business model.”

Equal1 Laboratories (Equal1), a silicon quantum computing company and a UCD spin-out, has now secured a total of €20 million investment, from blended (grant and equity) funding through the European Innovation Council, and a venture capital funding round led by btov Industrial Technologies with Atlantic Bridge and others, including Enterprise Ireland and 808 Ventures. The company is addressing a major challenge for the quantum computing industry, to scale the number of qubits so that a quantum computer can tackle useful, real-world problems. The company’s quantum technology is particularly suited to quantum Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. The company has recently graduated from NovaUCD and relocated to NexusUCD.

Manna, the Irish drone delivery start-up established by UCD alumnus, serial entrepreneur Bobby Healy, is headquartered at NovaUCD. The company builds and operates unmanned aerial vehicles which perform high-speed deliveries of takeaway food, groceries and pharmacy goods/supplies of up to 3kg (6.5lbs) in suburban last-mile settings. To date, Manna has trialled its drone delivery service in Moneygall, Co. Offaly, Oranmore, Co. Galway and Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.

Bobby Healy, CEO and founder, Manna, said, “It’s hard to find a place as wonderful as NovaUCD to start a business from. Beautiful grounds, great location, state-of-the-art offices with tons of space and meeting rooms. The Manna team have loved being there for over two years so far and really appreciate the effort the NovaUCD team have made to accommodate our madness. We love it here and may never leave.”

Last year Manna closed a $25 million (€21 million) Series A investment round led by Draper Esprit, with participation from Team Europe, DST Global, and with participation from existing investors Dynamo Ventures, Atlantic Bridge, and Elkstone.

PlasmaBound, a UCD engineering spinout established in 2017, is headquartered at NovaUCD, and has developed a novel surface-bonding pre-treatment technology called Controlled Polymer Ablation (CPA). This is attracting significant interest in several sectors, where it empowers global industry to achieve their sustainability goals, particularly in carbon reduction and battery range extension. PlasmaBound has raised €3.45 million in funding to date from Act Venture Capital, Atlantic Bridge University Fund, Enterprise Ireland and a number of private investors.

Zipp Mobility, Ireland’s leading micromobility operator was established by Charlie Gleeson in 2019, and has already become a significant player in the European micromobility sharing market, having launched e-scooter and e-bike operations in nine cities in the UK, Ireland and Poland. The NovaUCD headquartered company has so far raised over €8 million in funding (a mixture of equity and debt) from Fasanara Capital, a UK-based asset manager and a number of private and angel investors, Enterprise Ireland, and through a crowdfunding campaign on the Spark Crowdfunding platform.

Charlie Gleeson, CEO and founder Zipp Mobility, said, “We started in NovaUCD three years ago, when Zipp was nothing more than an idea. With the excellent help and support of NovaUCD through its various accelerator programmes and network, we have managed to launch our business in nine cities across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe and have raised over €8 million in the process.”

Alumni who wish to find out more about investing in NovaUCD client companies, or who wish to find out more about our Mentors and Business Partners network can contact miceal.whelan@ucd.ie or visit www.novaucd.ie ■

BEING GLOBALLY CONNECTED is one of UCD’s defining characteristics. It permeates every aspect of university life, shaping the experience of our students, faculty and staff. Our international community is proud to count upwards of 70,000 UCD alumni worldwide, whilst our student population has over 12,000 international students on campuses both in Ireland and overseas. This allows our institution to bring the best of Ireland to the world and the best of the world to Ireland.

Our global chapters bring the UCD community together regardless of location. They are welcoming, vibrant, inclusive and most of all – easily accessible to alumni around the world. If you would like more information or would like to be kept up to date on events or activities in your region scan the QR code below to update your details and find out more.

Don’t see your location highlighted on the map? Get in touch with our Global Alumni Relations Manager, Michelle Power at m.power@ucd.ie and she will be more than happy to talk you through setting one up.

■ https://alumni.ucd.ie/global-community/

BUILD COMMUNITIES

The team at UCD Alumni Office is here to help you stay connected to the growing UCD alumni community of more than 300,000 graduates who live and work in 189 countries around the globe. So, the UCD community is always close at hand – online or in person – anytime, anywhere. And there are lots of ways to get in touch. If you haven’t already signed up, you can include your profile on the online UCD Alumni Network, perhaps you’d like to attend one of our alumni events on campus or join a UCD Chapter overseas, or just drop in and see us. We always love to catch up! Many visiting alumni come to re-live memories of student days – visit old haunts, have a coffee in the University Club or simply enjoy the beauty of our exciting, expanding campus. Connect with us by phone on 01 716 1447, or by email at alumni@ucd.ie.

ENHANCE ALUMNI LIFE

Our collection of alumni benefits allows you to unlock exclusive discounts. Explore the range of benefits available to you including discounts on and off campus and a range of online resources. We are happy to support UCD alumni-owned and operated businesses – take a look at what’s available on our website. www.ucd.ie/alumni/benefits

INSPIRE CURIOSITY

Our Alumni Relations team gathers alumni news, views and insights that will keep your curiosity about your fellow alumni alive. In UCD Connections alumni magazine we bring you updates on the life-changing academic and translational research that is happening at UCD; spinout companies from NovaUCD; alumni in the news and much more. On our website www.ucd.ie/alumni our online Q&Alumni interview series features alumni from all over the world. Talk to us today about how you might like to get involved, build your profile and connect with classmates.

WHY GIVE?

Every gift to UCD makes a difference. Last year alone, alumni support provided vital funding for 152 incoming students in need, but with increasing demand for financial aid, a cost-of-living crisis and a new academic year approaching, we need your help today more than ever before. The Annual Giving team can assist you with information about the opportunities to support scholarships, student supports, mental health services, or a project close to your heart. By donating today, you can make an impact on the cause that inspires you the most. Connect with us by phone on 01 716 1406 or by email at info@ucdfoundation.ie.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

We are constantly inspired by our extraordinary group of over 6,000 UCD alumni volunteers who have played a strong and significant role in supporting our students, each other and the University community over the years. Alumni give back in so many ways via our alumni volunteer programmes – helping to improve our students’ employability by acting as mentors, speaking on career panels or offering internships. They also support student recruitment by offering testimonials and giving guidance to school-goers all over the world who are considering coming to UCD; welcoming international students as they settle into life in Dublin on the buddy programme; offering strategic advice on boards and committees; and reconnecting our alumni community in multiple ways with our global chapters, at the UCD Festival and at other alumni events, including at those all-important class reunions. You are invited to join this network of alumni volunteers! Give some of your time and talent to make a difference here on campus and close to home, both online and in person. If you would like to get involved or have any questions, please get in touch by emailing alumnivolunteer@ucd.ie.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Alumni events happen near you and online. Connect, learn and engage with fellow alums during events on campus, virtually and around the world hosted by our UCD Global Chapters. And, if you are 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or even 60 years out of UCD, and contemplating organising or attending a class reunion, please do reach out to us to see how we can help you get the most out of your reunion. If you’re looking for events from your School or College – check out the School and College pages on the UCD website to find out more or check out the playbacks on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/UCDAlumni1

GET CONNECTED TODAY

Update your details at www.ucd.ie/alumni/updateyourdetails/ or create your profile on the online UCD Alumni Network (www.ucdalumninetwork.com) and you’re all set! The team at UCD Alumni Office is here to help you stay connected to your alma mater and to fellow alums all over the world. www.ucd.ie/alumni/contact-us

MANY TALENTED AND ambitious students are flourishing at UCD today thanks to the opportunities afforded them by the generosity of our wonderful community of alumni, philanthropic supporters and friends.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Juno Kostick

“Going into college, I had a lot of financial concerns, but the scholarship gave me space to focus on my studies and not worry about expenses like rent and groceries. It has given me stability. I want alumni to know the huge impact they make by supporting these scholarships. They really do transform people’s lives.”

We believe wholeheartedly that a good education lays the foundation for better lives, stronger communities and a more equitable world. Everyone should have equal access to educational opportunities, regardless of who they are and where they come from. At UCD, we are striving to make this a reality.

The past couple of years have not been easy for any of us, and the long shadow of the pandemic continues to touch the lives of many of our students, in the form of financial stress or mental health struggles. In these challenging times, it’s reassuring to know we can rely on the support of alumni and the wider UCD community to empower students with the help they need to thrive and excel. For Juno Kostick, Politics and Social Justice student, right, this support has been invaluable.

In the past academic year, funds raised through the UCD Champions – Changing Futures initiative had a transformative impact on many young lives. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of Champions like Susan Philips, UCD was able to award a record 152 scholarships to deserving undergraduate and postgraduate students. Alumni and friends of UCD also supported student mental health services and many other facilities that enhance the student experience, including UCD Writing Centre, the Sports Development Fund, UCD Boat Club and the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin.

UCD CHAMPIONS SUPPORTER

Susan Philips

“I left school at 16 and started working soon after. I had the chance to come to UCD as a mature student and was lucky to receive a scholarship. I made good friends and really benefited from the university experience. As a result, I wanted to give something back so that another student could avail of a similar opportunity. My years at UCD were incredibly happy, and I feel so grateful to have got that chance in life to do what I was unable to do earlier.”

We are profoundly grateful to everyone who supports our students to participate fully in UCD life, and helps us to provide an outstanding, inclusive education for all. If you would like to become part of the story and join this incredible community of positive changemakers, please get in touch. New UCD Champions are always needed and welcome.

■ To learn more about how you can support UCD students today, visit ucdfoundation.ie/supporting-students.

LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES

PHILANTHROPIC GIVING AT all levels sustains UCD in our mission to empower humanity and change the world through knowledge and discovery. The generosity of our supporters has an extraordinary impact and transforms many young lives every year.

Empowering humanity starts with confronting the social inequities that make it harder for some students to access and participate fully in higher education and realise their full potential. UCD alumni and supporters share our belief that everyone has an equal right to an outstanding education. That’s why they’re creating life-changing opportunities and pathways to success for more and more UCD students through College and School Support Funds.

These funds provide critical financial aid for students like Oumba Christ Kodia who face barriers to access and participation. With families struggling to stay afloat amid the spiralling costs of living, and many students finding it hard to keep a secure roof over their head in the current rental crisis, the Support Funds offer a safety net for students experiencing hardship. A helping hand when it’s most needed can mean the difference between being unable to complete your studies and scaling the heights of academic success.

The Support Funds are designed to be flexible so that Colleges and Schools across the University are able to allocate finances according to emerging needs and challenges. They also provide a sustainable source of funding for programmes and resources that ensure every UCD student has an exceptional college experience. This can include state-of-the-art equipment, postgraduate scholarships, and bursaries for internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

In the College of Arts and Humanities, the Joseph M. Hassett Creative Bursary – named for the renowned Yeats scholar and College alumnus – provides an incredible opportunity for creatives like the poet Christodoulos Makris to engage directly with UCD’s rich cultural heritage and bring new and exciting perspectives to the College’s research activities. Other initiatives that benefit from the College and School Support Fund include UCD Cultural Heritage Collections, UCD Classical Museum, PhD scholarships and internship bursaries – all of which serve to inspire and foster creativity and enrich the cultural fabric of the University and society more broadly.

OUMBA CHRIST KODIA

Engineering

“Financial stress has affected me personally and was beginning to take a toll on my academic performance. I am so thankful for the support I received through the College of Engineering and Architecture Support Fund. It made a huge difference in my life. Before, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to cover my fees and continue with my education. Thanks to the generosity of the donors to the Fund, the stress and pressure have been relieved and I am able to focus fully on my education. Even small offerings can change someone’s life by opening doors and allowing them to pursue what they love. I’m so grateful to the donors and to the Engineering faculty, who listened to my concerns, understood my situation and supported me throughout.”

POWERED BY PHILANTHROPY

On a global scale, philanthropic support is enabling UCD to lead the way in tackling the major challenges facing our world today.

UCD Energy Institute is a prime example of just how far-reaching the impact of such support can be in driving change and progress at a societal level. UCD Energy Institute brings together experts from multiple disciplines – including partners from industry and other research organisations – to identify a way forward to a sustainable future for our communities, our country and our planet.

Working within this highly collaborative space, a world-class team of researchers, innovators and policy analysts are driving a cleaner energy future for Ireland. Their ultimate goal is to decarbonise our energy and achieve a full transition to a net-zero carbon energy system in Ireland by 2050. This means giving up fossil fuels in favour of renewable energy sources. And the clock is ticking.

Fortunately, Ireland has an abundance of renewable energy resources, and we are already using large amounts of renewable energy within our electricity system. There is huge potential to harness the power of offshore wind in our coastal waters. In fact, we have more than enough resources to meet our own energy needs, so Ireland could reap significant economic benefits from exporting energy to other countries – if we had the proper infrastructure in place. This is where NexSys comes in.

Launched earlier this year, NexSys (Next Generation Energy System) is a strategic research partnership – led by UCD Energy Institute – that is working to shape Ireland’s future energy system. The partnership includes nine academic institutions across the island of Ireland, as well as key industry partners. They are working together to develop the solutions and technologies that will enable Ireland to transition to a greener, more cost-effective energy system. This is urgent work to address the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“We are uniquely placed with our industry partnerships to develop cutting-edge technologies alongside developing engagement and dialogue with society on the energy transition,” says Professor Andrew Keane, Director of NexSys and UCD Energy Institute. “The partnership will have potentially transformative socio-economic impacts, and will further enhance the global reputation of Irish research in the energy sector.”

NexSys was awarded €8 million in funding from Science Foundation Ireland, and this was matched by a philanthropic donation from Dr David O’Reilly, Chair of UCD’s Energy Advisory Board, and NexSys industry partners. UCD is profoundly grateful to David for his great generosity, his leadership and his vision for a greener future for Ireland.

TRUE ENLARGEMENT OF MIND

For more than 30 years, exceptional young academics have been given the freedom to pursue ambitious research in their chosen field through the prestigious UCD Newman Fellowship Programme. This extraordinary opportunity is made possible entirely thanks to generous philanthropic donors and the commitment and support of academic mentors across a diverse range of disciplines.

Dr Niamh Kirk and Dr Shane Comer are just two of the passionate and brilliant researchers whose work has been supported recently by the Newman Fellowship Programme.

DR SHANE COMER

Sanofi Newman Fellow in Haematology

Shane was just a few months into his Newman Fellowship when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. As evidence of abnormal blood clotting began to emerge in severely ill patients with the virus, he rapidly redirected the focus of his research to investigate the role of platelets in COVID-19 and the impact of anti-coagulant and anti-platelet drugs in treating the disease. He made a significant discovery: COVID-19 infection causes patients’ platelets to become hypersensitive and hyperactive, which may contribute to the observed increases in clotting seen in COVID-19 patients. This new knowledge will ultimately help to inform clinical best practice in the treatment of COVID-19 and will result in improved patient care and outcomes.

Shane says: “Thanks to Sanofi and the Newman Fellowship Programme I have been able to work at the forefront of haematological research, with the freedom to pursue different aspects and findings of the research. The opportunity to work at the cutting edge of translational research in the midst of a global pandemic, doing my bit to improve patient care and long-term outcomes, has been an extremely rewarding endeavour.”

DR NIAMH KIRK

Microsoft Newman Fellow in Digital Policy

Prior to taking up a lecturing position at the University of Limerick earlier this year, Niamh was instrumental in establishing the UCD Centre for Digital Policy during her Newman Fellowship. With a background in communications and journalism, Niamh’s work brings a transnational perspective to digital media, digital policy, and online cultures. In the era of fake news and disinformation, Niamh is particularly interested in the regulation of political communication in the hybrid media environment and its impact on political engagement. She has presented research and recommendations to the Dáil and the European Commission, and is deeply committed to ensuring that a diverse range of voices and perspectives inform the development of digital policy in the EU.

OUR GLOBAL VILLAGE

Our amazing community is spread far and wide, bringing UCD values to all corners of the globe and making a real difference for humanity. The incredible impact of our alumni network begins at home, on campus, in each donation, no matter how small, to support our students, our research programmes, and the ongoing development of our facilities and infrastructure. We thank our alumni, volunteers, friends and supporters for your continued generosity and commitment. Together, we are changing lives. It takes a village.

To learn more about how you can support UCD, visit www.ucdfoundation.ie

UCD FESTIVAL

UCD CELEBRATED THE seventh birthday of the UCD Festival in style in June. Thousands of visitors returned to the Belfield campus for the first time since the last in-person UCD Festival in 2019.

From the UCD Symphony Orchestra’s virtual reality experiences to Masterclasses in writing, UCD celebrated the Festival day with a free showcase of 145 interactive events. Organisers issued nearly 40,000 tickets for events in arts, science, engineering, technology, sport, family fun, discovery and ideas.

The UCD Festival blends educational research showcases and family fun, with hundreds of students, researchers and academics displaying their work across eight interactive zones. The hands-on nature of the demonstrations allowed festival-goers to get up close with exciting research taking place at UCD. The interactive events reflected the thematic pillars of UCD’s ‘Rising to the Future’ strategy, Creating a Sustainable Global Society, Empowering Humanity, Transforming through Digital Technology, and Building a Healthy World.

The interactive Intel Science and Innovation Zone attracted thousands of visitors of all ages to play, create, and explore, while others explored the Engineering and Technology Zone.

Meanwhile, in the Festival Hub and the Culture Zone, festival-goers were treated to a starry list of UCD’s top academics, alumni and friends joining in talks, performances, and activities. Speakers included alumni Jessica Traynor, Rick O’Shea, Chandrika NarayananMohana, Aingeala Flannery, Audrey Magee, Maeve O’Rourke, Dr Niamh Shaw, alongside friends of UCD Mark O’Halloran, Colm O’Gorman and Laurence Moroney. There was also the chance for festivalgoers to explore the campus with Sculpture Trails and Campus Tours running throughout the day.

Hundreds of primary school pupils attended an exclusive ‘Intel Meet the Astronaut’ event with internationally renowned Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. They had the chance to put weird and wonderful questions to him, and were inspired and enthralled by his experiences and insights. Later in the day, the standout event was the conversation in a packed-out O’Reilly Hall with Colonel Hadfield and Dr Niamh Shaw.

Another highlight was ‘The Magdalene Laundries: Told, Acknowledged and Not Forgotten’, a powerful conversation based on a book co-authored by alumni and academics from the College of Social Sciences and Law.

Relive the action with videos and images, and be the first to hear about next year’s programme – all at the UCD Festival website: www.ucd.ie/festival.

THE ARTHUR COX UCD WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

The Arthur Cox UCD Women in Leadership conference returned in person to O’Reilly Hall and the University Club in March. The stellar lineup included Professor Aoife Ahern, Principal, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture; Noeline Blackwell, CEO, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre; Lorna Conn, CEO, Cpl and David McRedmond, CEO, An Post. Martina Fitzgerald, CEO, Scale Ireland returned for the third year running to lead a discussion on ‘Women in STEM’. Panels discussed ‘Executive Sponsorship’, ‘Women in Finance’ and ‘Women in Sport’, and experts hosted lunchtime breakouts on intersectionality, work-life balance and returning to the office. It was wonderful to see people networking in person again and the addition of the mentor circles on day two provided a virtual element, where groups met leaders such as Dee Forbes, Director General, RTÉ, and Joy-Tendai Kangere, barrister and co-founder, Roots in Africa-Ireland. A special thanks to our corporate sponsors Arthur Cox, KPMG, ESB, Abbott, Aldi and Jaguar Land Rover who contributed so much.

UCD COLLEGE OF SCIENCE REUNIONS

UCD SCHOOL OF BIOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, in collaboration with UCD Alumni Relations, were delighted to reconnect alumni, retired staff and friends at an on-campus barbecue overlooking the lake. Taking place in the UCD University Club on a sunny Friday evening in May, the get-together was an excellent opportunity for friends, colleagues, classmates and staff to celebrate 58 years of science research and education and to reminisce about their time spent at UCD.

UCD SCHOOL OF PHYSICS

The UCD School of Physics held its annual lecture and reception for alumni in the UCD O’Brien Centre for Science in May. Alumni and friends heard from fellow alumna Professor Winnie Svendsen from the Technical University of Denmark. The title of Professor Svendsen’s talk was ‘NanoBio Physics – a Tool for Biology’ which covered her research journey from atomic and nuclear physics to probing and manipulating biology using micro and nanotechnology.

THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE MILESTONE REUNION

Graduates of the UCD College of Science gathered in the University Club on the morning of the UCD Festival to celebrate their milestone reunion. Friendships were reignited with classmates from the graduating years of 1982, 1992, 2002 and 2012. They chatted over breakfast cocktails and brunch before going to the Science building to explore a selection of more than 40 science-based activities and events happening as part of the Festival.

HONORARY DOCTORATES AND CONCERT

Celebrating some of the stellar talents in Irish music and in recognition of their outstanding contribution to arts and culture and the central role they played in the Irish folk music revival, the University awarded honorary doctorates in March to Mary Bergin, Mary Black, Finbar Furey, Paddy Glackin, Andy Irvine, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Mary O’Hara.

The awards were conferred by UCD Acting President, Professor Mark Rogers. Professor Rogers drew on the powerful words of Paul Brady’s iconic song ‘The Island’ in his closing speech, the words of which resonate with all of us. “While we are just a small island on the western edge of Europe, we want to reach out to our sisters and brothers in Ukraine … Now I know us plain folks don’t see all the story. And I know this peace and love’s just copping out. And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches. Is just what being free is all about. And how this twisted wreckage down on main street. Will bring us all together in the end. And we’ll go marching down the road to freedom …. Freedom.”

A number of distinguished artists performed to an invited audience of 700, joined by special guest Donal Lunny and by a talented house band of UCD students and alumni. The future of traditional Irish music is indeed safe!

It was a night to remember, expertly compered by Associate Professor P.J. Mathews, Director of UCD Creative Futures Academy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after Dr Finbar Furey’s closing number – the inimitable ‘Sweet Sixteen’.

ALUMNI VOLUNTEERING

Activity this past year was as vibrant as ever as our programmes took a hybrid approach and volunteers offered their time to both in-person and virtual events.

The in-person highlight of the year was engaging an impressive 200+ person strong crew of dedicated volunteers on campus for the first on-campus UCD Festival in three years. The enthusiasm and support on the day captured the true meaning and energy of the UCD Alumni Volunteering Programme.

The UCD Alumni Buddy Programme continued to link international graduate students with locally based UCD alumni, providing them with friendly support particularly when they first arrived in Dublin. Before coming to Ireland, our Global Alumni Ambassadors supported potential students from around the world who are considering studies at UCD.

This past year, myriad mentoring programmes combined in-person and online mentoring with alumni mentors for nearly 500 students across all of UCD’s colleges. Our alumni mentors enable students to flourish and develop both personally and professionally by offering support on developing career ideas, clarifying goals and improving employability.

GLOBAL ALUMNI EVENTS

LONDON

In November, UK Alumni Chapter representatives David O’Reilly and Jeremy Boles were joined by a group of London-based alumni, proudly wearing their finest UCD colours, to mark the appointment of law alumnus Vincent Keaveny as Lord Mayor of the City of London.

BLOOMSDAY ALUMNI RECEPTION, LONDON MANSION HOUSE

UCD Alumni Relations and the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Vincent Keaveny, welcomed London-based alumni to a reception to mark Bloomsday. Guests enjoyed drinks, canapés, great conversation and a Joycean recital by UCD Ad Astra Scholar, Graham Butler Breen.

FRANCE PARIS ERASMUS PICNIC

As restrictions started to ease internationally, we were delighted to recommence global in-person gatherings in late 2021. An early highlight was the Erasmus Picnic hosted by the Paris Alumni Chapter in the Centre Culturel Irlandais.

CHINA SHANGHAI CHAPTER EVENT

Shanghai Chapter representatives Wendy He and Dianyi Zu hosted Shanghai-based alumni in The Tipsy Fiddler Irish bar where they enjoyed a Guinness or two and reminisced about their time in Ireland.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN: TORONTO, WASHINGTON DC, PARIS, MINNESOTA, BEIJING, CHICAGO, LONDON

Global Perspectives, our international celebration of the UCD Festival overseas, was back in 2022, this time in-person with a wonderful array of alumni events across seven locations. Alumni came together to celebrate in Toronto, Washington DC, Paris, Minnesota, Beijing, Chicago and London with activities varying from walking tours, exhibitions, picnics, park outings, trad sessions and happy hours.

BUSINESS DEANS EVENT

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School welcomed back former Deans of UCD College of Business to discuss the College’s evolution over the last 30 years. This is the first time the former Deans of Ireland’s leading graduate business school have gathered to share the history of business education in Ireland, and some shared their own experiences as students in the 1960s.

MEDICINE REUNION

The Medical Graduates Association (MGA) Symposium and Gala Dinner was held at Belfield in May. Dr Mick Molloy, MGA President, welcomed over 33 classes, from the Class of 1962 to the Class of 2021. The distinguished Graduate Award was presented to Dr Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist, Class of 2002. With over 180 alumni and guests in O’Reilly Hall, there was a wonderful atmosphere. The symposium in the afternoon included alumni speakers Dr Linda Mulligan, Professor Maccon Keane, Class of 1987, Dr Conor Maguire, Class of 1987, Dr Deirdre Lundy, Class of 1987 and Dr Ciara Kelly, Class of 1997. Topics of discussion ranged from ‘Dealing with Death – Forensic Pathology in Ireland’ and ‘A Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Parkinson’s Disease’ to ‘From Medicine to Media’.

VIRTUAL ALUMNI EVENTS

IN CONVERSATION

Our popular virtual UCD In Conversation series continued this year and we were delighted to engage with thousands of alumni and supporters from over 65 countries worldwide. Our series featured expert alumni and academics on a variety of topics based on UCD’s four strategic themes. The conversations ranged from ‘Cybercrime Causes, Trends and Prevention’ and ‘Climate Neutral Dairy Farming’ to ‘Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals’ and ‘Borders & Rights: Migrant Journeys’. International Women’s Day featured a host of virtual and in-person activities across the campus, starting with a ‘#BreakTheBias breakfast panel’. Our Golden and Diamond Jubilee virtual celebration featured alumni Dr Tony Scott, Charles Lysaght, Éanna Ní Lamhna, Frances Fitzgerald MEP and Dr Desmond Green in conversation. They reminisced with former broadcaster and arts manager, Doireann Ní Bhriain. www.ucd.ie/alumni/ucd-in-conversation-a-virtual-series.

WHAT IT TAKES

This year our virtual career-building series for alumni and students, What It Takes, returned with topics on ‘How to Excel in the Hybrid Workplace’; ‘Thrive in Global Teams’; ‘Network Like a Pro’; ‘Kick Imposter Syndrome’; ‘Know your Rights’; ‘Stay Ahead of the Digital Curve’; ‘Be an Inclusive Leader’; ‘Innovate your Career with Design Thinking’ and ‘Flourish in your Early Career’. Speakers included Criona Turley, Emmet Daniels, Siobhán McKenna, Síobhra Rush, Ebony Lawless-McCrea, Patricia Munatsi, Dr Lollie Mancey, and Janice Lau. Watch back episodes and find out more at: www.ucd.ie/alumni/ucdwhat-it-takes-career-building-series

UCD ALUMNI AWARDS 2021

The annual UCD Alumni Awards proudly celebrate the success and exceptional achievements of UCD’s alumni and recognise their outstanding accomplishments and contribution to society.

The 2021 winners – Neil Jordan, Olivia Maguire, Liam Madden, Dr Mike Ryan, Fiona McEntee, Teresa Lambe OBE, Caitríona Palmer, Ann O’Dea and Leo Cullen – were nominated by their peers, UCD faculty and students. Their accomplishments showcase the multidisciplinarity and breadth of the programmes at UCD.

It was a wonderful evening of virtual celebration, conversation and reflection. Former UCD President, Professor Andrew J. Deeks opened proceedings with UCD alumnus Pat Kenny hosting the virtual celebration, viewed by alumni, supporters, faculty, staff and friends of UCD around the globe. We were delighted to continue the tradition of closing the evening with the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin and their performance of Bó na Leathadhairce, arranged by Artistic Director, Dr Desmond Earley. www.ucd.ie/alumni/awards/watchback

UCD BUSINESS ALUMNI CHALLENGE – KILOMETRES THAT COUNT

In February 2022, the College of Business Alumni Relations team kicked off their second virtual active wellbeing initiative. The UCD Business Alumni Challenge – Kilometres That Count attracted participation from alumni, students, and friends of the college. The challenge ran for 30 days and participants were encouraged to complete a personal target distance of 100, 200, 300, 500 or 1000 km. The challenge was a wonderful success – well done to over 925 students and alumni located in over 30 countries and five continents for participating and clocking an incredible 71,000km. www.ucdbusinesschallenge.ie/

UCD RUGBY CLUB

ANNUAL DINNER

UCD RFC was delighted to hold its first Annual Club Dinner in over three years in O’Reilly Hall in May. Irish Rugby Forwards Coach Paul O’Connell was guest speaker and with more than 500 guests on the night the dinner was an enormous success, providing an opportunity for members and friends to reconnect. Amongst the many guests were members of the recent Irish Rugby U20 Grand Slam winning team. Longstanding UCD Rugby Club member Fred Gilligan was the MC for the evening and introduced UCD Rugby President David Carrigy. David spoke about the commitment of Club members who play a vital role in managing the various teams across the Men’s, Women’s and Tag Rugby section of the club, and highlighted the resilience shown during the pandemic. Clubman Killian Keane interviewed Paul O’Connell, the latter sharing his many experiences as captain of Munster, Ireland, the British & Irish Lions, and his current role with Irish Rugby. UCD RFC would like to say well done to Keith Smith and the Dinner Committee and many volunteers for the effort in organising the event, and also to thank all its members, Crowe and the University for the support it receives to assist it in striving to bring success to the players, the Club and the University.

UCD SOCCER REUNION

CHINA TOUR 1976

UCD Soccer Club visited China when the Club’s 1975/76 freshman squad toured the Far East over a five-week period in 1976. The tour received generous sponsorship from various companies including Swissair and O’Neill’s sportswear. The tour was organised by coach and aspiring sports administrator Tony O’Neill (The Doc), and was led by the President of the Club David Andrews TD. The tour captain was Paddy Dwyer from Drogheda. The tour itself took on even more historic significance when, shortly after the team’s arrival, Chairman Mao, founder of the Peoples Republic of China, died at the age of 82. China was plunged into official mourning and went on high-security alert in case of foreign attack. It’s a mark of the historic nature of the tour itself, the impression it made on the 18- and 19-year-old players, and the respect for Tony O’Neill who went on to make such a mark on all sports in UCD, that 23 of the 24 playing squad travelled from all parts of the globe to attend the 46-year reunion with officials from UCD Soccer Club in the O’Neill Bar in the UCD Student Centre, which was coordinated by Dominic O’Keeffe, Brian Mullins and the team from UCD Student Services and Facilities. It was on this tour of the Far East and subsequent tours that Tony found inspiration for many of the sporting initiatives he introduced to UCD, most notably the Sports Scholarships.

CLASS OF 2020 CELEBRATION

The UCD Class of 2020 spent their final University days locked down – doing exams, meeting friends and even graduating online. They finally got to celebrate their achievements in-person at O’Reilly Hall, with their lecturers and guests in June 2022. Associate Professor Maeve Houlihan gave a heartwarming welcome, and Acting UCD President Professor Mark Rogers delivered an address. Grace Oladipo (BCL 2020), spoke, advising her peers to “live a life that you are proud of. Do not let fear hold you back at all. Take the plunge. Shine so bright, because you are powerful beyond measure”. After the ceremony, attendees were led in a procession of flags and drumming to the UCD Village for food, drinks and dancing ’til late.

GIFTED MEN AND WOMEN have studied at UCD throughout its history. Since Ireland signed the Accession Treaty in 1972, before officially joining the EEC (now EU) in 1973, UCD alumni have shaped Ireland’s place in the Union. Among them, many have served in the EU’s seven main decision-making institutions.

UCD alumni have played a role in the legislative function of the EU, carried out by the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission; UCD alumni were involved in the overall policy direction and priorities of the EU, which is decided by The European Council, and UCD law alumni have been influential members of the judicial wing of the EU, responsible for settling disputes and enforcing EU law at The Court of Justice of the European Union. UCD alumni also feature in the Court of Auditors and the European Central Bank, which manage the euro and implement EU monetary policy.

In 1972, UCD alumnus Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Patrick Hillery (BSc 1944, MB BCh BAO 1947, DPH 1952, LLD 1962) signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Community at the Egremont Palace, Brussels. Dr Hillery had spearheaded the campaign since he was appointed in 1969, and led the negotiation team. Newly appointed Irish Ambassador to the European Community, Seán P. Kennan (BComm 1943) had advocated for Ireland’s entry as a means to preserve stability and peace in Europe. Following accession, Kennan became Ireland’s Permanent Representative and Dr Hillery was appointed Ireland’s first European Commissioner in Brussels.

Since accession, UCD has produced 11 ministers for Foreign Affairs and seven European Commissioners including the aforementioned Dr Hillery; Richard Burke (BA 1956, HDipEd 1967, MA 1960) for two stints; Michael O’Kennedy (BA 1956, MA 1957); David Byrne (BA 1970); Peter Sutherland (BCL 1967); Charlie McCreevy (BComm 1970) and Mairéad McGuinness (BAgrSc 1980).

Five UCD alumni have been appointed judges of the European Court of Justice: Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh (BA 1931); Aindrias Ó Cuiv (BA 1933, LLB 1936); Thomas F. O’Higgins (BA 1937); Aindrias Ó Cuiv, son of the aforementioned, (BCL 1971, DipEurL 1977) and Eugene Regan (BA 1974, MA 1975). Many Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) studied at UCD including Frances Fitzgerald (BSocSc 1971); Sean Kelly (BA 1974, HDipEd 1975); Barry Andrews (BA 1988, MA 1990); Ciarán Cuffe (BArch 1989, MRUP 1996) and Michael Wallace (BA 1978, HDipEd 1983).

Within the EU institutions, UCD alumni achieved many firsts – Catherine Day (BA 1974, MA 1975) was the first woman to hold the position of Secretary General of the European Commission. Having worked for 25 years for the Commission (including in the cabinets of Richard Burke, who himself had the unique distinction of being appointed twice to the EU Commission, first by a Fine Gael taoiseach, then by a Fianna Fáil taoiseach), and Dr Peter Sutherland (BCL 1967), as Secretary-General, Day served under Presidents José Manuel Barroso and Jean-Claude Juncker. In 2018, Eugene Regan (BA 1974, MA 1975) became the first Irish Judge of the European Court of Justice to be elected President of a Chamber.

1972

The Signing Ceremony of the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities with UCD alumnus and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Patrick Hillery (BSc 1944, MB BCh BAO 1947, DPH 1952, LLD 1962), with Taoiseach Jack Lynch.

2014

UCD alumna and former EU Council Secretary Catherine Day (BA 1974, MA 1975) with former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. Day was the first female Secretary General of the EU Commission.

2021

EU Financial Services Commissioner since 2020, Mairéad McGuinness (BAgrSc 1980) also previously served as First VicePresident of the European Parliament from 2017-2020.

1987

Professor James Dooge (BE 1942, BSc 1942, ME 1952), leading academic and former Foreign Affairs Minister who played a key role in the development of the EU, with former European Parliament President Pat Cox.

1988

Member of the Council of State (1981- 1984), EU commissioner in charge of competition policy (1985-1989), Dr Peter Sutherland (BCL 1967), was greatly admired at an international level and regarded the EU as a means of improving the lives of Irish people and Europeans generally. Right: EU Commissioner Dr Peter Sutherland is awarded the Robert Schuman Medal by European Parliament President Henry Plumb.

1974

A founding member of European Movement Ireland in 1954, Dr Garret FitzGerald (BA 1946, PhD 1968) took a leading role in the campaign for Irish membership of the EEC and paved Ireland’s way to full EU membership. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, his conduct of Ireland’s 1975 presidency of the European Council of Ministers was seen as highly successful. Left: Foreign Minister Dr FitzGerald in Paris for a meeting of the nine EU foreign ministers.

COURTING EUROPE

The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) comprises two courts, the European Court of Justice and the General Court. John D. Cooke (BCL 1965, LLB 1966) pictured right; second from left, a judge of the General Court, was the longest serving Irish member of the CJEU. Other UCD alumni who have served in the courts of the CJEU include Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh (BA 1931); Aindrias Ó Cuiv (BA 1933, LLB 1936); Thomas F. O’Higgins (BA 1937); Donal Barrington (BA 1949, LLB 1951, MA 1953); Aindrias Ó Cuiv, son of the aforementioned, (BCL 1971, DipEurL 1977); Eugene Regan (BA 1974, MA 1975); Kevin O’Higgins (BA 1967, DipEurL 1969) and Colm MacEochaidh (BCL 1984) who is currently in situ. UCD Professor Suzanne Kingston became a member of the General Court last year and remains affiliated with the UCD Sutherland School of Law.

2003

As Taoiseach 1994-1997, John Bruton (BA 1968) presided over the successful Irish EU Presidency in 1996 and chaired the European Council meeting that year which finalised the Stability and Growth Pact underpinning Economic and Monetary Union and management of the Euro. He was appointed EU Ambassador to the United States in 2004, and served for five years. He was a member of the Praesidium of the Convention that drafted the proposed European Constitution, signed in Rome in 2004, the basis for the Lisbon Treaty now in force. He is a former VicePresident of the European People’s Party (EPP). Left: At a European Convention meeting in Brussels, John Bruton with Gisela Stuart, a British Labour MP who helped draw up the Lisbon Treaty. She later became co-director of the 2016 Vote Leave Campaign.

2003

David Byrne (BA Politics and Economics 1970) served as the first EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection 1999-2004. A barrister by training, he became a Senior Counsel in 1985 and was appointed Attorney General in 1997. In 1998 he was one of the negotiators of the Good Friday Agreement

1973 – Richie Ryan & Justin Keating

Richie Ryan (BA 1949) and Justin Keating (MVB 1951) were two of the 10 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) appointed to the first delegation as a result of the Irish accession to the European Economic Community on 1 January 1973. The first delegation, served only two months, from Jan-Feb 1973 until the general election took place.

2013

Emily O’Reilly (BA 1979), pictured with EU Parliament President David Sassoli, was first elected as European Ombudsman in 2013 and re-elected in 2019.

2004

Anne Anderson (BA 1972), former diplomat and ambassador to France, Monaco, the US and the UN, became Permanent Representative of Ireland to the EU 2001-2005. ABOVE: Anderson with Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy (BComm 1970), during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2004.

1990 – Gerard Collins

Gerard Collins (BA 1964), pictured at a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers at Dublin Castle, was twice appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, and served as an MEP 1994-2004.

1974 – David Andrews

David Andrews (BCL 1960), at an informal meeting of Foreign Ministers, in conversation with his Italian counterpart, Lamberto Dini.

1980 – Brian Lenihan Snr

Brian Lenihan Snr (BA 1951) was MEP for the Oireachtas 1973-1977, and Minister for Foreign Affairs Jan-March 1973, 1979-1981, 1987-1989.

1979 – Michael O’ Kennedy

Michael O’ Kennedy (BA 1956, MA 1957), Minister for Foreign Affairs, at an EEC Summit at Dublin Castle.

1974 – Charles Flanagan

Charles Flanagan (BA 1977) was Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 2014-2017.

MEMBERS OF EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The European Parliament (EP) has 705 MEPs from across 27 EU Member States elected for five years. The Republic of Ireland has 13 MEPs, a number of whom are alumni of UCD including:

Frances Fitzgerald (BSocSc 1971), former Tánaiste and Fine Gael government minister, has been an MEP since 2019, and was elected Vice-President of the European People’s Party (EPP) delegation in 2021.

Ciarán Cuffe (BArch 1989, MRUP 1996), former Green Party minister of state, has been an MEP since 2019, and belongs to the Greens/EFA group.

Barry Andrews (BA 1988, MA 1990), former Fianna Fáil government minister, has been an MEP since 2019, and belongs to the Renew Group.

OUR ALUMNI NETWORK is filled with people making a difference at all levels; across business, industry, society and culture, here in Ireland and right around the world.

The UCD Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate the excellence and achievement of individuals within our network. Their accomplishments and successes are a source of great pride to UCD and an inspiration to present and future generations. With over 300,000 alumni in 189 countries around the world, the reach of the UCD alumni network is truly global. Our alumni are loyal and passionate, and their support and achievements help to shape the future of UCD, Ireland’s leading global university.

In the ninth year of the UCD Alumni Awards we are delighted to announce this year’s admirable recipients who now take their place in the hall of fame alongside our previous winners…

SOCIAL SCIENCES AWARD

NIALL BRESLIN BA (ECONOMICS AND SOCIOLOGY) 2003, MSc PSYCHOLOGY 2019

Niall is the founder of the mental health charity, A Lust for Life. A musician, broadcaster and podcaster, he is passionate about normalising conversations around youth mental health.

What are your key UCD memories? I was on a rugby scholarship and didn’t get the full college experience in that first year. But learning is something I adore, and I was getting to study something I had a passion for. Professor Aidan Moran had a huge impact on me – I remember going straight to the library from his classes to try to find out more. What are you especially proud of in your career to date? The most challenging part was to set up an organisation and a charity [A Lust for Life]. We built that organisation and have a team. It’s no longer me any more and I can, in essence, walk away from it knowing that we’ve done what we needed to do. How did you manage in the pandemic? We rushed very quickly to pathologicalise it, to immediately say, ‘There’s something broken in all of us’. But, what I learnt very quickly about the pandemic is that, if I’m feeling a bit empty, or lost, or exhausted, it’s a very good, human response. None of it was normal. That anxiety and fear we felt was the brain doing its job. What advice do you have for UCD students? Life is not a straight line. Shit things are going to happen to you. Amazing things too. An awful lot of our suffering comes from the belief we shouldn’t suffer.

SCIENCE AWARD

CONRAD BURKE BSc PHYSICS 1989

Conrad is the co-founder and managing partner of MetaVC Partners. An entrepreneur and investor, he is a leading figure in the worlds of renewable energy, optical communications, nanomaterials and biosciences.

What are your memories of UCD? I really enjoyed the camaraderie and great friends and educators I met. Physics really set me up to be quite at ease with navigating different technologies, products, and markets. What life and professional skills did you pick up at university? I was rather shy coming from a small secondary school – St David’s, Greystones – but when thrown into the giant, sprawling campus of UCD, I learned valuable social and storytelling skills from so many interesting and smart people. How did the pandemic affect your work? We embraced Zoom and the various online communication tools, but I am a diehard believer in the power of face-to-face engagements. I lament that we lost some of the magic of human contact in doing business. What are your future goals? I just co-founded a new venture firm (MetaVC Partners), backed by Bill Gates. We have already funded three start-up companies spanning space communications, optical computing and driverless car sensors. More are coming. I want to visit the South Pole before I am too old. What advice do you have for UCD graduates? Now that you have your degree, always seek opportunities to ensure you keep growing and learning. Get outside your comfort zone. Take on the hard stuff that will make an impact and do not get hung up on the risk of failure. Failure is a way to learn.

BUSINESS AWARD

MARY QUANEY BComm INTERNATIONAL (FRENCH) 1999, MAcc 2000

Mary is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Mainstream Renewable Power, an Irish-based renewable energy company specialising in the development of onshore and offshore wind and solar projects.

What are your memories of UCD? UCD opened up the world to me. It was a most formative and enjoyable time with lifelong friendships made and so many avenues of learning and development from both an academic and personal perspective. A year spent on Erasmus in France was a particular highlight. What skills did UCD nurture? It nurtured a natural curiosity which has taken me far, as well as the confidence to be open to a lifetime of learning. What are you most proud of, career-wise, to date? Being appointed CEO of Mainstream at a pivotal time and leading the company through the change in ownership which resulted in the Aker Group of Norway acquiring 75 per cent of the company, followed by Mitsui investing €575 million in the company for a 27.5 per cent shareholding. But what makes me most proud is the recognition of the company that Mainstream has grown to today as well as its potential for the future. And Mainstream is on a significant growth trajectory. What advice do you have for UCD’s students and graduates? Don’t impose limits on yourself. With an open mind, focus and resilience, so much can be achieved. Setbacks and failures are to be expected, but a mindset of viewing them as learning experiences and strengthening resilience can be very powerful.

RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND IMPACT AWARD

DR MARTIN J. TOBIN MB BCh BAO 1975

Martin is a world-renowned critical care doctor, pulmonologist and academic. He is regarded as a leading expert in acute respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation and neuromuscular control of breathing.

What did you enjoy most about your UCD years? Although most of my interactions at UCD were with medical students, I was fortunate in knowing many students in other disciplines who broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of literature and the arts. What professional and life skills did you pick up at UCD? My mentor, Professor Muiris FitzGerald, who instilled in me that medicine is fundamentally about how a doctor interacts with the single patient in front of him or her. Everything else in medicine is a footnote. What are you most proud of in your career to date? To be able to gain new knowledge into how the human body works as a result of making physiological measurements in healthy volunteers and patients with diseases of varying severity, and to translate those research findings into practical steps that doctors can use on a daily basis as they take care of patients. What are your future goals? To continue doing what I have been doing for the last 45 years: take care of patients, teach students and trainees at the bedside, and do original research on patients with lung disease. What advice do you have for UCD’s latest graduates? Look into your soul and figure out your own dream. Persist with that dream despite repeated setbacks and failures and do not get seduced by trends and fads.

ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE AWARD

CIARAN CONNELL BE (ELECTRONIC) 1982 AND MICHAEL MC LAUGHLIN BE (ELECTRONIC) 1982, MEng (ELECTRONIC) 1992

Ciaran Connell and Michael McLaughlin are veterans of the communications and semiconductor industry. They co-founded Decawave, the micro-location specialist and pioneer of IR-UWB (Impulse Radio-Ultra Wideband) technology, which was acquired by Qorvo in 2020. Both are still actively involved in the company, and were recipients of the Distinguished Graduate Award from the UCD Ciaran Connell Engineering Graduates Association (EGA) in 2021.

Ciaran Connell:

What are your memories of UCD? Through ‘intellectual sparring’ with my peers and professors, I got a much better appreciation of my strengths and my shortcomings and, most importantly, where my interests lay. I knew then I wanted to start a company and bring a technology to market. What professional skills did you acquire at university? The job of a CEO is to make decisions with incomplete data. And then to sell that decision. And to be willing to modify or abandon it should new information suggest doing so. The skill to do this is learnt at university through lectures and interaction with fellow students. I learnt it in spades. What are you most proud of in your career to date? Without doubt, building a company, Decawave, with my co-founder and UCD friend and fellow Alumni Award winner Michael McLaughlin. Decawave’s charter was to bring a new technology, IR-UWB to market which would have a meaningful impact on society while also providing meaningful, well-paying engineering jobs in Ireland. Mission accomplished. What advice do you have for UCD graduates? Constantly build your portfolio of skills. Don’t stay in any bad job or situation long. Stay curious. Get international experience – that does not necessarily mean moving abroad. And never give up.

Michael McLaughlin:

What are your memories of UCD? There were about 120 students in our year – four of them women. I loved the computer room. I used to skip lectures to write APL programmes. I spent a lot of time at the Belfield Bar at the weekends. What skills did you pick up at university? An understanding of signal processing and electronics. Plus lots of maths and physics. What are your proudest achievements? I won the 2019 Parsons Medal, which is given to one engineer every year for outstanding contribution to engineering. It’s named after Charles Parsons, who invented the turbine steam engine. And one of the very proudest moments was when [DecaWave’s innovative] chip came back from the foundry and we plugged it in and it worked! What advice do you have for students and graduates? Be true to what you love. Pursue your dream. Always have confidence that it’s going to come true. I never doubted that I was going to change the world sometime – and I did. You have to believe that, or you won’t change the world. Be optimistic all the time. Myself and Ciaran Connell, fellow Alumni Award recipient, are optimists and wouldn’t have started DecaWave if we weren’t.

ARTS AND HUMANITIES AWARD

CONSOLATA BOYLE BA (HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY) 1972

Consolata is a world-leading costume designer in the film business. She has worked on several movies, including The Queen and Philomena, and has been nominated for an Academy Award on three occasions.

What did you enjoy most about UCD? The strongest memories are the teaching and lectures and the way people like [professors] Seamus Deane, Denis Donoghue and George Eogan opened up your mind. They informed a lot of what I did afterwards. I’ve a great memory of excavating in the Boyne Valley as part of the archaeology module of my degree. What professional skills do you attribute to your time at university? It instilled in me a love of research, a kind of rigour. It also developed my imagination – to imagine unknown worlds through archaeology and literature. It helped me get used to ideas – and how to express those ideas. What aspects of your career have given you pleasure? There’s joy in being able to pick and choose, more or less. I work as a freelancer, so I’m sort of in a position where I can choose what I want to do. I work with wonderful people and have collaborated with great creative minds who I’ve had the honour of working with. Do you have a future goal? Getting to read and enjoy and be inspired by great scripts – and then work with great directors. That’s always been my goal. What advice do you have for UCD students? Don’t narrow down. Keep your mind as open as possible, to politics, art, life, your friends and what’s happening in the world.

SPORT AWARD

EIMEAR LAMBE BComm INTERNATIONAL (GERMAN) 2019

Eimear is one of Ireland’s leading rowers. She won bronze at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo in the women’s coxless four event. She was named July 2021 Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman.

What are your UCD highlights? Having the opportunity to study Commerce through German at UCD’s Partner University, the University of Regensburg. There I met people from all over the world, from a multitude of different cultures, who I am still in contact with today. What life and professional skills did you pick up at UCD? Time management. It has proved to be invaluable in all aspects of my professional and personal life so far. Learning how to balance being a full-time student alongside training at a high-performance level meant learning how to prioritise tasks and plan my weeks accordingly to ensure success. What are you most proud of in your career to date? While a bronze medal at the Olympic Games has been my career highlight to date, I am proudest of successfully managing my academics alongside training on my road to Tokyo. This ultimately allowed me to transition after the Olympic Games into a position as management consultant at one of the world leading financial services firms [EY]. What advice do you have for UCD’s students and graduates? Don’t compare where you are in your journey to others. Everyone has their own path to follow and although it may not always be as straightforward and clear as you would like, it doesn’t mean you won’t make it to your destination.

HEALTH AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AWARD

MICHAEL BURKE MVB 1970

Michael is the founder of Chanelle Pharma, a leading provider of human and animal health generic pharmaceuticals worldwide. A horseracing devotee, he is the owner of several racing thoroughbreds.

What did you like best about UCD? The social aspect was great. There were a lot of [horse] racing people in my year. A couple of amateur jockeys too. We used to go racing twice a week, on the Wednesdays and Saturdays when we had half-days. And we’d come home from the races and play poker. We were among the first students to study out in Belfield. What skills did you pick up at university? It was a fantastic degree [in Veterinary Medicine] and a great start in life because after I qualified, I had my own practice after nine months. I had an entrepreneurial streak. My mother was an amazing businesswoman. What are the highlights of your career? My company has brought me to so many countries around the world and that is an education in itself. Chanelle Pharma exports to 94 countries. One of the highlights was spending an hour with Muhammad Ali and, this year, I had a horse running in the Kentucky Derby. What are your future goals? We’ve a huge development plan. We’re expanding the facility here and bringing in lots of new products. Do you have advice for UCD students? Have a clear goal and work hard. Get the balance right between the academic side and your social life.

LAW AWARD

BILL SHIPSEY S.C. BCL 1979

Bill is a human rights activist and retired Senior Counsel barrister. He also initiated the Ambassador of Conscience Award, Amnesty International’s most prestigious human rights award, and has been involved with many philanthropic organisations and boards.

What are your UCD highlights? After six years of single-sex boarding school, the freedom and luxury – academic and personal – of being in a university environment was the highlight of my time there. Much of what I enjoyed and appreciated occurred beyond the lectures! What are you most proud of in your career to date? I have been fortunate to have had two careers. One in-law – from which I have retired – and the other engaging with artists for the benefit of Amnesty International and human rights. But it is the Art for Amnesty work that I am most proud of. In what way did the pandemic impact on your work? It cramped my travel style for sure. It also made me realise that we should be more conscious of our travel and not travel for the sake of travelling or just for meetings that can be done more efficiently with the dreaded Zoom. I still managed to complete a film project with filming in Mexico City, Paris, Cape Town, New Delhi and Sydney from the comfort of my office chair in Paris. What advice do you have for UCD’s latest graduates? It sounds cliched, but if there was any advice that I would dispense it would be the advice J.K. Rowling gave to Harvard undergraduates on the twin benefits of failure and imagination: don’t fear failure and use your imagination.

www.ucd.ie/alumniawards

‘IF YOU WEREN’T there not only would you not know, you literally wouldn’t believe it’. UCD alumna Maeve Binchy said it best. At its heart, involvement in society life in UCD has very regularly been multiple experiences in search of a narrative.

Joining countless societies during Freshers Week just for the free lunch. Missing the last bus home after a sangria-soaked gathering with the Spanish Society. Queuing for hours to secure a ticket to the Engineering, Commerce or Law Ball. Being dragged by a friend on some society committee to an event in the depths of the Arts Block only to realise, “Wait, there’s a theatre here!”.

Then there were the characters. The single society ‘specialist’, member of one society only, attending their events religiously, often ending up as the Auditor or Treasurer as a reward for their fervorous commitment. The society ‘multi-tasker’, regularly holding down positions across multiple societies, up at dawn with a roll of Sellotape, ready to carry boxes, keep accounts, write letters and book venues or die trying. The committee ‘specialist’, the old hand at committees, brought in to run the ball, and organising it to within an inch of its life, driving everyone else demented along the way. And the ‘committee magpie’ (or in 21st-century parlance, the ‘hoodie collector’), no role is too small (and no important-sounding title too large) for this person.

Societies are a broad church, bringing together students from all backgrounds, united only by their interest in the arcanity of such topics as Japanese film, knitting or tractors. They are the glue which holds together the UCD experience. Lots of institutions offer accounting or science degrees, not all provide the subversion and irresponsibility of societies (the irresponsibility obviously being minimised because “it’s all in a good cause!”)

No member of a society doesn’t have a story from a society night out (most of them unprintable here). For the UCD student, societies were, and are, the lodestone around which most of their finest hours revolved. For many, it was also the first taste of leadership and involvement for their future careers progression. Ryan Tubridy honed his interview skills as Auditor of the History Society; the quick wit of Dara Ó Briain skewered many aspiring speakers and audience members from his throne as Auditor of the L&H; Martina Fitzgerald developed her interest in current affairs as Auditor of the Politics Society, while political luminaries Hazel Chu, Dr Garret FitzGerald and Charles Haughey led the Philosophy, Economics, and C&E Societies respectively.

Even today, old friends come together every year at UCD reunions, Christmas parties, weddings and dinners, and talk invariably turns to the insanity that they shared as committee and society members together. The phrase most commonly used is ‘we wouldn’t get away with it now’! But, you know what? They’re still getting away with it. As Maeve Binchy said ‘you literally wouldn’t believe it’.

Over the last 160 years there have been over 100 student societies, each with its own unique story. The Societies History & Memories Project was created to capture a snapshot of our shared history that may otherwise fade from memory.

Today UCD is home to a population of more than 35,000 students, including overseas campuses. Despite the COVID-19 restrictions early in the academic year, some 15,198 individual students became members of a student society. In all, there were a total of 61,505 memberships shared by over 83 societies, with 22 societies exceeding 1,000 members.

While a great many things have changed in Belfield, the importance of society life and its place at the heart of UCD’s student experience has remained constant. Students continue to attend debates, seminars, musical and theatre performances, formals and other social events. Annually there are over 4,000 events on campus, not including the countless committee meetings, casual meet-ups and of course the days and months spent by committees preparing their schedule of events.

Student societies support a number of charity partners and annually (preCOVID-19) raise over €200,000 through direct fundraising.

PILLARS OF SOCIETIES

Mervyn Wall

I resigned after a disagreement with Dr Coffey as to the Dramatic Society’s right to choose for itself the play for its annual public production. ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ had been suggested, and Dr Coffey referred our choice to the professor of English Literature, who reported unfavourably, saying to me that he did not think it proper that the students should go out under the banner of Oscar Wilde.

We then proposed a play called ‘Winterest’, which was all about Vikings and similar husky characters with wings on their helmets, but Dr Coffey imposed a veto, partly because he thought that the play would not be a commercial success and partly because he thought that influence outside the college was being exercised upon us in the choice of play. I believed the issue of freedom for the Dramatic Society to be an important one and resigned from the directorship and from the Society. “Foolish young man” was Dr Coffey’s comment. As it happened, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ was the play that accorded presidential approval in the end, and it was put on some months later at the Gate.

From Centenary History of the Literary and Historical Society 1885-1955, edited by James Meenan, published by A&A Farmar.

Dr Garret FitzGerald

While I enjoyed work at college, study certainly did not absorb much of my energies. I joined a large number of societies and concentrated on helping with the societies’ teas, having observed at an early stage that the preparations for these festivities, which followed language-society meetings in particular, were undertaken by girls. Boys – oddly, I thought, having been brought up in a family of boys where all had to help with meals – regard this part of a society’s activities as being beneath their dignity. The loss was theirs, I felt, especially after seven years at a single-sex secondary school, the major attraction of university life, it seemed to me, was the company of girls. Before long, I featured in the college magazine with the comment ‘among the girls present was Sir Garth FitzGerald Bart.’ – and there he remained.

From Just Garret, an autobiography by Garret FitzGerald, published by Liberties Press.

Des Keogh

DramSoc moved to the Belfield campus in 1972, wrote Peter McGuire in The Irish Times in 2007, and was given rehearsal and performance space in the lower floor of the arts building, where it remains to this day. Students can still be found lingering around the DramSoc noticeboard, rehearsing their lines and investing huge amounts of time and energy into productions which they hope will rival the professionals. “DramSoc certainly had a huge influence on my life,” says Des Keogh. “It’s where I really learned about acting and the theatre. It gave me a huge amount of opportunities and a lot of breaks in the world of drama. Most of all, it’s where I learnt that acting is really what I love and want to work in.”

From ‘Dramatic Times on Stage’, published in The Irish Times, 15 May, 2007.

Maeve Binchy

The debate at the L&H on a Saturday night was the sex of the fifties. Who knew how the night might end? Well, I always knew how the night would end, actually, it ended in the same way most of the time with me having to run down from the Physics Theatre in what was then UCD and now houses the National Concert Hall to catch the 11:23pm train back to Dalkey from Pearse Station, then called Westland Row.

In my first year, 1956-7, I looked at the Auditor and committee as if they were great stellar creatures, no boys band or football team could have got as much adoration.

I ached to be part of it all, something much nearer than just sitting in those ascending benches. Other girls dreamed of wearing strapless dresses and being whirled around to the music of Neil Kearns in the Gresham; I yearned to be the confidante of the L&H Committee, earnestly discussing some new outrage that had to be dealt with, or coming up with a wonderful speaker that no one else had thought of.

When Myles McWeeney was going to become Auditor the following year, he asked me to serve on his committee. Apart from the proposal of marriage that I got at a much, much later time, it was the most wonderful question I was asked in my life. When I look back at it all, it was a very hot house and totally overdramatic and I loved every bit of it.

You always think your time is the best; I KNOW those years nearly half a century ago were magic. But just as I thought my father’s generation fairly sad and pathetic back in the twenties, so too do people laugh an embarrassed laugh at our antics. It doesn’t matter. It’s only lent to you, that time. And we loved it.

From The Literary and Historical Society, 1955-2005, edited by Frank Callanan, published by A&A Farmar.

Vincent Browne

The centre of my life really was the L&H, which met on Saturday nights in the Physics Theatre on Earlsfort Terrace. It was an incredible arena … I did a post-graduate thing in Loyola University in New Orleans. I came back, and I suddenly found the whole place to be dampened down by this monster, crypto-fascist [Michael] Tierney [then President of UCD].

[Michael Tierney] banned me from coming in [to the L&H] and I sent a telegram saying that I was coming, got Jackie McGowran in the Abbey to make me up as a woman.

Tierney panicked, called in the police, police were all around. I got past, sat in there for about two hours, and then Seamus Sorohan [now a senior counsel] stood up and said what will happen if he comes in and Ryan said – Lemass was in the chair – “I’ll have him suspended and put out”. So I stood up and took off my wig and handcuffed myself to the desk and the whole thing broke up. Tierney actually expelled me from the college for that. I had my BA at the time, I had just got it, but I had my Law lectures to do and he wouldn’t let me do them.

From ‘Ulick O’Connor: A very cavalier Irishman in every sense of the word’, published in The Irish Times, 12 August 2015.

UCD SOCIETIES PROJECT

We invite alumni to share their story with us at www.ucdsocietieshistory.ie. This can take the form you are most comfortable with. It can be anecdotal, it can explore what a society meant to you or look at a certain period more generally.

This work is part of an ongoing project with an eye to creating a central archive collection, connecting with society alumni and publishing and exhibiting materials. A book project is also being explored to tell the story of UCD Societies through personal vignettes. This project can only be successful with your support. www.ucdsocietieshistory.ie.

AS THE FIRST university in Ireland to develop a neurodiversity focus, UCD is striving to promote the rich benefits of a neurodiversity-friendly campus. Pioneering this initiative embodies the vision and strategic objectives of UCD and accentuates the University’s commitment to equality in Irish society with a cutting-edge approach, channelling the largely untapped potential of neurodiversity. An initiative originally shaped by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CHAS), with the key support and input of Professor Fiona McNicholas, the UCD Neurodiversity Programme has made great strides in a short space of time and now seeks to broaden its reach. Professor Colin Scott, Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, UCD emphasises that the University Management Team EDI Group “was proud to establish a Neurodiversity Working Group … to enhance existing supports for all members of our university community”.

Neurodiversity is a term coined in the 1990s to describe the wide variation in human brain functions relating to sociability, learning, attention and mood. The term encompasses many common conditions traditionally labelled as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia and Dyspraxia and represents at least 10% of the population. By embracing these conditions as reflecting the ‘neurological diversity’ of the human brain rather than pathologising their difference, this conceptualisation of ‘diversity rather than deficit’ leans on concepts such as biodiversity. Neurodiversity acknowledges and respects all types of brain functioning and implicitly understands that each and all can contribute to the tapestry of humanity given the correct conditions. The fact that some types of brain functioning are more common in the majority of people is not assumed to imply deficit in the minority.

A key aim in reconfiguring the conceptualisation of these conditions is to promote the understanding that many of the challenges that exist for people who are in the neurominority are societal. It is hoped that increased understanding and awareness across all sections of society will lead to fuller societal participation, harnessing the strengths and exceptional promise of neurodiversity.

To this end, in March 2022 UCD held its first Neurodiversity Celebration Week ably curated by Eimear O’Reilly, Projects Officer, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), UCD. In what was an enormously rewarding, well-received venture, the event inaugurated the opportunity to highlight neurodiversity across the entire UCD community. It involved contributions from students, past and present, across an array of disciplines who shared their experiences of neurodiversity in the university setting and beyond.

Participants of Neurodiversity Celebration Week included creative artists, academics, medical professionals, engineers and architects as well as individuals from Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, Google and the Irish banking sector. Ronan McGovern, a UCD alumnus, was one such contributor. Ronan, who has a diagnosis of ADHD, works in AIB where he promotes awareness of neurodiversity. He graduated from Stanford Business School where he worked for six months as a scholar at the Stanford Neurodiversity Project. Spreading the word about neurodiversity is something that Ronan is passionate about. He believes that the neurodiverse population encounters unconscious bias of which society is mostly unaware: “Growing up in Ireland with (then undiagnosed) Combined Type ADHD, I suffered greatly, and I would like that no one has to go through this suffering in the future. Neurodiverse people are a huge source of invisible innovation in society and if this is recognised, the world will be a better and more diverse place for it.”

Another participant was Adrian Jones, Global Head of Healthcare Private Investing, Goldman Sachs, New York. Adrian, who has an MA in Economics from UCD, understands the importance of the programme for the corporate world: “Neurodiversity in the workplace is primarily about fairness. It is also about successfully recruiting and retaining talent in a ferociously competitive global market. By building a culture of awareness and inclusion, employers can ensure that all employees reach their full potential and thrive as their authentic selves.”

Despite often having rare patterns of cognitive strengths, achieving university entry and navigating the education system will generally reflect a more arduous path for neurodiverse students. The nature of the variability of brain functioning is such that the university experience is laden with demands that are uniquely challenging and, all too often, the true potential of neurodiverse individuals, both students and staff, remains untapped. In order to facilitate a successful university experience, it is critical that universities provide adequate recognition, supports and equality of opportunity. Professor Scott notes that “teams from UCD Access and Lifelong Learning and other key services play an important role in ensuring neurodivergent students can thrive at university and can succeed when entering the workforce.”

In this journey, the UCD group has looked abroad for inspiration. At an international level, Stanford University has been to the forefront by establishing the first ‘Neurodiversity Friendly Campus’. Director of the Stanford Neurodiversity Project, psychiatrist Dr Lawrence Fung, has generously provided guidance to its nascent UCD equivalent. Stanford has incorporated a number of different strands in its mission, strands which the UCD group seeks to emulate. Firstly, and most importantly, it recognises the potential that neurodiversity offers. Stanford sets out to maximise this potential by not just empowering the neurodiverse community on campus but by actively setting out to attract neurodivergent staff and students to the university. As such, the Stanford project seeks not to merely cater to a ‘minimum standard’ of inclusion but sets out to raise the bar to promote a university culture that harnesses the true value of differences in thinking and learning styles. The value of this approach is fully endorsed by Dr Deirdre O’Connor, Chair of the UCD EDI Disability Sub-Group/Associate Dean for EDI in the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science: “Initiatives that promote a more neurodiversity-friendly campus are at the heart of UCD’S EDI remit, which is about creating an environment that is inclusive to all students and staff and celebrates the rich diversity that exists in our university.”

The Stanford project aims to embolden neurodiverse individuals to deliver on their potential and to disseminate knowledge through teaching and training to allow crossfertilisation of this positive culture across the employment sector. A key component of this model is linking with businesses in the Stanford area. Today, most major international tech companies in Silicon Valley, a sector which has traditionally welcomed and benefited from a more neurodiverse workforce, have a neurodiversity inclusion policy, helped in no small part by an agreement signed in December 2020 with Google who piloted a Neurodiversity at Work Programme at Google Cloud.

Another strand to the Stanford model adopted by UCD is to disseminate its message locally, nationally, and internationally. In May 2022, UCD hosted a world-first global conference on ‘Neurodiversity and the Legal System’. This conference complements the UCD group’s collaboration with An Garda Síochána with respect to Neurodiversity and Human Rights.

Ken Kilbride, CEO of ADHD-Ireland, an advocacy charity, stresses the societal value of this truly collaborative approach:

“We have welcomed the fact that UCD has embraced us as an equal partner to develop a wide range of neurodiversity initiatives and indeed world-leading conferences.

This parity of esteem has delivered visible impacts not only for UCD, its students and alumni but also to positively increase acceptance of ADHD throughout Ireland.”

Partnerships such as this are intrinsic to the framework of the Neurodiversity Programme in UCD, which incorporates a multifaceted approach to achieving its objectives by involving neurodiverse students/staff, the broader student population and academic faculty, advocates, clinicians, companies/employers and the local community. This framework is designed to mutually benefit the student, the university and wider society. This model informs the approach of directly linking with the business community to support their neurodiverse employees and, in turn, to provide a funding stream for the initiative. As the project evolves, it is envisaged that there will be increasing involvement with industry which will confer long-term growth. The potential value of this approach is seen in the group’s work with the multi-national PM Group. Engineer Bryan Humphreys at PM Group recognises the rewards of neurodiversity awareness: “UCD Neurodiversity outputs have helped our business to understand and acknowledge, that it is normal for people to function differently from one another, and helps managers and employees, enabling us to remove boundaries, leveraging the unique strengths of neurodiverse employees and candidates to enable greater innovation, culture, talent retention and more effective decision making.”

As well as new teaching modules, research is at the heart of UCD’s Neurodiversity Programme. Dr Timmy Frawley, Associate Professor in the UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, a key member of the project, has been awarded seed funding to pursue a university-wide Neurodiversity Research Programme. Dr Frawley’s research is underpinned by his commitment to the idea that “recognising that students and staff are neurodistinct” is key to achieving a more inclusive university space. Fundamental to the research is exploring staff and student experiences “to establish what is working well in UCD and how we can build on this.

“Our brains are all wired in myriad ways and for some of us, this makes us neurodivergent or neurodistinct. While this can be an advantage, sometimes problems with living in society can be encountered. Our work in Neurodiversity seeks to level the playing field for all,” says Dr Frawley.

As well as its commitment to research, the UCD Neurodiversity Programme has been running a monthly masterclass series with its external partners since February 2021. Beth Kilkenny, Planning and Projects Manager, UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences, has led this initiative. “We have had world-renowned speakers, academics and clinicians and, of course, members of the neurodivergent community, speak on all aspects of Neurodiversity. The sessions are open to all and we have reached a global audience, from Australia to Ghana to Bermuda, the US and Ireland! In the last 18 months, we have reached over 1,500 people. It is rewarding to know the work we are doing has such reach and impact.”

The international reach of the UCD Neurodiversity Programme is reflected in the partnership with the Institute of Neurodiversity, a global advocacy group founded by corporate governance expert, Charlotte Valeur who identifies autism as key to her success. UCD is also the first university in Ireland to join the Global Neurodiversity Hub Community of Practice. Based in Melbourne, Australia, founder Andrew Eddy is very proud to be involved in the ongoing work at UCD. “Running through each of the activities of the UCD Neurodiversity Programme,” according to Mr Eddy, is a common theme “of selflessly trying to make a difference and inspire positive change. The team at UCD has created a significant shift in the global narrative around Neurodiversity, higher education and employment.”

The UCD Neurodiversity Programme has achieved much since its recent inception. The working group looks forward to continuing its work guided by its North Star that Neurodiversity is welcomed and celebrated, allowing everyone to flourish while enriching the global UCD community.

1 ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY

A more diverse history of modern architecture and design

UCD Architectural historian Professor Kathleen James-Chakraborty is leading ‘Expanding Agency: Women, Race and the Global Dissemination of Modern Architecture’, a project that explores the role that women and members of ethnic minorities, primarily African-Americans, played in transmitting modern architecture and design internationally between 1920 and 1970. The five-year project is funded under a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant and will explore journalism, patronage and institution building to widen the historical focus of the built environment beyond white men in architecture. The findings will support a more diverse profession to address social issues such as sustainability and integration of migrants.

2 HISTORY

Rethinking civil wars in Europe

We might think of civil wars as isolated, local issues. But research led by Professor Robert Gerwarth, Professor of Modern History at UCD, seeks to challenge this view. ‘The Age of Civil Wars in Europe, 1914-1949’ will examine civil wars in the first half of the 20th century in Europe, from Ireland to Russia, from Finland to Spain and Greece. Funded under a ERC Advanced Grant, it will lead to a better understanding of why the 20th century became the most violent in recorded human history, and why civilians outnumbered soldiers among the dead in most of these conflicts

3 MIGRATION

Unlocking how migration shapes cultural identity

What clues do 19th-century texts hold about British attitudes to European migrants in Victorian times and beyond? Professor Gerardine Meaney has been granted ERC Advanced funding to find out. A major collaboration between literary criticism and data analytics will analyse almost 36,000 books in the British Library Nineteenth Century Corpus. Migrants were vital to the economy and culture of Victorian Britain. The project will focus on how intra-European cultural exchange triggered by population movement is embedded in Victorian fiction. It will identify persistent attitudes to a cross-section of European migrants (Irish, Italian and Eastern European Jewish) and the dynamic cultural impact of the migrants themselves.

4 WOMEN IN STEM

Stories of and for women in STEM

To tackle the lack of engagement by girls with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in disadvantaged schools, UCD researchers Professor Judith Harford, Assistant Professor Rachel Farrell and Assistant Professor Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin worked with more than 1,000 pupils in disadvantaged schools in Leinster to understand more about attitudes to STEM. In parallel, creative new approaches to increasing engagement with STEM have emerged led by project manager Karen Maye and Philosophy for Children expert Marelle Rice, including telling stories of pioneering women in their fields. The approach has demonstrably boosted interest among girls in secondary schools in studying STEM subjects for Leaving Cert and beyond.

5 MY WORLD SURVEY

Improving youth mental health in Ireland

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions shone a light on the importance of youth mental health. My World Survey (MWS) is the largest national survey on mental health among people aged 12-25 in Ireland. Led by Professor Barbara Dooley from UCD School of Psychology, the MWS surveys carried out in 2012 and 2019 in collaboration with Jigsaw, the mental health supports service for young people, identified the importance of a young person having a supportive adult in their life, the prevalence of excessive drinking and its effects on mental health in this age group and the benefits of young people talking about their problems.

6 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Using AI to prevent elder financial abuse

UCD researchers have developed an alert system based on artificial intelligence (AI) to protect older people from financial abuse or crime. Led by Professor Cal Muckley, the team worked with a major financial institution and used AI to monitor financial transactions. The project showed that the AI system could substantially improve detection of true cases of financial abuse involving customers aged over 70. As a result, around five million accounts belonging to older people benefit from this additional safeguard on their transactions.

7 DIRECT PROVISION

Towards the end of direct provision

In April 2000, the Irish Government introduced direct provision to accommodate people seeking asylum. Some 22 years later, more than 7,000 people are in direct provision, and the Irish Government has committed to ending direct provision by 2024. Research carried out by Associate Professor Liam Thornton at UCD School of Law has identified how the system in Ireland impinges on human rights by limiting access to social welfare and to the labour market and by threatening the protection of home and family. The research is informing advocacy, public discourse and policy and is helping to enable legal change to end direct provision.

8 THE BIOECONOMY

Hands-on learning about the BioEconomy

A new European project led by Associate Professor Tom Curran at UCD School of Biosystems and Food Engineering will develop hands-on educational activities and programmes for schoolchildren and young people to learn about important themes in the BioEconomy, including connectedness, forestry, life below water and how nutrients flow through the ‘food loop’. The two-year BiaBeo project, funded under Horizon Europe, will deliver educational modules such as creating an indoor wormery, planting trees and grasses, learning about the maths of forests and creating mini-habitats, as well as learning about biogas, the benefits of seaweeds and the importance of removing marine plastic litter.

9 HEALTH

Opening up software to tackle Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can lead to life-threatening physical complications, distress, anxiety and depression. To help, tech-savvy people with diabetes and their families have developed open-source software to automatically deliver insulin dosing in response to their glucose levels, in order to stay within a healthy range and reduce the relentless psychological burden of the condition. The OPEN project, led in Ireland by Dr Shane O’Donnell at UCD School of Sociology and School of Medicine, is examining the clinical outcomes, quality of life and lived experiences of people using these opensource systems, identifying barriers to uptake and developing consensus on their safe and ethical use.

10 UNPACKING PREJUDICE

A new historical perspective on the ‘drunken Irish’ stereotype

Historically the Irish in London and New York have often been portrayed as being prone to alcoholism. But what lies behind this ‘drunken Irish’ stereotype, and what impact did it have? Dr Alice Mauger from UCD School of History is leading the five-year DIASPORA project (‘Deciphering Irish Alcohol and Substance use: Post-war Representations and Accounts’) to find out. Funded by the ERC, it focuses on the lived experience and broader historical and religious context of the Irish in London and New York after the Second World War, and will offer a new way of understanding ethnic and racial inequalities and prejudices.

11 BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE

Changing citizen habits for a climate-neutral Europe

The European Green Deal seeks to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world. But citizens need to be involved. Professor Francesco Pilla from UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy is leading Ireland’s participation in the EU-funded I-CHANGE (‘Individual Change of HAbits Needed for Green European transition’) project to encourage citizens and civil society to understand and align their habits with environmental protection. Using a ‘Living Lab’ approach, the project will create greater awareness of the scientific processes that underlie climate change and will change the minds, hearts and actions of citizens in a bid to make Europe green.

12 ANTI-GENDER POLITICS

Enabling understanding to strengthen democracy

Anti-gender politics threatens modern democracies, because they challenge people’s everyday survival, bodily integrity and self-determination. Professor Kath Browne from UCD School of Geography, whose research interests are in social and cultural geographies, leads the RESIST project to explore the mechanisms of anti-gender politics and its effects on individuals and on democracies in the EU and beyond. By working with civil society organisations, the RESIST project aims to enable those who are most at risk of violation by anti-gender politics, including women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, and thereby strengthen democracies.

■ www.ucd.ie/research