A research engineer at the PRISM Research Institute at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone has been awarded Ireland’s Top Bioeconomy Young Talent at the 2024 All-Island Bioeconomy Summit.
Dr Declan Colbert, from Tullamore, Co. Offaly, scooped the prestigious accolade for his innovative work in developing eco-friendly plastics made from seaweed and systems to reduce greenhouse gases in farming.
His award-winning research on creating macroalgae-based thermoplastics for packaging aims to replace traditional plastics, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of plastic production.
The seaweed-based plastics developed by Dr Colbert are sustainable, biodegradable and can be processed using existing plastic manufacturing equipment, making them a practical replacement for oil-based plastics.
Additionally, Dr Colbert has developed a new veterinary drug delivery system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle.
This innovative system, which uses long-lasting devices for delivering supplements to cattle, could help farmers maintain or even increase productivity with a smaller herd of cattle and reduce methane, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Dr Colbert’s educational background includes a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a PhD in Polymer Engineering from TUS Athlone.
His doctoral research was awarded an Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund and won an award for Research Emerging from Third-Level at the EI Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships last year.
His current projects are supported by several significant grants, including an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Partnership and a Capital Equipment Grant.
TUS Vice President Research, Development and Innovation Dr Liam Brown said, “Dr Colbert’s contributions to the bioeconomy sector are not only advancing sustainable practices in important areas such as agriculture and the environment but are also creating new economic opportunities in Ireland. For example, the development of seaweed-based thermoplastics and the potential to produce this sustainable plastic on a commercial scale has the possibility of generating jobs and positioning Ireland as a leader in bio-based plastics.”
Director of PRISM Dr Declan Devine added, “Dr Colbert’s recognition as the Top Bioeconomy Young Talent for 2024 underscores the importance and impact of his innovative research and dedication to sustainability, particularly in regard to the agricultural sector and the broader bioeconomy. By providing sustainable solutions to plastic waste and reducing agricultural emissions, his research offers promising avenues for improving climate neutrality and helping Ireland to meet its CO2 reduction targets.”
The All-Island Bioeconomy Summit celebrates individuals and organisations that significantly contribute to the bioeconomy sector in Ireland.