Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland: Researcher of the Year 2024 (IRC legacy) Awards Announced
The Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Researcher of the Year (IRC legacy) Awards were celebrated on Wednesday, January 15th, 2025, recognising the outstanding contributions of IRC-funded researchers who have significantly advanced knowledge, society, culture, and innovation in Ireland.
A key feature of this year’s event was the celebration of Research Allies, a category introduced to honour the individuals who play a vital role in Ireland’s thriving research ecosystem. These awards shine a spotlight on mentors, supervisors, research officers, and technical staff who provide crucial support to researchers across all career levels.
For 2024, a total of 67 Research Allies were acknowledged, following nominations from current and former postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and academic staff. This recognition underscores the essential role of collaboration and mentorship in fostering research excellence.
The awards highlighted the achievements of three TU Dublin researchers being celebrated for their remarkable contributions to research:
- Dr Eamon Maher; Director of the National Centre for Franco-Irish Studies
- Professor Hugh J. Byrne; Lead of the Physical to Life Sciences Research Hub
- Dr Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire; Senior Lecturer in the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
The awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collaborative spirit and community that make Ireland a hub for research and discovery. For a full list of this year’s Award Winners and Allies, see: https://www.researchireland.ie/news/2024-irc-legacy-awards/