MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has unveiled an exciting lineup for the 2024 Kerry Science Festival, now in its 9th year.
Sponsored by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) as part of National Science Week, this popular festival promises a range of engaging outreach events across Kerry throughout the month, culminating in National Science Week from November 10th-17th .
Events include the hugely popular Family Fun STEM Showcase Day at the North Campus on Saturday, November 16.
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Science Week is a national celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), featuring hundreds of events for all ages.
This year’s theme, Regeneration, invites people to reimagine how we engage with the world and strengthen our collective future.
“I’m delighted to see that many of the events in this year’s Science Week focus on Sustainability and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, which are central to MTU’s strategic objectives,” said MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack.
“MTU is already a leader in Science education and research in the southwest, and this will be enhanced with the opening of our state-of-the-art STEM building ‘An Cuan’ on Kerry North campus next summer.”
Professor Joseph Walsh, Head of School of STEM at MTU, Director of the IMaR Research Centre and Science Festival Lead, expressed his gratitude for the staff and community of MTU who make Science Week possible: “The success of Science Week is driven by the dedicated STEM professionals at MTU, along with our strong community and business partnerships, who come together to deliver engaging and impactful activities each year. We’re incredibly thankful for their passion and commitment to promoting science to the public.”
For more information and to view the full schedule of events, visit www.kerryscience.ie.
MUNSTER Technological University Kerry recently presented Certificates of Participation to learners with intellectual disabilities in a celebration event on Thursday in MTU Kerry North Campus.
The event celebrated the participation of adult learners with intellectual disabilities who completed an “Introduction to Advocacy Skills Programme” which took place over four weeks on the Kerry Campus.
The learners are service users from various services in the county including St John of God Kerry Services, Kerry Parents & Friends Association, National Learning Network, RehabCare and Resilience.
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The programme was delivered by MTU Kerry Social Care lecturers Róisín McKenna and Paddy Kevane.
The aim of the programme was to assist learners to develop their knowledge of advocacy and build confidence to speak out.
The programme was really well received by service users and support staff.
The initiative demonstrated the commitment of MTU Kerry to equality, diversity and inclusion within higher education by providing meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in further education.
IRELAND’S Knowledge Centre for Carbon, Climate and Community Action (IKC3) at Munster Technological University and Microsoft have launched the Dream Space TV series, Code Green, aimed at empowering teachers and supporting students to develop green and digital skills.
Code Green is a collaboration between the IKC3 at MTU and Microsoft Dream Space supported by RTÉ Learn.
The Code Green on-demand series provides hands-on educational resources designed to help young people understand their role in creating a more sustainable future.
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In addition to the digital series, the IKC3 project at MTU are seeking to recruit 20 primary schools who will receive the Code Green Schools Resource Bundle; a suite of resources including Micro:bit Class Packs, Sustainability Skills Passports and reward stickers for each pupil, educator guides with one-to-one supports from the IKC3 team as classes complete the series.
The initiative challenges students to develop both their knowledge of sustainability and STEM skills and apply them to advance sustainability in their school and communities.
Aligned with the EU Green Deal 2050, the six freely available Code Green episodes focus on various aspects of sustainability, including building eco-friendly vehicles, coding energy-saving programs, using AI tools to monitor biodiversity, and creating sustainability plans for schools.
Co-designer of the programme Eve Savage of MTU says; “Code Green is a real step change in the merging of sustainability and digital skills for our primary school children. Great attention to detail ensures that each episode is mapped to the existing curriculum and can easily be integrated by their teachers into the school day. We are so excited to recruit 20 schools to join forces with us in order to capture feedback on the content and resources and we have an amazing bundle of goodies to offer. Not only this but all schools will have the opportunity to enter the Code Green Challenge and submit their projects with support from the IKC3 team for the Code Green Showcase event, scheduled for June 2025 at Microsoft’s campus in Leopardstown, Dublin.”
This programme fully aligns with the Government’s Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the importance of empowering and mobilizing young people to take action for a sustainable future. This initiative reflects the collaboration between IKC3 and Microsoft, aiming to promote STEM and sustainability education while building essential green and digital skills for students across Ireland.
Dr Helena McMahon, Director of Ireland’s Knowledge Centre for Carbon Climate and Community Action (IKC3) at Munster Technological University, said: “MTU is delighted to partner with Microsoft on the development and roll-out of Code Green. The IKC3 and Microsoft Dream Space team collaboration has brought together the brightest of minds in programme design, sustainability, and STEM education. This new educational resource for teachers and students nationwide aligns with the EU Green Deal 2050 themes and supports our joint commitment to promote both STEM and sustainability education that build green and digital skills. We encourage every primary school throughout Munster and across the island of Ireland to join us in this exciting learning journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Dr Fiona Boyle, Head of Department of STEM and Director of the REEdI (Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland) project at MTU Kerry campus, has been awarded the prestigious title of Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA), Advance HE.
Dr Boyle is MTU’s first recipient of this distinguished recognition and one of only a select number in Ireland.
The Principal Fellowship is awarded to professionals who demonstrate sustained and effective strategic leadership in higher education, with extensive impact on high-quality learning.
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This accolade is reserved for individuals with a proven track record of innovation and strategic influence, transforming academic practices across institutions, disciplines, and professions.
Dr Boyle’s leadership has shaped MTU’s approach to teaching and learning, particularly within the fields of engineering and STEM education, aligning with MTU’s mission to serve the educational needs of local, regional, and international communities.
Since commencing her work with MTU in 2018, Dr Boyle has led transformative initiatives that have reshaped engineering education and extended into other disciplines.
This has helped significantly enhance MTU’s capabilities, particularly through the development of advanced learning spaces, recruitment of engineering educators, and the establishment of a robust industry network.
Her efforts have been recognised with the “Best Use of Educational Tech” award at the 2024 National Education Awards, solidifying her impact in enhancing the student learning experience through industry partnerships and innovative teaching strategies.
Speaking on the award, Dr Boyle said, “It is an incredible honour to be recognised as Principal Fellow by Advance HE. This achievement not only reflects my personal journey but also highlights the collective efforts of my teams at MTU. It reinforces the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and responsiveness to industry needs in shaping the future of education.”
Dr Boyle’s leadership has secured over €15 million in funding for higher education initiatives at MTU and has driven the expansion of organisational capacity across the university. Her commitment to advancing STEM education is further exemplified by her outreach activities aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly in engineering fields.
Professor Joseph Walsh, Head of the School of STEM at MTU, praised Dr Boyle’s achievement, stating, “Fiona’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing the integration of industry collaboration, innovative educational technologies, and engineering education at MTU. Her recognition as Principal Fellow is a testament to her strategic vision and unwavering dedication to improving the student experience. We are immensely proud of Dr Boyle’s accomplishments, which reflect not only her personal success but also the collective growth of STEM at MTU.”
MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, expressed her congratulations, stating, “On behalf of the entire MTU community, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Dr Fiona Boyle on this remarkable achievement.”
MTU’s annual Advance HE Fellowship Celebration event will be held in December 2024, where Dr Boyle, along with other newly awarded fellows, will be formally acknowledged.
This year, MTU celebrates one Principal Fellow, eight Senior Fellows, four Fellows, and one Associate Fellow, showcasing the University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and leadership across its faculty.
HIS Excellency Maruyama Norio, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, visited the MTU Kerry Campus on Monday where a special discussion was hosted about the relations between Japan and Ireland.
Moderated by Professor Muiris Ó Laoire, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Health and Social Sciences at MTU, the discussion focused on the cultural, economic and educational ties between Ireland and Japan.
Guests included students and staff of MTU, the Mayor of Kerry, Chair of the MTU Governing Body, local schools, TDs and local government representatives as well as representatives from Japanese companies based in the region, including JRI American, Astellas and ALPS in addition to Dingle-based food company Dingle Sushi.
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In her welcome address, MTU President Professor Maggie Cusack commented on the impact of the Japanese companies in the region saying, “these companies provide a significant contribution to our region and local economies by providing consistent employment and career development. These and other Japanese companies based in Ireland are excellent examples of how Japanese companies can successfully operate, develop and scale operations in a regional location. The benefit of the company’s longevity in the region is significant”.
Mercy Mounthawk Secondary School student Jack Given addressed the Ambassador in Japanese and read from some of Patrick Lafcadio Hearn’s writings. Hearn was an Irish born writer, translator, and teacher who introduced the culture and literature of Japan to the West in the 1800s.
Munster Technological University (MTU) is set to play a pivotal role in the upcoming The Rose Hotel Kerry Winter Rally by hosting the event’s service park.
This new collaboration between MTU and the Kerry Motor Club marks a significant milestone for both organisations.
The state-of-the-art facility at the edge of Tralee town, hailed by World Rally Championship observers as a world-class venue, will provide ample hardstanding space for a large number of service trucks and spectator parking.
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With Tralee serving as the hub of activity that weekend, The Rose Hotel will also function as the event headquarters and parc ferme, located on its grounds.
Kelliher’s Toyota will continue its role as the scrutiny venue, a tradition established during the 2022 event and reflecting a longstanding partnership between Kerry Motor Club and Kerry’s Toyota dealership.
The announcement of the service park at MTU is part of the broader changes introduced by the Kerry Motor Club for this year’s Kerry Winter Rally.
For the first time in its 43-year history, the popular end-of-season event will move from its longtime home at Banna Beach Resort to The Rose Hotel in Tralee.
The transition marks a new chapter for the rally, which has become affectionately known as the Banna Rally due to its longstanding association with the resort.
Sean Hegarty, Clerk of the Course, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership and the preparations underway for the November 3 event.
“The route safety survey has been completed, and entries will open before the end of September,” he said. “Given the rally’s status as a counting round for three championships, we anticipate a capacity entry of over 150 cars.”
The rally is the final round of three championships, The Top Part West Coast Rally Championship, the Ace Signs Southern 4 Rally Championship and the Moriarty’s Central Car Sales Kingdom of Kerry Rally Championship.
THE MTU Kerry Campus Culture Night event was launched this week and will take place for the second year at the Island of Geese on Friday, September 20.
Following the success of last year’s event, the MTU Culture Night event in Tralee town aims to connect the University with the people of Tralee and demonstrate the strong arts and creative talents of MTU students and alumni.
Titled ‘Kaleidoscope’, the performance will commence at 8pm at the Island of Geese for approximately an hour.
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The evening will include film, traditional music, spoken word, animation, poetry and solo classical and contemporary musical performances.
The MTU event will be preceded by a performance by The TIRC International choir at 7.30pm lead by Liliia Nemchenko. This performance will also feature Isac Ianko, a traditional Roma musician.
Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is a national moment, celebrating all that makes up the richness and diversity of Culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally and aims to open pathways to ongoing engagement.
An annual, all-island public event which takes place each year on the second last Friday of September, Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.
Speaking at the launch Anne Looney, External Services Manager said, “MTU is delighted to host this Culture Night performance in Tralee town centre again this year. The words ‘Rootedness’ and ‘Connectedness’ feature strongly in the vision for the Technological University sector. For MTU our connectedness to the region is a key priority for the University. Events such as Culture Night provide an opportunity for MTU to engage with the local community and place our arts and cultural provision on a centre stage”.
Creative Director of MTU Kerry Campus Culture Night Dr Susan Motherway added, “we would like to thank Kerry County Council and the Arts Office for their assistance in organising this event. We are delighted to have the opportunity to utilise the Island of Geese space again and showcase our Creative Media department at the Kerry Campus”.
MINISTER for Education, Norma Foley T.D, has urged third level institutions to sign up to future summer programme in the wake of a successful pilot project.
Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry campus opened up its facilities in its Tralee campus for the summer programme to special schools in the region.
The Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel took up the opportunity to run its summer programme for two weeks on the MTU campus. In its turn, MTU was able to offer a host of amenities, including access to a hydrotherapy pool which is equipped with a ceiling and pool hoist, making the pool accessible to all.
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The pilot project is just one of more than 1,700 individual summer programme schemes running this summer, across primary, post-primary and special schools, for children with special educational needs or educational disadvantage.
The programmes are free-of-charge for families and are funded by a €40 million budget allocation.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said that MTU was the first third level institution to host the summer programme.
“I really want to congratulate the leadership of MTU Kerry campus and Nano Nagle special school in Listowel for the innovation they have displayed in running the summer programme. I look forward to seeing similar initiatives being rolled out on other campuses around the country.”
Today, Minister Foley met MTU staff and parents and students from Nano Nagle Special School in Listowel. The summer programme was put together with the help of Jacqueline Halpin, the school programme organiser and Dr. Michael Hall Head of Department of Health & Leisure Studies and Hazel Byrne Manager, Kerry Sports Academy, the co-ordinators for MTU.
Under the pilot summer programme, children with a wide range of ages and abilities from Nano Nagle Special School attended the pilot project for two weeks at MTU at the start of July. A variety of activities, which included drama and a drumming workshop, also took place in MTU.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has been nominated for two Triple E Awards in the European category.
The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of efforts towards the quest for entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education.
MTU has been shortlisted in two categories: the team-level Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year and the initiative-level EDI Community Engagement Initiative of the Year.
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The combined success of four different initiatives earned MTU its nomination in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year category.
The Innovative Product Design Initiative, the Student Inc. Entrepreneurship Programme, the Innovation Challenge and the MTU Prize for Innovation all helped MTU to make the shortlist for the awards.
These four elements have been developed to ensure that they are complementary to each other such that each of them focuses on a different aspect of educational entrepreneurship and engagement. More than 5,000 people have benefited from the programmes over the last two decades.
Hugh O’Donnell, Lecturer and Course Coordinator, Biomedical Engineering, MTU, said; “For many years, our team has provided a range of interlinked opportunities for students at all academic levels to express their creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial talents. We are delighted that the team has been recognised by being shortlisted for the Triple-E award category “Innovation and Entrepreneurship Activators of the Year.”
MTU received its nomination in the EDI Community Engagement Initiative of the Year for its leadership in fostering youth entrepreneurship in rural and urban community initiatives while increasing access to such initiatives for young people.
The University demonstrated this through its MTU Enterprise Camp and Goalmine programmes.
Both camps are free to attend and particularly encourage student participation from primary and secondary level students in regional and lower socioeconomic areas. Both programmes demonstrate outstanding community engagement, directly impacting over 1,600 individuals since 2012.
The winners for the European and African entries will be announced at an awards ceremony in Lisbon between the 18th and 20th of September.
A MUNSTER Technological University-led project, Springwool, which focuses on removing obstacles and providing a springboard for innovation in the Irish-grown wool sector, has received €574,683 from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The project is being run in collaboration with Atlantic Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon and University College Dublin. The funding was announced as part of €22.3 million the Department is providing for 21 new research projects.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Research and Development at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., announced the funding at an event today at Farmleigh Estate.
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Dr Tim Yeomans, Centre Manager, Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (MTU), said, “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support the Irish-grown wool sector.”
“This is the most significant amount of funding ever allocated to wool research in Ireland and was driven by the publishing of the Wool Feasibility Study in 2022, and with the support of the Irish Grown Wool Council and the Wool Research Hub. Given the opportunities for Irish-grown wool, we feel it will be the first of many projects that will help to support and develop this sector and provide a fair return to farmers for what should be a valuable resource.”
The funding comes at a time when farmers are getting little in return for their wool; it costs farmers about €3.50 to shear a sheep with a return of roughly 20 cent/kg for the fleece. This funding will go towards key research to help create a brighter future for Irish-grown wool.
The different strands of research show the great potential of Irish wool. One application involves treating wastewater from scouring wool. Another examines repurposing waste wool to create compost.
There are also uses in cosmetics, medical device and healthcare through the extraction of ceramides and keratin from the wool.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has today announced 14 new roles in research management and administration under the Technological Universities Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise (TU RISE) programme.
Earlier this year, MTU received €14.6 million in funding under TU RISE and the new posts will form a key part of MTU’s Research-to-Impact initiative.
MTU is recruiting research and innovation professionals with targeted skills in key areas, who will work with world-class researchers on cutting-edge projects to deliver the highest standards of research impact.
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The various roles on offer include funding and impact coordinators, training coordinators, legal and finance specialists, and an enterprise liaison officer.
Over the course of the 4-year TU RISE project, MTU will also increase its researcher capacity with the introduction of 18 funded PhD studentships, 8 funded Research Master’s and 25 postdoctoral research leaders, in association with industry and community partners, to drive strategic research with impact.
President of MTU, Professor Maggie Cusack, said, “We are delighted to be expanding our research capabilities at MTU. These roles will be instrumental in the University furthering its aim to deliver impactful, world-leading research. Not only will these roles benefit the research community across MTU’s six campuses, they will also have a positive impact across the Southwest Region, Ireland and further afield.”
This is the first of a number of recruitment campaigns that MTU will run as part of the TU RISE programme. The jobs will be announced on a phased basis. For more information, seeMTU Career Vacancies.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) hosted the All-Ireland Rare Disease Interdisciplinary Research Network (RAiN) symposium on June 10 at its Kerry campus.
This symposium was open to anyone living with or interested in rare diseases. Rare diseases, though individually rare, collectively present a formidable challenge to the global population, impacting approximately 350 million people worldwide.
The symposium brought together approximately 50 attendees, including researchers, health and social care professionals, academics, policymakers, and advocates in the rare disease field.
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It showcased the power of collective action in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion for rare diseases.
The symposium was opened by Associate Professor Suja Somanadhan (UCD), and Professor Maggie Cusack (President of MTU) welcomed everyone to the symposium and highlighted the challenges faced by those living with a rare disease across Ireland and the role of RAiN.
Bernadette Sheehan Gilroy from the Dept of Health and Leisure Studies (MTU) spoke about low-protein dietary therapy in the context of inborn errors of metabolism expressing concerns including the lack of research to support the recent implementation of the ‘hot school meals programme’ for those adhering to lifelong low-protein dietary therapy.
As part of Bernadette’s presentation, attendees heard from a young man living with tyrosinemia, from the parent of a child with homocystinuria and the perspective of the Irish PKU (Phenylketonuria) community through research Bernadette conducted in collaboration with Associate Professor Somanadhan in the RAiN network.
Thereafter, the work of RAiN’s Children’s Research Advisory Group (CRAG) was presented by two members of the CRAG – Ethan Gilroy and Aaryan Mahesh.
The two young members emphasised the importance of amplifying the voices of young people in rare disease research. CRAG member Lucy Gallagher shared a powerful message, virtually, reminding other young people living with rare diseases to “Be the voice, not the Echo”.
After lunch, the symposium heard from Ian Fallon, who presented on the work of BUMBLEance, the first non-governmental funded child ambulance service in Ireland. Catherine Carty (UNESCO Chair MTU) spoke about rare diseases in relation to Principle Two of the United Nations Sustainable Developmental Goals Declaration to “Leaving No One Behind”.
Rosie Dempsey (MTU) described the process of designing a cartoon video which raises awareness of haemophilia.
The day concluded with a panel conversation led by Associate Professor Somanadhan. The panelists included Anne Lawlor (22q11), Mary Vasseghi (TSC Ireland), Cassandra Dinius and Daniel Mikula (Rare Disease Clinical Trial Network), and Triona Seery (Patient Advocate).
The day was an immense success, and RAiN and MTU would like to thank all who attended, participated or supported the day. For more information on RAiN, see the network’s website – https://www.rainrareresearch.org/
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has announced that H2 Compliance will sponsor the MTU Athletics Club for the 2024/25 academic year.
The company, which is a consulting firm that provides tailored solutions for chemical and environmental compliance, will provide the club with financial support which will be directed towards its facilities and programmes.
The sponsorship deal is a first for MTU’s Athletics Club. The new partnership was marked at an awards ceremony at the university this week.
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Kevin Hoban from H2 Compliance was on hand to present awards for athletes of the year, with Ben Donovan taking the men’s prize and Lucy Holmes coming out on top in the women’s category.
Craig Harrington, Athletics Development Officer at MTU, said, “We’re delighted to have H2 Compliance coming on board to sponsor the Athletics Club. Given that the company has had an on-campus presence at the MTU’s Rubicon for a number of years, it feels like a very natural partnership. We’re incredibly grateful to them for their investment in our athletes. I know that their support will be transformative for the club and will go a long way in helping MTU’s athletes to flourish.”
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) Tralee is set to host the All-Ireland Rare Disease Interdisciplinary Research Network (RAiN) symposium on Monday, June 10 from 11am-4:30pm. This symposium is open to anyone living with or interested in rare diseases.
Rare diseases, while individually uncommon, collectively pose a significant challenge to the global population, affecting approximately 350 million people worldwide.
In Ireland, the situation is particularly stark, with an estimated 410,000 individuals grappling with rare diseases, a staggering 70% of whom are children and young people.
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RAIN directly responds to this pressing research gap, providing a platform for the voices of individuals and families to be heard and actively contribute to research that directly impacts them.
RAiN is funded by the Department of the Taoiseach’s office through the Shared Island New Foundations Awards and UCD Strategy funding.
RAIN represents a collaborative effort to address the unique needs of families affected by rare diseases, amplifying their voices and driving meaningful change.
The network involves University College Dublin (UCD), Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and 33 partner organisations across the Republic and Northern Ireland, including Munster Technological University. RAiN is co-led by Associate Professor Suja Somanadhan (UCD) and Prof. AJ McKnight (QUB).
Speaking ahead of the symposium, Dr. Somanadhan said, “Rare diseases affect hundreds of thousands of people across the island of Ireland. It is imperative that we continue to make progress in our research of these conditions to better assist those living with them. Events like the symposium at MTU Tralee provide essential learning and networking opportunities for people living with rare diseases and early career researchers. These events help to develop a community of practice and encourage those investigating rare diseases to further progress their research.”
For more information on attending the symposium, call RAiN Coordinator Melissa Kinch at RAINALLireland@ucd.ie.
TO celebrate World Bee Day 2024, the MTU Kerry Beekeeping Society set out to populate a new hive of the Native Irish Honeybee (Apis mellifera mellifera) at the North Campus Apiary on Monday.
Emblazoned in the MTU colours and crest, the hive contains thousands of bees that will be busy working over the coming months.
The hive will be managed by members of the MTU Beekeeping Society, with hopes of seeing the fruits of the bees’ labour in the Autumn.
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“The importance of bees in our ecosystem and in biodiversity cannot be understated,” said Chris Dury, Chairperson of the MTU Beekeeping Society.
“Though most know honeybees as producers of honey and wax, their role as pollinators maintains life at a healthy and functional level. Bees contribute to food production, plant diversity, and soil fertility, just to name a few things. Without bees, much of human agriculture as we know it would be impossible,” said Chris.
As the only native honeybee species in Ireland, the society works to promote and support Apis mellifera mellifera and its continued contributions to beekeepers and the Irish ecosystem alike.
MUNSTER Technological University will lead a new first-of-its-kind decentralised green biorefinery demonstration initiative funded under the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).
The €8.7 million “Rural BioReFarmeries” project will advance the development of farm-centred bioeconomy approaches through the deployment of green biorefineries across grassland regions of Europe.
Two primary green biorefinery and anaerobic digestion demonstration sites in Ireland and Denmark will optimise the conversion of grasses, clover and green biomass residues sourced from local farms into value-added products such as human and animal grade protein, bio-based food packaging, flavours, anti-microbials, fertiliser and energy, in collaboration with upstream research and industrial sites in Netherlands, Ireland, Denmark and Poland.
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Speaking about the new initiative, Project Coordinator James Gaffey, Co-director, CircBio, MTU, said: “Grassland valorisation and emerging grass-based value chains represent a major strategic opportunity for the EU bioeconomy. By improving the efficiency and circularity of our vast European grasslands, we can produce, not only forage, but also food, high value materials and energy.
“Green biorefineries are a key enabling technology which can help rural grassland farmers to address challenges such as income diversification, accessing sustainable inputs for their farms, displacing unsustainable products and contributing to our climate and sustainability targets.
“Rural BioReFarmeries builds on the latest research of various EU countries to optimise green biorefineries by overcoming existing limitations and implementing these business models on the ground with farmers, cooperatives and other industries across multiple sectors”.
The project will work intensively with primary producer partners on the ground, including within the dairy and pig sectors, while also linking these farms to upstream industries (e.g., food and flavour, animal nutrition, packaging, microalgae, fertilisers) creating new value chains and replicable business models and training activities which will be transferred across rural regions of Europe.
Rural BioReFarmeries brings together 19 partners from eight countries including Munster Technological University, Aarhus University, Carbery Group, University College Dublin, Kilpatrick Innovation (Trading as NuaFund), Carbon Harvesters, Barryroe Cooperative, Farm B, Wageningen University, Carhue Piggeries, SEGES Innovation, PaperFoam BV, Alganed BV, Poznan University of Technology, Agricultural University of Plovdiv, Sapienza University of Rome, MTU Australo Alpha Lab, University of Galway and Trinity College Dublin.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has announced that it has secured €7.6 million in funding to advance its research activities through the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Programme until 2029.
The funding is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27.
The investment of €7.6m is projected to generate 1,660 projects with industry and will benefit several research centres at MTU, including: Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID Gateway (IMaR) & Applied IoT in Tralee; Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis (CAPPA) in Cork; Nimbus Gateway in Cyberphysical Systems and Internet of Things in Cork and Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (MTU) (Shannon ABC) in Tralee.
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Welcoming this significant funding boost, Professor Maggie Cusack, President of Munster Technological University, said, “This investment will extend MTU’s successful collaborations, driving innovation across the Southwest and connecting businesses with our esteemed research network. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation and economic growth.”
Since the inception of the Technology Gateway Programme in 2013, over 4,900 Irish companies have utilised the network, engaging in more than 7,700 innovation projects.
MUNSTER Technological University’s (MTU) Green Campus in Tralee hosted a successful wellbeing event on Thursday last featuring a cookery demonstration on plant-based meals.
The event, which was attended by MTU staff and students, aimed to highlight the benefits of plant-based meals for both personal health and the environment.
Dan Browne, Culinary Arts lecturer and chef, led the demonstration showing attendees how to prepare a delicious and nutritious chickpea curry.
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The dish, designed to be easy to cook during busy exam times, was very well received by all. After the demonstration, attendees enjoyed lunch together prepared by Compass Group Ireland.
Commenting on the event, Martha Farrell, Green Campus Chairperson said, “We are delighted with the positive response to our plant-based cookery demo. Promoting sustainability is at the core of our mission and we hope this encourages more people to consider swapping to a plant-based meal at least once a week for the benefit of their own health as well as the environment.”
“We are very grateful to chef Dan Browne for the fantastic demonstration, TJ O’Connor, Section Head of the Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism Department for facilitating this event, Compass Group Ireland for preparing the delicious lunch, and REEdI for funding this event. It’s through the combined efforts of everyone involved that we were able to make this event a success”.
Katherine O’Sullivan, Lecturer on the Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland Programme (REEdI) added; “The REEdI@MTU Team is thrilled to support the Green Campus cookery demo and lunch. The event featured a culinary demonstration followed by a delicious meal crafted from locally sourced, seasonal produce whilst promoting health and well-being amongst students and staff.
“It is a fantastic collaboration spanning departments and disciplines, providing a refreshing break for our busy students in the lead-up to exam time. As there is a strong emphasis on sustainability within the REEdI project, this Green Campus initiative clearly aligns to the REEdI project vision”.
This event is just one of many initiatives Green Campus undertakes to promote a sustainable and healthy campus environment at MTU.
THE academic year is coming to an end for students at Munster Technological University so last night was an opportune time for students to celebrate.
Students taking courses under the auspices of the Health and Leisure Department decided to get together in style with a Ball at The Rose Hotel.
Around 190 students and faculty members gathered for the glamorous occasion, which also marked the 30th anniversary of the Health and Leisure Department.
After a delicious meal, entertainment came from Jonno Clifford And The Subs with Big Jim taking the party into the early hours. It was a very stylish occasion as you can see from the photos below…
THE MTU Clubs & Societies Awards Evening 2024 was held on Monday, April 22 at the Meadowlands Hotel.
Over 180 students, staff and invited guests gathered to celebrate student participation and achievement in Clubs and Societies.
The Awards Ceremony is a formal tribute to the University’s student ambassadors and Professor Maggie Cusack opened the ceremony by paying tribute to all our students who get involved in clubs and societies throughout the year and commended their hard work and commitment.
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At the ceremony the Sports Office presented the Club Person of the Year awards for each club and citations to students who have given their time and effort to their respective clubs throughout the year.
The Societies Office also presented the Society Person of the Year Awards for each society and citations to students who have given their time and effort to their respective societies throughout the year.
The night concluded with the announcement of the four main awards of the night.
The Team of the Year Award went to the Senior Men’s Gaelic Football Team and the Sports Person of the Year Award went to Danielle O’Leary (Ladies Football & Camogie).
The Society of the Year Award went to the Nursing and Agricultural Society and the Society Person of the Year Award went to Diana De Sousa (International Society).
RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL Joseph Grego
BADMINTON Laura O’ Connor
BOXING Arven Michel
BOXING Rani Wheeza
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU Michael Wycherley
DARTS Michael Dowling
EQUESTRIAN Sophie Ellen Grouden
JUDO Rani Wheeza
JUDO Darragh Elbel
MEN’S RUGBY Jack McCarthy
WOMEN’S RUGBY Jaclyn Fraser
TAG RUGBY Tommy Hurley
VOLLEYBALL Daniel Fok-Seang
VOLLEYBALL Anna Kovalenko
MEN’S SOCCER Graham O’ Reilly
MEN’S B SOCCER Liam Enright
WOMEN’S SOCCER Melanie Higgins
SENIOR FOOTBALL Conor Melia
LADIES FOOTBALL Caoimhe Evans
CAMOGIE Sinead O’ Brien
HURLING Jimmy O’ Halloran
FRESHER FOOTBALL Sam McCarthy
SPORTS OFFICE CITATIONS 2023/2024
Athletics
Natasha Myers
Sophie Perrott
Basketball
Aoibhinn Morrissey
Badminton
Colin O Sullivan
Mun Li Pan
Jia Chyen Queek
Sang Zhe Lee
Oisin Ryall
Boxing
Sharaf Almubarak
Michael Wycherley
Sarah Qiao Zhang
Al Hassan Hassan
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ollie Fitzgerald
Darts
Daniel Fok-Seang
Emma Lynch
Equestrian
Jessie Roche
Aisling Williams
Rugby
Cormac James
Tag Rugby
Nathan O’ Reilly
Table Tennis
Yunis Barudi
Volleyball
Tiernan Quirke
Jake Reidy
Arjanit Hoxha
Abdullah Abuhasson
Women’s Soccer
Lauryn Sheridan
Ciara Quinn
Stuart Etherington
Recreational Soccer
Luke Dennehy
Senior Football
Donagh O’ Sullivan
Fresher Football
Conor Melia
Donagh O’ Sullivan
Ladies Football
Ada Relihan
Delia Foley
Niamh Broderick
Camogie
Edel Sheehan
Nadine White
Danielle O’ Leary
Hurling
Joe Diggins
SOCIETY PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2023/24
Bang FM: Conor Hogan
Beekeeping Society: Natty Augusten
Board Games Society: Emmanuella G. Nyamekye
Business Society: Aoife Angland
Christian Union Society: Jake Carroll
Cinema Society: Laura Corkery
Cumann Gaelach: Muire Kingston
Dance Society: Anna Kovalenko
Diabetes Support Society: Niall Twomey
Green Campus Society: John O’Brien
International Society: Diana De Sousa
LGBTQ+ Society: Alan O’Brien
Mature Student Society: Gilligan Goggin
Nursing and Agricultural Society: Zoe Merriman & Joe Hennessy
Wildlife Society: Michael Wycherley
SOCIETIES OFFICE CITATIONS 2023 /2024
Bang FM
Conor Hogan
Beekeeping Society
Chris Dury
Natty Augusten
Board Games Society
Emmanuella Nyamekye
Business Society
Aoife Angland
Chess Society
Yunis Barudi
Christian Union Society
Jake Carroll
Emilia Rypalaska
Cinema Society
Miranda Darnell
Sara Flannery
Bronagh Foley
Cumann Gaelach
Bronagh Foley
Muire Kingston
Dance Society
Anna Kovalenko
Diabetes Support Society
Niall Twomey
Afeefah Memon
Emma Lynch
Daniel Fox-Seang
Gaming Society
Roman Hnatyshyn
Green Campus Society
John O’Brien
International Society
Ietezaz Hassan
Sharaf Almubarak
Diana De Sousa
Abdullah Abuhasson
Mahima Sujan
Layan Althwaeeb
LGBTQ+ Society
Kass Smith
Gemma Crowley
Alex Doyle Kingston
Alan O’Brien
Drew Barrett
Nicola Ryan
Mature Student Society
Maria Tang
Gillian Goggin
Nursing and Agricultural Society
Joe Hennessy
Lenora Kelly
Zoe Merriman
Ava Roche
Sean Murphy
Caitlin O’Shaughnessy
Kate Lordan
Jennifer Raferty
LIVESTOCK farmers (beef, dairy, sheep, poultry and goat) from Kerry and surrounding areas are invited to attend a workshop hosted by FRED, the Food Resource Efficiency Decision Support Hub at MTU North Campus in Tralee on Tuesday, May 7 between 2pm and 4pm.
The purpose of the workshop is to greater understand the needs of those working within the food system, and will focus on routes to market, business sustainability, increasing profits and decreasing waste.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity for livestock farmers to network and develop ways to work with each other to strengthen their business and benefit the local economy.
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The workshop is being delivered as part of the second phase of the FRED project, is working to better understand the challenges and opportunities for food loss and waste prevention in different sectors of the Irish food system.
The event will be followed by refreshments, including finger food from local meat and dairy producers.
MTU welcomed over 120 stakeholders to the Kerry North Campus last Friday for the ‘Connect with MTU’ event.
This event was an opportunity for anyone to connect with the university. Companies, start-ups, businesses, entrepreneurs, community groups and the general public were invited to visit the campus from 8.30am to 11.00am.
According to Anne Looney, External Services Manager, Kerry the event was a great success. “This is the first year we held this event, and we were delighted with the reaction. We host many Open Days throughout the year which are very much focused on CAO applicants. This event provided an opportunity for us to engage with our wider stakeholder groups”.
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“Companies looking for research support to bring innovation into their business could meet our Research Centres, Clusters and Technology Gateways. Our lifelong department was there to guide potential applicants through the courses on offer or talk to companies about upskilling their staff. Kerry Sports Academy provided tours of the facilities and offered fitness testing on the day. The morning provided a great occasion to network and meet our partners such Kerry County Council, SkillNet and Tech Industry Alliance”.
For anyone who missed the day and would like to connect with the university please contact Anne Looney at anne.looney@mtu.ie. Scroll down for photos…
PHARMACEUTICAL Science students at MTU have won the second-place prize at the 22nd Annual Eurachem Analytical Measurement Competition.
The event hosted by Atlantic Technological University, ATU Sligo on April 19 was open to all universities across Ireland who were represented by second year students studying laboratory sciences.
Participants who represented MTU’s Tralee campus were Matthew Pop, Leah O’Sullivan, Conor Quirke, and Isabelle Ben-Chika who are in their second year in the BSc Pharmaceutical Science programme in the Department of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences (BPS).
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MTU and BPS is very proud of the achievement of these students who showed high confidence and demonstrated the skills they have learnt in the various laboratory sessions in their degree programme.
The Head of Department of BPS, Dr Gerard Corkery congratulated the students and expressed the appreciation of MTU to their mentors Dr Bernard Boateng, Dr Maria Heffernan, and all lecturers of the Pharmaceutical Science Course Board who assisted in preparing the students for the competition.
MTU’s BSc Pharmaceutical Science graduates over the years have received quality tuition in theoretical and practical aspects of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical science including Advanced Pharmaceutical Techniques, Drug Synthesis and Design, and Bioprocessing which have enabled them to secure jobs in all the major (Bio)Pharmaceutical companies around the world.
MTU has marked a significant milestone with the topping out of the new STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) building taking place on Kerry North Campus.
The building is due for completion in summer 2025 and will provide new lecture theatres, classrooms, machinery workshops, halls and laboratory space when it opens.
It will also expand MTU’s portfolio of programmes and services and will play a vital role in achieving the vision of MTU, significantly enhancing the university’s number of STEM graduates.
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The project is part of the Department of Higher and Further Education, Research, Innovation and Science’s Higher Education Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme, which is also seeing the development of a new Learning Resource Centre on MTU’s Bishopstown Campus in Cork.
The new 8,913m² three-storey STEM building which was topped out on Tuesday 16th April will help MTU as it strives to deliver the STEM graduates of the future for the Southwest region and beyond.
These graduates will be skilled in areas from Pharmaceutical Science, Agricultural Science and Agricultural Engineering to Civil Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Wildlife Biology, Pharmacy Technician, Veterinary Bioscience and Veterinary Nursing.
Programmes are offered at Apprenticeship level, Degree, Masters and PhD level together with a suite of lifelong learning and research opportunities.
Speaking at the topping out ceremony, Chair of MTU’s Governing Body, Mr Jimmy Deenihan said: “I’m delighted to see the STEM building coming along so well and reaching this milestone. It will be a great asset for our students and staff, but it will also benefit the entire South-West region with knock-on impacts in terms of learning and employment opportunities, research, and economic development. We are also progressing the business cases for the construction of a Learner Centre on our North Campus in Kerry and the expansion and renovation of Blocks D and A in Bishopstown. All of these developments point to a very bright future for MTU, our students, staff and surrounding communities.”
Ger Ronayne, Chief Executive Officer of JJ Rhatigan & Company, shared his thoughts on the progress at the topping out ceremony, saying: “We are pleased with how this project is moving along. We’re right on track for completion by the second quarter of 2025. This latest building marks a significant milestone in the Government’s higher education public-private partnership (PPP) programme and I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our project team for their dedication and hard work, which are crucial to the successful delivery of this important facility for the students of MTU in Kerry.”
Commenting on this project milestone, MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack said: “The topping out of the new STEM building on our Kerry North campus marks an exciting step forward. At MTU, our students are at the heart of our university and I’m sure that the new STEM building will greatly improve their university experience. When it opens next year, the new building will be a state-of-the-art facility for our students and staff and will further enhance MTU’s local, national and international reputation as a truly great, globally competitive university.”
MTU invites companies, start-ups, businesses, entrepreneurs, community groups and the general public to visit the campus from 8.30am to 11.00am to ‘Connect with MTU’ on Friday, April 26.
This event is an opportunity for anyone to connect with the university. Whether you are a company looking for research support to bring innovation into your business, interested in upskilling or part-time learning or wondering what the Kerry Sports Academy has to offer; this is the day to find out more.
According to Anne Looney, External Services Manager, Kerry is now in a unique position as a university county.
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“MTU plays a central role in the economic, social, and cultural life of the county. The university feeds the talent pipeline for the growing knowledge economy by being a centre of creativity and learning. We generate real-world research and innovation and support communities, while also being a significant employer in the local economy,” said Anne Looney.
“We want MTU to be the university of choice for the county; whether that’s for study or research. It’s about showcasing the university, making connections, and ultimately ensuring that the county becomes an attractive place to study, live and work”, added Anne.
STEM, Sustainability and Virtual Reality demos and workshops will be available on the day. Academic departments and research centres will be on hand on to answer any questions and the MTU lifelong department will be available to guide you through our part-time programme provision.
For more information and to register your place at this free event visit go.mtu.ie/connect or scan the QR code below.
MUNSTER Technological University (MTU) has achieved its first Athena Swan Bronze Award as a new Technological University.
The Athena Swan Bronze Award showcases MTU’s current and future commitment to enhance Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at university level and beyond.
Receiving this prestigious accreditation paves the way for future improvements to equality to be made an institutional level, and also allows individual university departments to seek departmental awards.
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MTU made its institutional submission in November 2023, following an eighteen-month long application process.
This process included undertaking an institutional EDI Survey; collating and analysing all evidence required to meet the submission requirements; and compiling and committing to a comprehensive evidence-based, four-year plan to improve equality for all MTU staff and students.
This work was carried out by thirty members of the MTU Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team, made up of staff and student representatives across many campuses and departments, led by the Chair, Professor Margaret Linehan, with the support of the EDI team at MTU including Siobhan Kangataran, EDI Manager and Monica Moisuc, EDI Officer.
MTU President, Professor Maggie Cusack, commented: “This Athena Swan Bronze Award will help us instil equality as a core value across our university in line with the goals set out in our Strategic Plan, Our Shared Vision 2022-27.”
Professor Margaret Linehan, Athena Swan Chair at MTU said: “This award now recognizes work undertaken to address gender equality more broadly, and not just barriers to progression that affect women. As a University, we are prepared to tackle behaviours and cultures that detract from the safety and collegiality of our work and study environments for people of all genders, including not tolerating gender-based violence, discrimination, bullying, and harassment. It has been a privilege to work with colleagues across MTU to achieve this accreditation.”
Siobhan Kangataran, EDI Manager at MTU added: “Athena Swan has evolved over the years, expanding significantly to become increasingly intersectional and inclusive of all staff and students; the achievement of this Bronze Award demonstrates a long-term commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for all at MTU.”
THE Ballyroe Heights Hotel was awash with glamour on Thursday night as students from Munster Technological University got glammed up to have a ball.
They got that Easter holiday feeling early at the Nursing and Agricultural Studies Students Ball, one of the social highlights of the year.
Over 300 students enjoyed a four course meal followed by entertainment at the stylish event and we were there to capture the glamour as they arrived for the ball…
A THIRD-YEAR student in the BA Food Business Innovation programme at MTU Kerry Campus clinched the coveted title of ‘Best Business Pitch’ at the MTU Prize for Innovation Awards held in Cork on March 14.
Amongst over 65 participants and over 200 students from various disciplines including bio-mechanical engineering, computer science, business economics, and marketing, Vivienne Dineen stood out as one of the three winners from MTU Kerry.
Her winning concept, ‘Brownie Bán,’ addresses a gap in the food service sector by offering premium quality pastry products that are ready-to-use.
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Throughout her journey in the program, Vivienne has been under the guidance of Mercy Fenton from Wicked Desserts, alongside dedicated support from her lecturers and staff within the School of Business, Computing, and Humanities at MTU Kerry.
This achievement underscores Vivienne’s determination to carve a path as an entrepreneur. With this recognition, she is fuelled to pursue her career ambitions with renewed vigor.
PROFESSOR Joseph Walsh, Head of School and Director (IMaR) Research Centre, Munster Technological University (MTU), has been elected to the prestigious Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE).
The Fellowship is bestowed to distinguished individuals from academia and industry, acknowledging their substantial impact on the advancement of engineering, as well as economic and societal development in Ireland.
Professor Walsh, a distinguished figure at MTU, holds multiple pivotal roles: he is a Co-Principal Investigator at Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, the Principal Investigator for the AgriTech Ireland Cluster, and the Executive Director of the AgriTech Centre of Excellence (ACE). Currently, he spearheads the “Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI)” project, a groundbreaking €8.96 million initiative funded by the Higher Education Authority in Ireland under the Human Capital Initiative.
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With over 20 years of research and development experience in both industry and academia, Professor Walsh has contributed to over 200 scientific articles and has secured more than €20 million in research funding in the last five years, showcasing his significant impact in his fields of expertise.
Additionally, Professor Walsh has played a significant role in various innovation projects aimed at developing new technologies to improve agricultural tech, industrial instrumentation, automation, and intelligent sensor systems for Process Analytical Technology (PAT), alongside digital immersive technologies, benefiting both national and international sectors.
He currently leads several industry-specific projects, resulting in Intellectual Property (IP) and licensing agreements with companies including Dairymaster, McHales, Abbey Machinery, Tricel, Bons Secours Hospital Group, Liebherr, and Kostal.
Additionally, he has been involved in numerous EU-funded research projects and coordinated the FP7 Rotabot project, which focused on developing next-generation milking parlours.
Professor Walsh holds a Ph.D in Electronic Engineering from the University of Limerick and an M.Sc (Eng) in Bio‐engineering jointly from Trinity Collage Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD) and the University of Limerick (UL). He received a recognition of leadership of a project in the seventh EU Framework Programme for Research at ‘Ireland’s Champions of EU research’ Presented by President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.
Also he received the Inaugural Innovator Achievement Award at the Munster Technological University, Innovation Awards, 2023.
He has been elected Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FinstP) and has been awarded the titles of Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer.
Speaking about his election, Professor Walsh said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been invited and elected to the Fellowship of the Irish Academy of Engineering. This recognition not only reflects my personal journey in the field of engineering and technology but also highlights the collective achievements and ongoing commitment of our teams in MTU and the IMaR Research Centre.
“Being part of an all-island body that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our country through engineering and technology is incredibly rewarding. I am eager to contribute to the Academy’s mission, leveraging our research and insights to provide independent advice that will help guide policy makers on critical matters.”
President of MTU, Prof. Maggie Cusack, said: “On behalf of MTU, I wish to extend sincere congratulations to Professor Walsh on such a prestigious accolade.”
A SERIES of workshops will take place this March and May at MTU Kerry to develop solutions for sustainable and efficient food supply.
People working across fruit, vegetable, fishing, livestock production and food services businesses are encouraged to become involved.
Researchers from Munster Technological University in Kerry and University College Dublin have partnered with FoodCloud, the leading Irish food redistribution organisation, to work together to support efficiency and prevent food loss and waste in Irish food supply chains, through the Science Foundation Ireland-funded “FRED: Food Resource Efficiency Decision support” project.
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As part of the project, MTU Kerry campus will be hosting two workshops aimed at food system stakeholders to map out the priorities for sustainable and efficient food supply in their sector and collaboratively develop solutions with the research team:
The first workshop takes place on 4th March for the fruit, vegetable, fishing and food services businesses in MTU Kerry campus in Tralee. Those working in the sector are asked to register via: https://forms.office.com/e/1ws0KKU48a.
The second workshop takes place 7th May in MTU Kerry in Tralee, and is calling on livestock producers to get involved, and can register here: https://forms.office.com/e/uVnK87CRjY.
The workshops are the second phase of the FRED project, which focused on consultation with food producers, processors, retailers, and hospitality and food service businesses, as well as public bodies and non-governmental organisations with a consumer focus (including those working to reduce food poverty), policy-makers, and food systems researchers, to better understand the challenges and opportunities for food loss and waste prevention in different sectors of the Irish food system.