TU Dublin Researchers Secure €1.3M under the 2024 EPA Research Call
TU Dublin is delighted to announce that researchers have secured a total of €1.3 million in funding under the 2024 EPA Research Call, contributing to Ireland’s ongoing efforts in tackling climate and environmental challenges. This funding is part of the €14.5 million awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to 25 innovative research projects nationwide. Among the researchers awarded funding are Dr Eoin McGillicuddy, Dr Amit Jaiswal and Dr Swarna Jaiswal whose innovative projects will advance knowledge in air quality monitoring and sustainable biomaterials, respectively.
Dr Eoin McGillicuddy – ‘Mobile Air Monitoring in Agricultural Settings’ (€658,728)
Dr McGillicuddy, Head of Chemical Sciences in the School of Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, specialises in environmental chemistry, particularly on air quality. His project will develop mobile air monitoring solutions for agricultural settings to better understand and mitigate pollution impacts. Eoin will work with Dr David O'Connor; Associate Professor in the School of Chemical Sciences DCU and Dr Dean Venables; Senior Lecturer in Physical and Environmental Chemistry at University College Cork on this project.
Commenting on the funding, Dr McGillicuddy said:
This grant from the EPA allows us to advance critical research into air quality monitoring in agricultural environments, addressing an essential aspect of environmental sustainability. With this support, we can develop innovative solutions to enhance air quality assessment and contribute to better environmental policies.
Dr Amit Jaiswal & Dr Swarna Jaiswal – ‘Urban Woody Biomass Sustainability through Nanocellulose & Lignin-Based Biomaterials Production for Water Purification and Adhesive Applications’ (€641,925)
Dr Amit Jaiswal and Dr Swarna Jaiswal, lecturers in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health are leading a project in collaboration with Professor Brijesh K. Tiwari; Principal Research Officer in Teagasc to develop biorefinery strategies for transforming urban woody biomass into high-value sustainable biomaterials, contributing to the circular bioeconomy. Their research will focus on the development of nanocellulose and lignin-based materials for water purification and eco-friendly adhesive applications.
Speaking about the project, Dr Amit Jaiswal and Dr Swarna Jaiswal stated:
This funding is a significant step towards sustainable resource utilisation. By converting urban woody biomass into high-performance biomaterials, we are advancing a circular and regenerative economy with practical solutions for water purification and eco-friendly adhesives. This research aligns with global efforts to replace fossil-based materials with renewable, biodegradable alternatives, driving a more sustainable and resilient future.
The EPA’s 2024 Research Call is in collaboration with key partners such as Met Éireann and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. These efforts align with Ireland’s broader climate action strategy and support the transition towards a sustainable and circular economy.
The EPA’s 2024 funding programme is aimed at building essential research capacity in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on fostering new talent; 50% of this year’s applications were submitted by researchers new to the EPA Research Programme. The funding will support 200 research staff across 10 organisations, including 50 new PhD and postgraduate students, strengthening Ireland’s expertise in key environmental sectors such as climate change, the natural environment, the green & circular economy, and the environment & human health.
The research projects led by Dr Eoin McGillicuddy, Dr Amit Jaiswal and Dr Swarna Jaiswal highlight TU Dublin’s commitment to advancing environmental research, fostering scientific innovation, and developing practical solutions for Ireland’s environmental challenges.