The core ethos of this year event “Sustainable Research in a Sustainable World,” marked TUS’s most extensive and impactful Research Week yet, bringing together experts, researchers, enterprise, industry partners, and policymakers to celebrate the transformative power of research.
The week kicked off with an opening address led by Prof Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, who highlighted the growing impact of TUS’s research initiatives. Focusing how these efforts have advance knowledge and contribute to the region’s economic and social well-being. Growing our research capacity exponentially year on year. Our commitment to attracting high-calibre international researchers and building long-term partnerships remains a top priority, both in our global markets and through the RUN-EU alliance.
This sentiment echoed throughout week, as events continued to foster sustainable research that delivers forward-thinking solutions across our regional smart specialisations.
Following Prof Cunnane’s address, a panel discussion kicked off the day with rMEPs Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Billy Kelleher, joined by Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy CEO- Research Ireland; Marina Donohue, Head of Research & Innovation – Enterprise Ireland; Tim Conlon, Head of Policy & Strategic Planning – Higher Education Authority; Dr Liam Brown, VP Research, Development & Innovation – TUS. Chaired by Prof Willie Donnelly, President Emeritus – SETU Waterford the panel offering valuable insights on the vital intersection of research, policy, and innovation. The morning was followed by staff led presentations highlighting key areas of research and providing crucial support for securing funding and advancing research initiatives
Supported by the TUS RISE programme day 2 took place at TUS’s Coonagh Campus in Limerick, our ‘Impact Pathways for Enterprise & Innovation’ focused on fostering collaboration between researchers, industry leaders, and enterprises. The day began with a keynote by Dr. Christopher Dwyer, who emphasised the importance of “impact” in bridging education, research, industry, and society. Panel discussions featured experts from TUS and the industry, highlighting how research drives socio-economic change and supports regional development. Delivered by Neil McDermott, Senior Manager TU RISE – Higher Education Authority; David Kelly, Director – Southern Regional Assembly; Dr Liam Brown, Vice President Research & Development – TUS and Michelle Cooney, Senior Strategic Research Support Manager – TUS) our TUS RISE session, explored how TUS, with support from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), Southern Regional Assembly and industry partners, is strengthening research infrastructure to foster enterprise collaboration.
Later that evening attendees gathered for the annual networking dinner, where Dr Martin Mansergh, former member of Dáil Éireann & the Seanad, delivered a keynote address on the importance of education, research, and innovation across Ireland. Dr Mansergh’s insights were invaluable in framing the critical role that education and research play in the country’s socio-economic development.
Day 3, themed ‘Normal is Broken’ took place on the Limerick School of Art & Design (LSAD), Clare St Campus challenged traditional research paradigms by championing creativity as a critical driver for addressing today’s complex technological, environmental, and societal issues. Opened by Dr Mike Fitzpatrick, Dean of LSAD and Dr Gráinne Walshe, Assistant Director – Research Ireland, the day featured engaging sessions and inspiring panel discussions, workshops, and industry partnerships, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches while also highlighting the support and initiatives from Research Ireland to foster creative and practice-based research across all disciplines. I
Day 4 was dedicated to supporting and celebrating TUS’s postgraduate research students. The Thesis in 3 finals and the annual awards ceremony recognised outstanding achievements in several categories. Winners included:
- Best Impact: Muhammad Moghees Ud Din
- Best Design: Shahboz Babaev
- Best Communications: Mariana Juca da Silveira e Silva
- Best Industry Engagement: Alison Jane Reid
- Best Overall Impact: Mariana Juca da Silveira e Silva
In the Thesis in 3 competition, Mohammad Altaf took home the top prize as Best Early Career Researcher, with Varsha Sasikumar and Alan Coffey securing runner-up positions.
The final day of TUS Research Week featured two workshops that underscored the university’s commitment to cutting-edge research and innovation. The Climate Fresk Workshop offered a dynamic, interactive approach to raising awareness about climate change, while the Agentic AI Workshop focused on how AI can enhance teaching and learning through human-AI collaboration.
Commenting on the event, Vice President of Research, Development and Innovation at TUS, Dr. Liam Brown said: “Fantastic work has been put in by all of Postgraduate Research students and RUN-EU partners who have participated with posters and presentations. Thank you to our collaborators, industry partners, the TUS Research and Graduate School team and our funders – the Higher Education Authority, Southern Regional Assembly, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, European Commission and Enterprise Ireland and Research Ireland for making this week happen.”
We are already looking ahead to TUS Research Week 2026. The enthusiasm, collaboration, and innovation demonstrated across all seven TUS campuses this week have set the stage for even greater achievements in the future. From interdisciplinary research to impactful industry partnerships, TUS Research Week continues to showcase the breadth and depth of research happening at the university.
Congratulations to all who participated in this year’s event—your dedication to advancing knowledge and creating lasting impact is what makes TUS Research Week a highlight of the academic calendar. We look forward to even more exciting developments in the year to come
Thank you to everyone who made TUS Research Week 2025 an unforgettable experience.
TUS RISE is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
