The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has been awarded over 1 million euro as part of the prestigious Research Ireland National Challenge Fund (NCF) announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD.
This is a historic milestone for TUS, securing its first ever victory in the final Prize Phase of the National Challenge Fund.
The university was one of six teams to benefit from an 8-million-euro prize pot for its Traceless project – which addresses the issue of microplastics in forestry.
Traceless is led by Dr. Yuanyuan Chen (TUS) in collaboration with Co-Lead Professor Maurice Collins (University of Limerick) and industry partner Maurice Ryan (Green Belt Ltd), and was named overall winner of the ‘Healthy Environment for All’ Challenge.
Speaking on this achievement, Dr. Liam Brown, VP of Research, Development & Innovation at TUS, said: We are so proud of Dr Yuanyuan Chen’s achievement in winning this prestigious award. This is a first for TUS and is a testament to our commitment to finding practical, scalable solutions to the global sustainability challenge. This project clearly demonstrates how applied research can deliver real-world impact — and how innovation and sustainability are interlinked.
We are also delighted to collaborate with our colleagues from the University of Limerick led by Prof. Maurice Collins and Greenbelt our Societal Impact Champion led by Maurice Ryan. We would also like to thank the Research Ireland team and Commissioner Michael McGrath for their support.”
The Healthy Environment for All Challenge gives academic research teams a unique opportunity to contribute to Ireland’s transition to an environmentally sustainable and climate-neutral economy.
The Traceless Project
Current forestry practices frequently rely on plastic tree shelters that break down into harmful microplastics over time. Traceless is developing fully biodegradable, durable, tree-supporting products with controlled-release fertilizers. The proposed solution can position Ireland as an innovation leader in green forestry practices that can be adopted globally, while enabling compliance with EU regulations on plastic reduction and improving soil health.
Dr. Yuanyuan Chen, Traceless Team Lead at TUS, commented: “We are delighted to have entered the prize phase of the National Challenge Fund to pioneer the development of fully biodegradable tree-supporting products. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at TUS, as well as developing solutions that impact real world problems.
“I would like to thank our project partners UL and Green Belt Ltd for their vast knowledge and expertise. We are proud that Traceless is the result of such a partnership and focus. The NCF has majorly supported us in the creation of our products that ensure sustainable growth while helping to preserve the environment and eliminate microplastic and chemical pollution.”
Announcing the €8 million funding across the winning teams, Minister James Lawless TD said:
“I am delighted to announce the second cohort of teams to receive prize funding under the National Challenge Fund.
These research teams are driving innovative projects that will help Ireland transition to a clean and secure energy system, strengthen our ability to anticipate and respond to flood risks, protect children by recognising and resisting grooming tactics, and advance our move towards an environmentally sustainable, climate-neutral economy.
I congratulate all the teams on their success in this highly competitive programme.”
EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, said: “The National Challenge Fund demonstrates the real impact of strategic EU investment on Irish society. The prize funding awarded today will help research teams advance solutions to major challenges on the path to a more sustainable, safer and more resilient future. Protecting the environment and children, while upholding fundamental rights, remains a core priority for the European Commission. Research and innovation are key to a just transition to a climate-neutral society and a fair, safe digital world. The work supported today will help shape a better future for Ireland, Europe and the global community.”
The Traceless team will use this prize funding to scale their solution, positioning Ireland as an innovation leader in green forestry practices globally.