These events have formed the foundations for a highly innovative, collaborative and regionally impactful research community within SETU
The third annual South East Research Sparks event took place recently with researchers from Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) and Institute of Technology Carlow (ITC) showcasing their high quality, societally-relevant research.
South East Research Sparks provided staff an opportunity to present to their colleagues on their current research projects and future plans, creating increased awareness of the research capabilities available across both Institutes, and room for future collaborations and joint research proposals.
Sowing the seed for future engagement
Over 26 researchers from WIT and ITC took part in the morning session which covered a variety of topics across Education, Computer Science, Physics, Social Care, Advanced materials, Health, Nutrition, Sport and more.
Each presenter took five minutes to give an overview of their research and the type of collaborative opportunities they were seeking. There were two sessions of presentations, after which there was an open Q&A which sparked great discussion, debate, and interest between the attendees. It is hoped that such conversations sowed the seed for future engagement and joint funding opportunities.
Enhancing society and economy in the south east
Opening the event, Dr Declan Doyle, Vice President for Development and Research at ITC noted: “Research Sparks is evidence of the integrated research and innovation ecosystem we are building as we enter South East Technological University (SETU). I am confident that our collective tradition of active engagement with stakeholders will continue to enhance society and economy in the south east, nationally and internationally, creating change with real impact.”
Examples of just some of the thought-provoking research projects featured on the day included: Using physics to improve patient outcomes in radiotherapy; Artificial Intelligence in the assessment of team sports; Vaginismus in the Irish context; Tools to assess adult learning; Using engineering solutions to assess thermal performance in a pool hall; and The numbers of females in HE Computer Science.
Research and innovation at the heart of the technological university
Speaking about the importance of this collaborative event before SETU designation, Dr Mark White Vice President of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies in WIT pointed to the various partnership arrangements that have matured since the very first Research Sparks, and how relationships have flourished: “Research and Innovation are at the heart of every technological university. These Research Sparks events and the many other joint research initiatives over recent years, have provided the foundations for a highly innovative, collaborative and regionally impactful research community within SETU.”
The morning of presentations was followed by an afternoon workshop by Dr Ritchie Head from renowned research consultancy Ceratium. Dr Head introduced researchers to the principles of Research Data Management in Horizon Europe projects which will enable participants to plan their data management from the start of their research projects and enhance the competitiveness of their funding applications.
Building world class research activity
SETU will continue to focus on the application of knowledge to drive the development of the region. Research Sparks creates a platform from which the future research and innovation ecosystem of SETU can grow, creating international collaborations, growing our postgraduate and postdoctoral community, and building world class research activity in the south east of Ireland.
The brochure for South East Research Sparks - The Third is available here now with full details of the event and an overview of the research presented.
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