The launch of Ireland\u2019s first satellite, EIRSAT-1 was a step change in Irish science and engineering. The satellite, built by University College Dublin students under the guidance of UCD faculty and staff and with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), is now orbiting the earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The success of this scientific mission is emblematic of what can be achieved when a clear vision is matched by knowledge, passion and dedication. Our University motto, Ad Astra \u2013 to the stars \u2013 has never seemed more apt. And our ambitions have never seemed more possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Across all areas of our University, UCD students and faculty continue to generate the original knowledge and the innovative breakthroughs needed to tackle some of the world\u2019s most complex challenges, to make a positive impact on society and to map out a better future for us all. We must encourage them to reach for the stars and support them when they do so. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the next couple of months, UCD\u2019s new five-year strategy will be launched. We are grateful for the contributions of our alumni, supporters and other stakeholders in developing the strategy and shaping the future of UCD, and I thank all of those who participated in our consultation process. Together, through our new strategic direction, we can reach great new heights and ensure UCD\u2019s future standing among the best universities in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At our summer graduation ceremonies at Belfield, more than 1,300 students were conferred. The degree awards were a combination of undergraduate degrees, postgraduate awards, and PhDs. We also conferred degrees on over 800 students across our joint international campuses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I would like to personally welcome each of our new graduates to our alumni community, and invite you to stay in contact with your alma mater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the pages of this magazine you will read of the many ways that UCD and its partners and collaborators are joining together to set out and achieve ambitious goals. You will see how a \u20ac6m philanthropic donation from FBD is set to transform agricultural science with the construction of a new Agricultural Science Centre at UCD Lyons Farm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This new state-of-the-art centre will enable students, researchers, innovators and industry experts to collaborate on far-reaching projects to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of modern farming and agriculture \u2013 including global food security and the sustainable future of our planet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will also see that a record number of UCD sports stars were selected to fly the flag for Team Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. A mix of both students and alumni, the 34 UCD-affiliated athletes competed across a range of events including cycling, hockey, rowing, rugby, equestrian, track and field, sailing, swimming, table tennis and archery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Team Ireland took home seven Olympic medals, with UCD alumnus Paul O\u2019Donovan and his team-mate Fintan McCarthy winning Gold in the Men\u2019s Lightweight Double Sculls. But it is the ambition, dedication and commitment of all our athletes to be the best that they can be that we particularly wish to emphasise. We are in awe of their achievements on the world stage. They made UCD and Ireland very proud. To celebrate their successes, we will welcome the athletes to a homecoming on campus at their alma mater later this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And finally, in the pages that follow, you will read of the many key appointments and achievements of UCD alumni \u2013 some of whom you may recognise and remember from your time as a UCD student. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their successes embody the best of what it means to be a UCD graduate. T\u00e1imid an-bhr\u00f3d\u00fail as \u00e1r bpobal alumni.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The launch of Ireland\u2019s first satellite, EIRSAT-1 was a step change in Irish science and engineering. The satellite, built by University College Dublin students under the guidance of UCD faculty and staff and with the support of the European Space Agency (ESA), is now orbiting the earth. The success of this scientific mission is emblematic…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8476,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[168],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-168"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n