News

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.