CONFERRING OF HONORARY - DEGREES READ MORE - Spring/Summer 2022 - University College Dublin
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Spring/Summer 2022 CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREESREAD MORE
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CONTENTS FEATURES
In Profile: The Pandemic How Dogs Citizens’ Labour
Professor Preparedness that can Pollute Assemblies - Hopscotch:
Mark Rogers saved Thousands our Rivers Time to Making Birth
Acting President of Lives in ICU and Seas Revitalise? Better for All
Page 7 Page 10 Page 15 Page 20 Page 23
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EDITOR'S LETTER
EILIS O’BRIEN DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND MARKETING
The national day for Ireland – St Patrick’s Day, 17 March – has The University had already reached out to support our 34 UCD Paul Brady was to receive the Ulysses Medal for his outstanding
to stand as one of the best international marketing propositions by students from Ukraine. Supports were put in place for students contribution to Irish culture. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, he was
a national tourism board. The evolution of the Dublin parade into who have family and friends living there. Students from Russia and unable to attend on that date but will be presented with the Medal
a festival week has meant that Dublin has become a ‘destination’ Belarus were also caught up in the impact of the conflict and were at a ceremony later this year. Through his music and poetry, he
outside the normal summer season. The lighting up in green of also offered support. UCD has 30 faculty and staff from Ukraine and has tapped into every facet of emotion and his classic, The Island,
landmarks throughout the world has raised awareness of and interest Russia working here in Dublin and they too were offered support to resonates with us as we reach out to help our sisters and brothers
in Ireland. help them deal with the impact of the war. in Ukraine.
This year The Department of Foreign Affairs shared their St Through a National Student and Researcher Helpdesk hosted by Now I know us plain folks don’t see all the story.
Patrick’s Day 2022 video. The footage opened with the predictable Maynooth University, UCD is offering assistance to Ukrainian refugee And I know this peace and love’s just copping out.
scenes of Irish coastal beauty. It quickly changed to footage from students and researchers who are seeking to continue their higher And I guess these young boys dying in the ditches.
a century ago when Ireland emerged to build an independent, education work and studies in Ireland. Is just what being free is all about.
democratic, sovereign state, and took our place among the nations As our own students finish their studies and leave the campus And how this twisted wreckage down on main street.
of the world. The video message moved on to Ireland’s efforts for residences, we are now making these available to the Government Will bring us all together in the end.
international justice, human rights and peace. And then came the as short-term accommodation for refugees fleeing Ukraine. And we’ll go marching down the road to freedom....
moment of meaning: as Paul Brady’s line from The Island played As part of the tribute to Irish Folk music, UCD held a special Freedom
“They’re showing pictures on the television, women and children dying honorary conferring for musicians on 18 March – see our feature
in the street…” the images switched to Ukraine as people struggled article on page 4. Originally planned for December 2020, this was
with the violent terror rained down on them by Russia. to be the closing event of the Belfield 50 programme. Coincidentally,
Subscribers: Xuefang Alterman, Emer Beesley, Jennie Blake, Liz Bruton, Caroline Byrne, Ursula Byrne, Produced by: Eilis O’Brien, Mary Staunton In the compilation of this publication, every care has been taken to ensure accuracy.
UCD thanks...
Enda Carroll, Emma Donovan, Ursula Fanning, Ashlee Feng, Beth Gormley, Helen Graham, Liz Hannon, Design: Loman Cusack Design Ltd Any errors or omissions should be brought to the attention of UCD University Relations
Judith Harford, Patrice Harrington, Kellie Hughes, Anna Kelly, Eleanor Kelly, Úna Kelly, Róisín Kennedy, (ucdtoday@ucd.ie). We also welcome your suggestions for articles in future editions.
Alexey Lastovetsky, Jason Masterson, Ash Middleton, Noelle Moran, Michael Mullooly, Clár Ní Bhuachalla, Thanks to: Pat Guiry, Ann Lavan, Damien McLoughlin,
Theresa O’Leary, Eimear O’Reilly, Sinéad O’Rourke, Moira Ryan, Mark Simpson, Miceal Whelan. Regina Uí Chollatáin and Ben Tonra Cover image: UCD Honorary Doctorate Participants
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UCD House Band
UCD AWARDS HONORARY
DOCTORATES
UCD awards honorary doctorates to Mary Bergin, Mary Black, Finbar Furey, Paddy
Glackin, Andy Irvine, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Mary O’Hara
Celebrating some of the stellar talents in Irish music and in recognition of their outstanding
contribution to arts and culture, on 18 March, the University awarded honorary doctorates to Mary
Bergin, Mary Black, Finbar Furey, Paddy Glackin, Andy Irvine, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and Mary O’Hara.
The Ulysses Medal (our highest honour) was due to be awarded to Paul Brady but sadly he was
unable to attend and the Medal will be awarded at a future date.
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UCD AWARDS HONORARY DOCTORATES (CONTINUED)
The awards were conferred by UCD Acting President, Professor
Mark Rogers at UCD O’Reilly Hall and celebrate the outstanding
contribution these artists have made to Irish music and culture, and
the central role they played in the Irish folk music revival. Professor
Rogers drew on the powerful words of Paul Brady’s iconic song ‘The
Island’ in his closing speech, the words of which resonate with all of
us at this time.
“While we are just a small island on the
western edge of Europe, we want to
reach out to our sisters and brothers in
Dr Finbar Furey
Ukraine…
Now I know us plain folks don’t see all
the story.
And I know this peace and love’s just
copping out.
And I guess these young boys dying in
Dr Mary O’Hara Dr Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill Dr Andy Irvine
the ditches.
Is just what being free is all about.
And how this twisted wreckage down
on main street.
Will bring us all together in the end.
And we’ll go marching down the road to
freedom….
Freedom”
A number of the distinguished artists honoured an invited
audience of 700 with a performance that evening in UCD O’Reilly Hall.
They were joined by special guest Donal Lunny and by a talented
‘house band’ of UCD students and alumni, the future of traditional
Irish music is indeed safe!
It was a night to remember, expertly compèred by Associate
Professor PJ Mathews, Director of UCD Creative Futures Academy.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after Dr Finbar Furey’s closing
Dr Mary Bergin and Dr Paddy Glackin Donal Lunny
number – the inimitable Sweet Sixteen.
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Appointment of Acting President Appointment
Professor Mark Rogers has been appointed
Acting President of UCD, following the
of UCD Acting
departure of Professor Andrew Deeks.
Professor Rogers will hold that role until
Registrar, Deputy
the Governing Authority appoints the next
President. President and
In his first message to the UCD Community, Vice-President for
he said: “Stepping into the role of Acting
President as society emerges from two years
of COVID-19, I am acutely conscious of the
Academic Affairs Professor Dooley said: “As a graduate of
UCD, I’m very excited to have been appointed to
extraordinary efforts put in to ensure our Professor Barbara Dooley has been appointed this important position. It’s a privilege for me to
UCD Acting Registrar, Deputy President and further serve this great University, and to support
students could progress academically and our
Vice-President for Academic Affairs. She is its ambition in delivering an excellent education
research could continue. The flexibility, resilience
and agility displayed across UCD meant that our responsible for the University’s academic affairs, and student experience. I’m passionate about
classes continued, our assessments adapted, and to consider what we do, and why. The education strategy and academic planning. She bringing my expertise in student mental health
our operations transformed and our campus purpose of a university is higher education and also has responsibility, inter alia, for the regulation to the role as I believe that well-being is key to
and development of courses and programmes, students’ achieving their potential. And as a
remained open. We remain in the shadow of the scholarship. Through these, our mission is to
assessments, teaching and learning standards, psychologist, for me people are really important.
pandemic and I know all too well the personal toll make a difference to society. Whether directly
and academic policy. She will work in In my new role, I very much look forward to
this has taken on everyone but I hope that we can involved in teaching or research or in an area that
now take this opportunity to re-energise. supports and enables these activities, we all have collaboration with College Principals and Heads working with colleagues and students across the
of School and closely with the Acting President, University”.
“This is a good time to reassert our purpose a role in ensuring these are delivered.”
acting as his representative when required.
Farewell to Professor Andrew Deeks
In December 2021, UCD friendships. However, my ten-year term as President
President, Professor Andrew J is rapidly coming to an end, and the opportunity to
Deeks announced his intention return to my hometown to lead a university which
to resign as President to take is well-positioned to thrive in this time of disruption
up the role of Vice-Chancellor and opportunity, a time where the need to build a
at Murdoch University, sustainable global society is increasingly recognised
Perth, Western Australia. was one I could not pass up.
“I will leave UCD and Ireland with great memories
Professor Deeks, the first Australian to lead and will look back on my time here with warmth and
University Management Team, past and present: back row (l-r) Prof Gerry Byrne, former Principal, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture; Prof Tony Brabazon, Principal, UCD
College of Business; David Kelly, UCD Bursar; Gerry O’Brien, former UCD Bursar; Tristan Aitken, UCD Chief People Office and Director of SIRC and Legal Services; Prof Orla Feely,
an Irish university, became President of UCD on affection. I hope to return at some point.”
UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation and Impact; Prof Sarah Prescott, Principal, UCD College of Arts and Humanities; Prof David FitzPatrick, former Principal, UCD College
of Engineering and Architecture; Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgarthaigh, former Principal, UCD College of Business. Front row (l-r): Prof Michael Monaghan, UCD Vice-President for Campus
1 January 2014. A number of farewell events were held with Development; Prof Cecily Kelleher, Principal, UCD College of Health Sciences; Prof Aoife Ahern, Principal, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture; Prof Andrew Deeks; Prof
Michael Bruen, former Interim Principal, UCD College of Engineering and Architecture; Assoc Prof Niamh Moore-Cherry, former Interim Principal, UCD College of Social Sciences and
Professor Deeks said: “I have greatly enjoyed my faculty and staff; the members of the current and Law; Prof Joe Carthy, former Principal, UCD College of Science; and Prof Maeve Conrick, former Principal, UCD College of Arts and Humanities.
time at UCD, despite the various challenges Irish immediate past Governing Authorities; the University his clarity of mission and vision. That clarity and a four themes truly cover the spectrum of challenges
universities have faced over these eight years. I have Management Team, past and present; and donors determination to do the very best for UCD during his facing society locally and globally and challenge us
been constantly impressed by the dedication and and supporters. At each event, good wishes were tenure have brought the University to where we are to continue to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland
commitment of our faculty and staff, by the talent conveyed to Professor Deeks, his wife Dr Linda Yang today”. and the world. The strategic themes and enablers
and achievement of our students, by the generous and their daughter Pearl as they leave to start their Marie O’Connor, Chair of the UCD Governing map out a clear path for UCD for the period to 2024.
support we have received from alumni and new life in Perth. Authority, said: “After the acknowledged successes Indeed we are seeing green shoots from those
philanthropists, and by the productive partnerships Speaking at the Farewell Events, Professor Mark of the Strategic Plan 2015-2020, Andrew turned themes now as the University moves to implement
we have formed with companies and organisations. Rogers said: “One of the first things that struck his mind to conceiving and bringing the Strategy advanced systems and services to transform
“ My family and I have felt very welcome and at me when I first met Andrew eight years ago was from 2020-2024, Rising to the Future to life. The operations.”
home here in Ireland, and we have built some great
IN PROFILE PAGE 7 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
Professor
Mark Rogers
IN PROFILE:
PROFESSOR MARK ROGERS
Professor Mark Rogers, Acting President at UCD talks about his priorities for the coming year
Sitting in his office in UCD Tierney Building, Professor Mark Rogers
outlined his vision for re-engagement within the UCD community.
The new Acting President has spent his career as a pioneering educator.
Prior to this appointment, he was Registrar and Deputy President for the
past 11 years and before that, he was Dean of Science, overseeing the
transformation of the Science programmes.
When former President, Professor Andrew Deeks finished his term early,
the UCD Statutes provided for the Deputy President to step in as Acting
President, taking up the role until the appointment by the UCD Governing
Authority of a permanent President for the next ten-year term.
IN PROFILE PAGE 8 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
In Profile...
Education and Research “It is all about the community. That is “It is important that we also get our
“One of my first activities as Acting President the faculty, the staff, and the students. faculty and staff back on campus
was to visit as many faculty and staff as
A university is only as good as all – the experience is not just about
possible across campus through a series of
town hall meetings. I was accompanied by the people that are in it. They are its students, it’s about the overall UCD
Acting Registrar and Deputy President, Professor lifeblood, they define it.” community and bringing this back to
Barbara Dooley and Vice-President for Research, life in a meaningful way.”
Innovation and Impact, Professor Orla Feely. “We need to make sure that everything that
Together we listened to people,” says Professor we do here on campus has a purpose. Our “We’ve just opened the UCD Student Village,
Rogers. teaching is not just student-facing, delivered a welcoming hub adjacent to our newest on-
“What we heard was a strong, communal front-of-class but we want the engagements campus residences, with a vibrant range of
belief that the primary purpose of the university to be interactive and students to be actively food outlets, a gym, dance studio and adaptable
is education and research for the benefit of involved in these learning activities, so that it spaces. This provides a central location for
society, for the public good. We have a strategic is not just a listening exercise.” students to meet, talk, study and collaborate on
plan in place which is still pertinent to what we Professor Rogers stressed the value of a whole range of activities.
do and what we need to achieve. But, as long a campus-based education: “Campus is a “It is intended to be open into the night; and
as we’re focussed on the two primary purposes; fabulous place to be and we now need that to be used by all students. I am not sure if it will
on the education and holistic development of peer-to-peer interaction and the engagements be a 24/7 operation, but it will provide a hub for
our students and the scholarship and research between students in their clubs or societies – students with a much broader range of opening
impact of our faculty, then everything we do is in all those activities which were hybrid over the hours than the rest of the campus,” Professor
the right space.” past two years – to get back to being fully face Rogers notes.
to face. Then the real benefit of the on-campus “Students should feel welcome on campus
Emerging from COVID experience becomes evident,” he says. and have access to facilities that allow for study,
In a post-pandemic educational setting, The Acting President is strongly whether it is in our libraries or using informal
Professor Rogers acknowledges that supportive of the on-campus experience study capacity for in-person and virtual group
reimagining the university experience is one and classroom-based face-to-face learning, work.
of the biggest challenges he now faces. as well as incorporating online learning into “And it is important to focus again on that
Looking out across the quad, he began the mainstream, based on pedagogical best collegiate experience, because as we know, there
by explaining some of the challenges the practice. However, he notes, we must be have been heightened levels of pandemic-related
COVID-19 pandemic has continued to bring to careful not to try to do too much, to support anxiety for many people. If we can get that
the life students once knew on campus. all modes of delivery, often called hyflex, vibrant atmosphere going again, then people will
“We have a significant number of students where students are either in the classroom or really see the rationale, the benefits, the reasons
who have not experienced the University in the watch and engage through a live stream. This for coming back.”
same way as students before COVID-19. Some places a huge load on the teacher and, without One of the other things that Professor
of those are probably entering third year now additional technical capability in the classroom, Rogers wants to ensure is that student facilities
and they are the ones who have missed out the can lead to a poorer experience for those and supports are readily available.
most because of the pandemic. They have been attending the class in-person.” “We’re very aware of the national trend
studying from their bedrooms often isolated of students facing mental health and other
from their peers and we must help them to re- challenges. We’re working hard to ensure that
engage with campus life.” our facilities, our supports, our student advisors,
IN PROFILE PAGE 9 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
our counselling services, are all geared up to Looking after new faculty and staff students, our future graduates – the future world
best support the kind of issues that students will As well as the regular influx of students, and academic leaders who pass through these
have as they re-engage with, not just a different UCD is currently experiencing an increase in doors. Making sure that we are very focused on
way of learning, but a re-entry to the social scene faculty recruitment under the Ad Astra Fellows the impact and quality of our teaching, learning
which is such an important aspect of university Programme. Some who have already joined and research is of the utmost importance.
life. have not had significant on-campus experience “Education is a balance – students should
“As well as facilitating the return of students and will need to be properly inducted and get leave UCD ready to tackle the problems the
to campus, we know the impact the pandemic used to the collegiality that is part and parcel of world faces on both an academic and personal
has had on our faculty and staff, professionally what UCD is all about. level.”
and personally. Over the past two years, faculty “We’re recruiting new faculty and staff all
have worked hard to deliver their teaching in a the time, and that can be a challenge. Generally Professor Mark Rogers was in conversation
virtual environment and to improve engagement. people do want to work in academia, including a with Seán Dunne, Senior TV Producer, The
They have had to deal with delivering lectures to significant number of early-career researchers, Tonight Show, Virgin Media
a zoom screen, with cameras often turned off, so we are not surprised to have received over
unable to gauge the level of engagement in their 2,800 applications for the 30 Ad Astra Fellow
class. I know they strongly support the return posts from all over the world - literally the UK,
of the on-campus experience which will bring Europe, Australia, India, and America. There’s a
the collegiality which will benefit students and lot of interest in working at UCD, in joining us at
faculty alike.” an exciting time in our history.”
The role of the new technological universities Looking ahead
When asked about the advent of Ireland’s Looking ahead to his own legacy at UCD,
Technological Universities, Professor Rogers Professor Rogers said that community
says that they have an important role to play in engagement is his top priority for the next
further education in Ireland. academic year.
“The Government has recognised the “Given the period we’ve just been through,
importance of higher and further education, the immediate future is all about making sure
establishing a Minister responsible for the COVID-19 and its legacy are left behind, that
sector and its research and scholarship. They we all, faculty, staff and students alike, come
want to see a holistic system approach and back and re-engage with campus, fill the empty
there is opportunity for all universities to deliver spaces that COVID left behind. Everyone can be
student education, driven by excellent research. a part of the next chapter of our UCD story.
There is a particular role for the technological “There will be a significant effort around
universities in terms of that applied activity. making the campus a really vibrant, active place
Their establishment presents a new opportunity, for everyone, and making sure that the research
but we have to make sure that each aspect of and scholarship that have been going on
the higher education system is delivering on its throughout the pandemic are brought back up to
objectives, with an equality of esteem across full speed, engaging in a level of activity that fully
all areas, so that there isn’t any perception supports the University’s strategy of delivering
of hierarchy in terms of what education is impactful teaching, learning and research.
perceived to be ‘better’.” “I want our students to receive an impactful
“It’s that mix that will make it possible for all education, not just in their own discipline,
students to choose what works best for them in but also in their personal and professional
their own circumstances.” development. I am enormously proud of our
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THE PANDEMIC
FOR ALMOST A DECADE,
PROFESSOR ALISTAIR
NICHOL QUIETLY PLANNED
PREPAREDNESS THAT AND OVERSAW A CURIOUS,
ANNUAL DRILL AT ST
SAVED THOUSANDS
VINCENT’S UNIVERSITY
HOSPITAL (SVUH). HE AND
HIS TEAM WOULD SIMULATE
OF LIVES IN ICU
A ‘DRY RUN’ OF GATHERING
DATA ABOUT CRITICALLY ILL
PATIENTS IN A PANDEMIC.FEATURE PAGE 11 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
“Every year we would dust down this system and the team would COVID-19, PREPARE is identifying better ways of care globally, saving thousands of lives.”
supporting and treating patients with the condition
put it through its paces. Then we would put it back to sleep again,” in ICU. Team effort
says Professor Nichol, Chair of Critical Care Medicine in UCD One avenue is through genetic analysis, The two years so far of the COVID-19 pandemic
explains Professor Nichol. “People had been have been ‘truly awful’ and an enormous challenge
School of Medicine, who leads the Irish Critical Care-Clinical Trials asking for 20 years if patient genetics can be for healthcare staff, says Professor Nichol, who
Network (ICC-CTN). “And I was the guy with the tinfoil hat, leading used to identify risk in ICU, but you typically had like many of his colleagues in emergency medicine
the exercise.” patients presenting in ICU with different problems self-isolated from family and friends to help protect
- maybe they had been hit by a bus or they had a them from the virus.
But then COVID-19 arrived, and the ‘peace- says Professor Nichol. “So across a network in serious operation or an infection,” he says. “Now But now that the success and impact of this
time’ preparation quickly paid dividends. Teams Ireland, the UK, Canada, Europe and Australia we in the pandemic we were seeing almost everyone global initiative is becoming apparent, it is a good
within the ICC-CTN hit the ground running, developed a common approach for data collection coming to ICU with the same illness - COVID-19 juncture for them to reflect, he adds.
harmonising COVID-19 pandemic research and analysis that could be quickly adapted to a - and this offered an environment to explore the “We had been preparing for so long, when the
in ICUs in Ireland as part of an international pandemic situation. That project became part of potential impact of patient genetics.” pandemic hit we leaned into it, it was crisis mode,
network that forged new, evidence-based a larger, more ambitious EU-funded program of The ICC-CTN led in Ireland on the Genetics Of there was an amazing spirit of collegiality and
standards of care and saved thousands of lives research, PREPARE, the Platform for European Mortality In Critical Care project spearheaded by we wanted to have as big an impact on patient
in the process. Preparedness Against (Re-)emerging Epidemics.” Professor Ken Baillie in the University of Edinburgh, outcomes as we could,” he says. “We got funding
Their initial, non-pandemic target was and the consortium published their findings in the from the Health Research Board, which was pivotal
In 2022, the ICC-CTN won the UCD Research community-acquired pneumonia, which is a prestigious journal Nature. for us escalating at the time of the pandemic, and
Impact Case Study Competition for its report on relatively common problem in ICU, and the “We were able to show there were some we are indebted to the patients and their families
‘Improving outcomes of critically ill patients with consortium put the structures in place to pivot genetic markers linked with a higher risk of death,” for their willingness to participate in research
COVID-19’, and Professor Nichol received a special when a pandemic arose. says Professor Nichol. “We could also use genetic during a hugely challenging time for everyone. We
commendation from the Irish Research Council for Then, when the new coronavirus burst onto the markers of the inflammatory response in COVID-19 are humbled by the results it has produced, and the
his ‘exceptional contribution’ in the field of medical scene in 2020, the PREPARE machine swung into to point to existing medications that could target impact on society as a whole.”
research, notably in the global response to the action, studying critically ill patients with COVID-19 the disease.”
COVID-19 pandemic. “It was an overnight success around the world, including in 18 hospitals in The work continues
That went hand in glove with another strand
that we had worked on for 12 years,” he says. Ireland that were co-ordinated through the UCD of PREPARE - the REMAP-CAP clinical trial that The ICC-CTN Pandemic programme may have
Clinical Research Centre at SVUH. to date has evaluated 11 drug regimes to treat transformed how research is carried out in the ICU,
Lost opportunity leads to change “With H1N1, globally in critical-care medicine but this is just the start, says Professor Nichol.
patients with COVID-19 in ICU.
The origins of that ‘overnight success’ lay in the we managed to recruit around 100 patients for “There are many more questions to answer with
“We were able to show that some treatments
H1N1 or swine flu pandemic of 2009. Professor clinical studies,” says Professor Nichol. “Today, COVID-19, and we will see patients in ICU with this
that were being widely suggested for use, like
Nichol, a native of Belfast, was training in intensive more than 700,000 COVID-19 patients across more disease for years to come,” he says. “We are also
Kaletra [a HIV medication] or convalescent plasma
care medicine in Australia at the time and was part than 1,600 hospitals in more than 60 countries continuing to refine our preparedness plans in
did not work in general for ICU patients, and that
of the research effort there. But without an existing have been involved in the observational studies and ICU for influenza, to be prepared for future crises.
some treatments could even be harmful,” says
harmonised international system to collect and over 12,000 patients in the interventional clinical Because pandemics will be around for a long time
Professor Nichol. “And we showed that some
analyse data from patients with H1N1, it was not trials, in over 350 hospitals in 32 countries carried yet.”
treatments worked well, for example we saw that
possible to mobilise large-scale research in ICUs out by this consortium.” Professor Nicholl was in conversation with
steroids combined with a drug that blocks an
before that pandemic eased. Dr Claire O’Connell, BSc Hons (1992), PhD (1998),
Genes and medicines immune molecule in the body called IL-6 improves
“We felt we missed an opportunity with journalist with the Irish Times and Silicon Republic
COVID-19 outcomes in ICU, with a 10 per cent
H1N1, and that globally in critical-care medicine As well as capturing important information and Irish Science Writer of the Year 2016.
reduction in death. That has become a standard of
we would need to be better prepared next time,” about patients’ journeys through critical care withNEWS PAGE 12 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
Academic Recipients of NovaUCD’s 2022 Innovation Awards Announced
Health Science NovaUCD has announced the recipients of
System (AHSS) its annual innovation awards which highlight
successes made in areas of knowledge
transfer, consultancy, entrepreneurship and the
in Ireland promotion of an innovation culture by members
of the UCD research, innovation and start-up
UCD Health Affairs has developed a video community.
animation explaining the concept and
benefits of an Academic Health Science A total of eight awards, including the main 2022
System (AHSS) in Ireland. The video can NovaUCD Innovation Award, were presented by
be viewed here. Professor Barbara Dooley, Acting UCD Registrar
and Deputy President during an event held in the
An AHSS is a fully coordinated UCD University Club.
partnership between a university and a Professor Dooley said, “The NovaUCD
healthcare system, designed to deliver Innovation Awards, which have become a key
quality care hand in hand with teaching, annual event at UCD, were established to recognise
training, research and innovation. and highlight the successes being achieved
Most importantly, the change from the by members of our research, innovation and Prof Dominic Zerulla, UCD School of Physics, recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Innovation Award.
traditional hospital model to an integrated entrepreneurial communities across the University. information about VAT obligations and payments.
Academic Health Science System will I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Spin-out
improve patient care in local communities. all those who have received awards today and I of the Year Award is BioSimulytics, focused on
It offers a real prospect of achieving wish them ongoing successes in the years ahead using artificial intelligence to digitise key steps
greater levels of productivity and efficiency, as they continue to deliver impact for the economy in how new drug molecules are designed and
sustainable improvements in patient care, and society through their commercialisation, developed. The company was founded in 2019 by
better patient safety and outcomes, as well consultancy, entrepreneurial and innovation Professor Niall English, Dr Christian Burnham, and
as world-class research and innovation in activities.” Peter Doyle as a spin-out from the UCD School of
healthcare. The 2022 NovaUCD Innovation Award, Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.
UCD Health Affairs works with Schools which recognises excellence in innovation or of The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD
across UCD Health Sciences to provide successes achieved in the commercialisation of Consultancy of the Year Award is Dr Sarah
a formal channel for cooperation and UCD research or other intellectual activity over Cotterill, UCD School of Civil Engineering and UCD Pictured are Prof Barbara Dooley and Dr Sarah Cotterill, UCD School of Civil Engineering,
recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Consultancy of the Year Award.
collaboration between the Ireland East a number of years, was awarded to Professor Dooge Centre for Water Resources Research, for
Dominic Zerulla, UCD School of Physics. a consultancy study entitled ‘A Framework for innovation and innovative solutions in surgery.
Hospital Group (IEHG) and UCD, the
Since he joined UCD in 2014, Professor Zerulla Improving Domestic Water Conservation in Ireland’, The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Licence of
Group’s primary academic partner. This
has disclosed eleven inventions to NovaUCD, commissioned by An Fóram Uisce (the Water the Year Award is Professor Andrew Keane, UCD
includes developing and implementing the
five of which have been patented, and founded Forum) through ConsultUCD. School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and
strategic vision and direction for healthcare
PEARlabs, a UCD spin-out company. PEARlabs has The recipients of the 2022 NovaUCD Founder Director, UCD Energy Institute. Professor Keane
education, research and innovation across
developed a novel photonic chip which enables of the Year Award are Sheena Bailey and Louella is also a co-founder and CTO of NovoGrid, a UCD
the Group and ultimately the successful
ultra-high spatial resolution at video rates in Morton, co-founders, TestReach. TestReach, spin-out and a pioneer in Grid Edge intelligence
creation of the AHSS.
optical microscopy, far beyond the diffraction limit headquartered at NexusUCD, provides a cloud- software that optimises energy delivery.
To find out more about the Academic
of visible light and has the potential to aid early based online assessment solution that enables The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD
Health Science System in Ireland and
diagnostics, precision medicine and the delivery of end-to-end management of exam authoring, test Outstanding Achievement Award is Aidan Corbett,
the collaborative work being undertaken
improved drug treatments. assembly, exam delivery, marking, moderation and co-founder, Wayflyer, which earlier this year
between UCD Health Affairs and IEHG,
The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Invention of reporting. became Ireland’s sixth tech unicorn on securing a
please visit the UCD Health Affairs website.
the Year Award is Dr John McCallig, UCD Lochlann The recipient of the 2022 NovaUCD Innovation $150 million Series B funding round. Wayflyer was
Quinn School of Business and the UCD Michael Champion of the Year Award is Professor Ronan co-founded in 2019 by Aidan Corbett and Jack
Smurfit Graduate Business School. Dr McCallig’s Cahill, Professor of Surgery at UCD School Pierse as a spin-out from Conjura, a NexusUCD-
invention is to use privacy preserving analytics of Medicine and at the Mater Misericordiae headquartered company which Aidan Corbett had
to collect and share commercially sensitive University Hospital where he is championing digital previously co-founded.NEWS PAGE 13 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
Arthur Cox UCD
Women in Leadership
2022
After a break for a virtual event in 2021, it
was wonderful to be back in person for the
seventh Arthur Cox UCD Women in Leadership
conference on Tuesday 22 March! Over 400
members of the UCD community enjoyed
keynotes, panels and breakouts in UCD O’Reilly
Hall and the UCD University Club, followed by
an opportunity to reconnect and reflect in online
mentoring circles the next day.
Noeline Blackwell delivering her keynote address
The conference started with a wonderful
Opening Address from Professor Aoife Ahern,
Principal, UCD College of Engineering and
Architecture. Highlights of the day included an
interview by Andrea Dermody with UCD alumnus
David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, a panel Effective Sponsorship Panel, sponsored by Arthur Cox: (l-r) Orla O’Connor, Chair and Partner, Arthur Cox; Avril O’Hehir, CFO, Lidl Ireland; Nicola McCracken, Head of Group Human Resources, DCC Plc; Simon Hannigan, Partner, Arthur Cox; and Paula Neary, MD,
Communication Media and Technology, Accenture.
session on Effective Sponsorship, curated by
Arthur Cox, and keynotes from both Lorna Conn, Forbes, Director General of RTÉ; Stephen Howell,
CEO of Cpl, and Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Accessibility Pillar Lead at Microsoft; Dr Mary
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, who all delivered Doherty, Founder of the Autistic Doctor; Joy Tendai
inspiring addresses. Kangere, barrister and writer; and Aisling Finn, Agile
Empowering panel discussions included Coach Jaguar Land Rover amongst many others.
industry experts who discussed women in Special thanks to our corporate sponsors,
sport, women in tech, women in finance, and the Arthur Cox, KPMG, ESB, Aldi, Jaguar Land Rover
importance of community. Lunchtime breakouts and Abbott, who all contributed massively to the
in the UCD University Club were especially lively event and without whom the conference would not
with sessions on getting onto boards, managing be possible.
work/home responsibilities, the importance of The conference was organised by UCD Alumni
intersectionality, navigating your career and smart Prof Aoife Ahern delivering the opening address.
Relations and UCD Societies Council.
working. The vibrant day of networking was guided conference last year, attendees were invited to Watch the highlights video and see more
by UCD alumna, PhD Researcher and CEO of the online mentoring circles at which they could join photos here.
Alpha Project, Nana Nubi as MC for the day. a small virtual audience with inspiring leaders. Nana Nubi was MC for the day.
On day two, taking inspiration from the virtual The mentoring circle leaders included: DeeNEWS PAGE 14 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
Irish Student Health Association Educational Conference
The 2022 Irish Student Health Association Educational Conference and AGM was hosted by UCD included a range of multidisciplinary and non-
Student Health Service team on 18 February 2022. traditional mental health initiatives. The Minister
Dr Fiona Thompson and Moira O Loughlin and set of skills to the role. referenced the framework document for Mental
were the lead organisers and the UCD Student Professor Jason Last, UCD Dean of Students Health and Suicide Prevention launched in 2020
Health Team included Nurse Patricia Brady, joined Moira in the welcome address outlining and outlined additional funding given by the HEA to
Nurse Geraldine McDermott, Sharon Lane and what he called the three pandemics. support mental health in the sector. He welcomed
Head of Service, Dr Eadaoin Lysaght. 1. Sexual violence and harassment an informed discussion on how investment leads
The conference is normally a two- 2. Mental Health and Well-being to improved outcomes.
day event, an occasion where doctors, 3. COVID-19 Pandemic Among the speakers were Dr Michele Hill,
Dr Fiona Thompson , UCD Student Health – lead organiser
nurses, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, and Professor Last presented measures put in Consultant Psychiatrist, UCC; Ruairi Power,
administration staff working in Student Health place by UCD to address the areas outlined President, UCD Students’ Union; Dr Deirdre Lundy,
Services in third-level colleges meet and share and his support for student collaboration and specialist in Womens Health and Resident Expert
ideas and promote best clinical practice to multidisciplinary teams in the role of addressing for GP Buddy; and Professor Patrick Wall, UCD
ensure they are meeting the needs of our student mental health. School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport
diverse student populations. In late December, Minister Harris addressed the conference Science.
due to the omicron variant, the UCD team via video link and thanked delegates for their The webinar then moved to the AGM and
decided to run the event virtually. dedication to delivering frontline care to student the President’s Closing Address which reviewed
The President of the ISHA, Moira O Loughlin in third-level. He outlined his thoughts on mental the achievements for the year and welcomed Dr
opened the event and welcomed the delegates. health and well-being interventions and initiatives Serena O’Connell to the role as New President of
She is the first non-clinical President of the introduced since the formation of the Department the Association.
Moira O Loughlin, Administrative Officer, UCD Student Health and President of
Association and brings a different perspective of Further and Higher Education in 2020, which the Irish Student Health Association.
UCD Librarian UCD signs MOU with QUB to
Appointed strengthen collaboration
Dr Sandra Collins has taken up her post as A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between UCD and Queen’s University
University Librarian, replacing former Librarian Belfast (QUB) to strengthen collaboration between both universities. The partnership will
Dr John B Howard (2009-2021). Sandra was enhance cooperation in research and innovation, with the aim of co-developing solutions to
formerly Director of the National Library of Ireland shared global challenges in areas such as climate and sustainability, energy, and food and
(2015-2022), and Director of the Digital Repository agriculture, as well as in healthcare and cancer, manufacturing and digital technologies.
of Ireland (DRI). Her career includes leadership
Each institution will also explore other Higher Education Institutions and industry
roles in research, industry and public service, with
opportunities for collaboration in emerging partners, which will have transformative impacts
prior positions in Royal Irish Academy, Science
areas of expertise, and in academic and for citizens and support talent for the jobs of the
Foundation Ireland, Ericsson telecommunications
postgraduate student mobility. future on the Island of Ireland.”
and Dublin City University.
“This agreement formalises a significant and QUB Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma
“I am absolutely delighted to begin my new role
close partnership between the two institutions Flynn said: “Working together to advance
as University Librarian. This is an exciting time to
and expresses our ambition to jointly contribute cooperation, academic exchanges and research
be joining the fabulous team at the UCD Library
our expertise to co-develop solutions to shared is a positive and important way to blend our
- with the launch of a new strategy and many
Dr Sandra Collins global challenges,” said Professor Orla Feely, expertise for the benefit of society as a whole.
opportunities ahead in cultural heritage, research
UCD Vice-President for Research, Innovation The enhanced connectivity delivered to our
services, collection curation, digital leadership, “More than 25 years ago I graduated from UCD
and Impact. universities and communities through these
and enhancing the student experience including with a PhD in nonlinear fluid dynamics. I loved
“UCD looks forward to participating in future projects will ensure that our cutting-edge
a major refurbishment of Level 3 in the James studying in UCD, and it is an honour to be returning
all-island and international funding programmes research continues to make a real difference to
Joyce Library. now, I can’t wait to get started!”
with Queen’s University Belfast, together with our society.”FEATURE PAGE 15 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
How Dogs can Pollute
our Rivers and Seas
NOT CLEANING UP AFTER YOUR DOG CAN RUIN SOMEONE
ELSE’S DAY. ONE WOMAN - WE’LL CALL HER SHARON -
ONLY LEARNED SHE HAD COVID-19 AFTER HER FAMILY
GAVE OUT TO HER FOR TRAIPSING DOG DIRT ALL THROUGH
THE HOUSE; SHE HADN’T REALISED IT WAS ON HER SHOE
BECAUSE SHE ALSO HADN’T REALISED THAT SHE’D LOST
HER SENSE OF SMELL!FEATURE PAGE 16 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
But dog dirt isn’t just a health and hygiene coli per 100 millilitres significantly increases the beaches. They think the sea will wash it away,
nuisance when it ends up on our shoes and in
our homes. Researchers at UCD have gathered
likelihood of making a person sick.”
Most people pick up after their dogs but,
but we are providing scientific evidence to the
public and to local authorities that dog fouling is Microbiology at UCD
evidence showing that even small amounts despite many public information campaigns, a a serious problem - and one that is sometimes
Professor Wim Meijer began lecturing in the
of dog dirt can pollute our coasts and make significant minority still don’t. In 2021, a survey directly responsible for failing water quality.
department of microbiology in the University of
beaches and sea swimming dangerous. carried out for Dublin City Council by polling With this information, we are giving the local
Groningen, the Netherlands in 1991, and moved
Professor Wim Meijer, Head of UCD School firm Behaviour and Attitudes saw 96% of people authorities the tools to do something.”
to UCD in 1997. “I’ve been involved in researching
of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science has claim to pick up after their dog. The team at UCD, working with three Dublin
infection biology caused by pathogenic bacteria
been working with PhD candidate Niamh Martin Niamh, however, is doubtful. “I also surveyed local authorities and Dublin Bay Biosphere, have
since then, and my work has traced the sources
on Acclimatize. This is a major EU-funded how many dogs were on the beaches while I produced an animation to help educate people
of pollution, particularly in water, back to their
project involving Irish and Welsh researchers, was there,” she says. “On some days, it was as on the problem.
source,” he says.
with UCD as the lead partner, which looks at the high as 200, and on average I would find about
“THE IDEA IS NOT TO POINT FINGERS BUT In 2020, he set up the National SARS-
relationships between humans, animals and 20 dog poos. This means that perhaps one in
CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance Programme in
water pollution. In particular, the project looks ten is not picking up after their dog.” TO CREATE AWARENESS THAT EVEN A
partnership with Irish Water, the National Virus
at how faecal pollution can affect the quality “If a dog goes on the beach, and the owner SMALL DOG POO ON A BIG BEACH HAS A Reference Laboratory (also based in UCD and
of water in areas where people swim and picks it up, there is often still a signature left on SIGNIFICANT IMPACT AND CAN CONTAIN which played a pivotal role during the COVID-19
bathe. This pollution can come from a number the sand which gets into the water and pollutes
HARMFUL BACTERIA, VIRUSES, WORMS, pandemic, particularly in the early days),
of biological sources, including dog fouling, it”, says Professor Meijer. He suggests that dog
PROTOZOA WHICH, IN EXTREME CASES, the HSE, the Health Protection Surveillance
sewage spills, and wild birds. owners make sure to remove as many traces
MAY CAUSE BLINDNESS,” SAYS NIAMH. Centre and the Health Intelligence Unit. This
“My project aims to calculate how much as possible - an easier task on the sand, where
involves the surveillance of 68 treatment plants
pollution each source is contributing to they can scoop up the sand underneath the “AND, ULTIMATELY, WHO WOULD WANT
nationwide, monitoring the levels of SARS-CoV-2
beaches,” says Niamh. “It involved collecting offending article. TO SWIM IN WATER THAT HAS DOG POO in wastewater; unsurprisingly, levels are higher
faeces samples, from big and small dogs IN IT?”
“IT IS QUITE STARK: IF YOU TAKE AN when the virus is at high levels in the population.
and from dog shelters. We then weighed the
PhD candidate Niamh Martin graduated from
samples and determined how many bacteria AREA THE SIZE OF A TENNIS COURT, FILL The Acclimatize project is part-funded by the Trinity College Dublin with a BA (Mod) in Zoology
were in each gram. I worked with PhD candidate, IT WITH HALF A METRE OF WATER AND European Regional Development Fund through before obtaining her MSc in Wildlife Conservation
Jayne Stephens to carry out dog fouling surveys ADD JUST ONE DOG POO, THAT WATER the Ireland Wales Programme 2014-2020. See and Management from UCD - is looking to
at beaches at Merrion and Sandymount in Acclimatize.eu for more information
WILL FAIL QUALITY TESTS AND WILL NOT expand this wastewater surveillance to include
south Dublin, and Portrane and Donabate in
BE SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO SWIM IN.” other viruses that are found in the community.
north Dublin. In just one day, we picked up Professor Meijer and Niamh Martin were “My research examines the link between
over two kilograms of dog faeces. When not in conversation with Peter McGuire, BA (2002),
Both researchers say that dog waste - or biodiversity and water quality and their impact
collected, dog faeces wash out to sea, polluting MLitt (2007), freelance journalist and regular
even fragments of it - left on the sand can also on human health,” she says. “The surveillance of
the water with E. coli and other potentially contributor to the Irish Times.
harm children, especially as they are more likely waterborne pathogens is an important tool to
dangerous bacteria.
to play in the sand. reduce the risk of illness”.
“In these two kilograms alone, there were
Professor Meijer says: “Many people don’t
over 88 billion E. coli, and this is what we are
quite realise the impact of dog fouling on
introducing to the water. Water with over 250 E.NEWS PAGE 17 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School Awards
Congratulations to Professor
Anthony Brabazon and his team at
UCD Smurfit Graduate Business
School who have scooped a number
of awards recently.
CEMS School of the Year
The School was named the
2020/2021 CEMS School of the
Year for the first time. CEMS is
the global strategic alliance of 34
leading business schools, over 69
multinational organisations and
Pictured (l-r) are: Global team representatives Sandro Beiro Antonelli (Liechtenstein), Tim Reusing (Germany), Cillian Mc Caul (Ireland),
eight NGOs that together offer the
NovaUCD and IADT Media
Rhionnon O’Connor (USA) and Jan Bahl (Germany).
CEMS Masters in International
Management. awards won by the School in a single innovations to low-income markets,
Cube Launch €1.6 million New Earlier this year, the School’s
CEMS Masters in International
year in this prestigious competition
which brings together leaders of
whilst keeping with its desire to
remain a social enterprise. Students
Frontiers Programme
Management Programme was the global business education were led by senior faculty mentors
ranked third globally by the Financial community to celebrate excellence to develop strategies to support TLM
Times - the highest ever ranking of among business schools, students, to scale two IT clinical innovations,
NovaUCD and The Institute of Programme participants will be hosted one of the School’s programmes. graduates, suppliers and employers ‘CleverChart’ and ‘CleverChemo’ to
Art, Design and Technology Dún in the IADT Media Cube and in NovaUCD. that share AMBA and BGA’s values of enhance the treatment effectiveness
Executive Development wins
Laoghaire (IADT) has welcomed its Speaking at the launch of the ambition, impact and integrity. of paediatric oncology.
InBusiness Recognition Award
first cohort of thirteen entrepreneurs Programme at IADT, Jennifer Carroll In the Best Culture, Diversity
to its Enterprise Ireland-backed New MacNeill TD said, “One of the striking This was the second year in a CFA Research Challenge 2022
and Inclusion Initiative, the
Frontiers programme. elements of this intake is the diversity row for this award, run in partnership The School participated in the
School’s Intercultural Development
of sectors they are working on. I wish all with Chambers Ireland. CFA Research Challenge represented
Programme (ICD), achieved a silver
Programme participants are working the participants the best of luck as they The InBusiness Recognition by students from the MSc in Finance
award.
on early-stage business concepts begin the programme.” Awards aim to honour and programme. The Challenge took
In the Best Innovation Strategy
ranging from fintech, medtech, digital Tom Flanagan, Director of Enterprise celebrate success, achievement, place in Davy Stockbrokers where
2022 the School’s well-being and
media, innovation in healthcare and and Commercialisation, NovaUCD, said, and ambition within Irish business Trinity College, UCC, NUIG, QUB and
health initiative, UCD Business
food products, and software to help “I am delighted that our first joint New and acknowledge individuals’ TU Dublin also took part.
Alumni Challenge – Around the
organisations embed diversity and Frontiers Programme with IADT Media contributions to grow business in The team was ably mentored
Globe in 30 Days, was awarded
inclusion. Cube has such fantastic participants. this country. by Dr Cormac Mac Fhionnlaoich,
silver.
Enterprise Ireland has committed We look forward to working with them In the Best Business School Academic Director, MSc in Finance
Three AMBA and BGA Excellence
€1.6 million in funding over the next five to further develop and grow their start- Partnership UCD Smurfit School’s and Marie Gillespie, CFA, Director,
Awards
years on this New Frontiers programme ups into companies with the potential to entry is Their Lives Matter – Senior Equity Analyst, Davy.
to support up to 265 entrepreneurs scale on an international stage.” The School achieved top
Tumaini La Maisha (TLM). This is a The focus company was Kerry
in the greater South Dublin area Pictured (l-r) are: Paula Carroll, New accolades at the 2022 AMBA and
compelling initiative highlighting the Group, the world’s leading taste and
incorporating Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Frontiers Programme Enterprise Ireland; BGA Excellence Awards, winning
positive impacts of humanitarian nutrition company. The team’s report
and North Wicklow. The programme will Cormac Finn, SideTeams; Fiona Kiernan, silver for both Best Culture, Diversity
aid supported by business strategy. and presentation concluding with
see each participant receive financial Zeumed; David Smith, President, IADT; and Inclusion Initiative and Best
Through this project, a donor- a BUY recommendation. The team
support of €15,000 scholarship to cover Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD; Lisa Innovation Strategy (Alumni
dependent charity organisation will now go onto the represent the
full-time participation in the six-month Geoghegan, SonaLife; Tom Flanagan, Relations), and bronze for Best
from Tanzania, was able to access School, UCD and Ireland at the EMEA
course, as they focus on moving their NovaUCD; Rachel Gallagher, IADT Media Business School Partnership.
comprehensive, market model Sub Regional Final
business from concept to market. Cube; and Conor Duggan, TaxZap. It is the highest number of
consultancy for rolling out itsNEWS PAGE 18 UCD TODAY - SPRING/SUMMER 2022 PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE CONTENTS
Ireland-Wales research partnership on
sustainable tourism for uplands regions
Researchers from UCD School of Geography are partnering with academic colleagues in
Aberystwyth University on a new European project to boost tourism in rural areas of Wales and
Ireland. The €3 million project – Coastal Uplands: Heritage and Tourism (CUPHAT) – is led by
Aberystwyth, in partnership with UCD and the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, supported by the
European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland-Wales Cooperation programme.
Funded for two years, the project will examine
cultural and natural heritage assets to promote
sustainable forms of tourism in the Cambrian
Mountains and Preseli Hills in Wales, and
Wicklow Mountains and Blackstairs Mountains
– led in Ireland by co-PIs from UCD School of
Geography Dr Christine Bonnin and Dr Arlene
Crampsie.
The Ireland-Wales scheme will explore
several elements, including: Use of technology to
enhance visitor experience; Creating a tourism
network and joint marketing strategy; and
Working with schools and other groups to record
Stories of
which the copper is smelting in the heat. Finally,
local cultural histories.
one student used a tongs to take the crucible
Dr Christine Bonnin and Dr Arlene Crampsie
of liquid metal out of the furnace, bring it to the
Discovery and casting pit and pour it into a clay mould.
A spontaneous round of applause erupted.
said: “Drawing on the rich natural and cultural
heritages of the coastal uplands bordering the
Discovery Podcasts
Irish Sea, this project offers local communities
Meanwhile Masters students excavated the
and tourism stakeholders an exciting opportunity
site of the early mediaeval round house under
to develop sustainable, locally appropriate
reconstruction after an arson attack. A new
The Stories of Discovery and Discovery tourism offerings.
mediaeval round house is under construction
Podcasts highlight and promote emerging Combining existing and new heritage
beside it.
interdisciplinary research in our UCD tourism initiatives, the project will showcase
Stories of Discovery and Discovery Podcasts
community. also recently featured Professor Hugh Campbell, the shared and unique aspects of our joint addition but, at present, this is relatively under-
UCD School of Architecture, who spoke about heritages to a diverse tourist audience, helping developed, especially when compared with the
UCD Discovery recently spent a morning with to build sustainable tourism through community mass tourism taking place along the coasts of
redeveloping Ireland’s ‘fraught’ Magdalene
Professor Aidan O’Sullivan and Dr Brendan O’Neill, development.” both Ireland and Wales.
Laundry sites. In August 2018 news broke that
co-directors of the UCD Centre for Experimental The initiative also aims to bring economic
Dublin City Council planned to sell the two-acre
Archaeology and Material Culture. benefits. Specifically, the goal is to increase “In Ireland and Wales, Brexit is likely to
Magdalene Laundry site on Sean McDermott St
They gave a tour of their outdoor site,
to a Japanese hotel chain for €14 million. A public the number of tourists in these areas, and their have an impact on tourism. However,
featuring students smelting bronze as part of spending, by 5% and create or expand eight local unexpectedly, Brexit and the COVID-19
outcry ensued.
their Making the Past module. All of the activity microenterprises. pandemic may encourage more people
onsite made for a fascinating podcast. Students “This is what sparked my interest in this Professor Rhys Jones from Aberystwyth
to holiday at home. This creates
gathered around a hand-built clay furnace to University said: “The four coastal upland areas of
whole world,” he said. “Many people felt opportunities for more regions to benefit
recreate how metal tools were made in the the Cambrian Mountains, Preseli Hills, Wicklow
Bronze Age. They each had a role: some took
that this was an inappropriate and hasty from new types of domestic tourists
Mountains and Blackstairs Mountains have
turns sitting on a chair for the laborious task of act that would simply result in the entire historically been reliant on traditional industries wanting to actively explore the less
working the bellows, pumping air into the furnace disappearance of the building and all that such as agriculture and forestry. Each of the commercialised coastal upland areas.”
to keep the charcoal lit. Others kept that charcoal had gone on there.” areas possesses some tourism infrastructure in
topped up around the crucible; a vessel insideYou can also read
