WIT News

Waterford named Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year Posted: Fri, September 25, 2009

Waterford Institute of Technology has been named Institute of Technology of the Year 2009 by the Sunday Times. 

The recognition comes in the Sunday Times Irish University Guide published with the newspaper today (Sunday, Sept 20) and this is the second year that Waterford has taken top billing after a previous success in 2005. 

The newspaper reports that Waterford Institute of Technology consistently ranks among the country’s top-performing Institutes of Technology and has the best graduate employment record in the sector – something attributed to the high level of recognition of its degrees among employers. 

The award citation also notes how research income per academic at Waterford is almost on a par with that in the university sector with new projects ranging from finding commercial uses for seaweed to testing future telecommunications services with O2. It is also noted that a “significant ongoing investment programme has given it modern, well-serviced campuses with excellent student services”. 

Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman, Waterford Institute of Technology said: “This is a particularly welcome and timely affirmation – particularly coming just four years after we were previously named Institute of Technology of the Year. The repeated success demonstrates consistency and sustained performance. The Institute’s achievements far exceed what might be reasonably expected – especially in research, development and innovation, as specifically mentioned by the Sunday Times assessors. 

“While congratulating the entire staff and student body for this latest endorsement of their work, I must again record that, in order to achieve its full potential, the Institute can no longer be constrained by not having the legislative autonomy of a university. Re-designation as University of the South East would enable us to compete even more successfully and have a stronger regional and national impact as drivers of economic recovery.” 

Prof Kieran R Byrne, Director, Waterford Institute of Technology said the latest recognition is a credit to all of the Institute community – students and staff alike. “It takes a considerable team of people to achieve sustained success in higher education and our selection as Institute of Technology of the Year reflects well on the efforts made at all levels of the Institute – whether by the most recently arrived student or the longest serving member of staff; by our Students’ Union or our governing body. 

“Underpinning all that we do at the Institute is the backing we enjoy from a wider community in the southeast and far beyond. There is a wide recognition of how important higher education is to this region and that translates into partnerships across all areas of Institute activity so that our taught and research programmes reflect the external environment and we respond quickly to emerging opportunities and challenges. 

“The Sunday Times designation of Waterford as Institute of Technology of the Year will undoubtedly be useful in our marketing efforts as this and other guides to higher education are tracked carefully by prospective students and those who advise them on future options. At a more immediate level, it should be a source of tremendous pride to the entire Institute community and to all of our alumni, friends and collaborators.”