Dr. Andrew Hines is a Researcher at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, specializing in machine learning applications for signal processing in speech, audio, and video domains. His work focuses on Quality of Experience (QoE) modeling, speech quality assessment, and immersive media analysis. He has held leadership roles in European COST Actions like Qualinet and CryptoAction, and previously worked in industry as a Director of Engineering. University: University College Dublin Role: Director of Research, Innovation and Impact Key Collaborations: IEEE (Senior Member), Audio Engineering Society (Ireland) Research interests center on machine learning for QoE optimization, audio-visual integration, and healthcare applications like heart sound classification and stroke rehabilitation. His recent publications explore self-supervised learning, neural speech codecs, and contextual factors in speech/audio quality assessment. Scientific contributions include awards like IEEE Senior Membership, and his work spans both academic research and industrial engineering in finance and aviation sectors. He leads the QxLab research team at UCD and develops open-source platforms such as WARP-Q and AQP for quality metrics.
Dr. Shirley Coyle is an Assistant Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU) and Programme Chair for the BSc Global Challenges. She holds a BEng in Electronic Engineering from DCU (2000) and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from NUI Maynooth (2005). Her career includes roles as a Telecoms Engineer at Siemens, Research Fellow at the National Centre for Sensor Research, and Team Leader of Wearable Sensors in the INSIGHT Centre for Data Analytics. She also studied part-time at the Grafton Academy for Fashion Design and later founded a consultancy in wearable technologies. Her research focuses on smart garments, wearable sensors, and sustainable textiles, with applications in healthcare, sports performance, and S.T.E.A.M. integration. Key interests include developing wearable chemical sensors, energy-autonomous sensing systems, and IoT-enabled rehabilitation devices. She has pioneered work on wearable sensors for monitoring chronic diseases, athlete training, and home rehabilitation using VR. Dr. Coyle’s work spans interdisciplinary collaboration, combining biomedical engineering with textile design. Her contributions include innovations in electrospun textiles, self-powered sensors, and sensor integration with microfluidics. She has held leadership roles in DCU’s Governing Authority and promotes STEM education through design-focused initiatives.
Prof. Barry Smyth holds the Digital Chair of Computer Science at University College Dublin and serves as Director of the Insight Centre for Data Analytics. A Fellow of the European Coordinating Committee on Artificial Intelligence (ECCAI) since 2003 and Member of the Royal Irish Academy since 2011, he previously directed the Clarity Centre for Sensor Web Technologies (2008-2013) and led UCD's School of Computer Science and Informatics as Head of School. His research spans Artificial Intelligence with core expertise in case-based reasoning, machine learning, and recommender systems, uniquely applied to domains including e-commerce personalization, health informatics, and sports science. Recent work demonstrates exceptional translational impact through marathon training optimization systems that generate personalized injury-prevention protocols and performance predictions, bridging AI theory with real-world athletic applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary AI applications: 60% focus on sports science (particularly marathon running), 25% on privacy-enhanced recommender systems, and 15% on financial time-series analysis. This reflects his strategic shift from pure algorithmic innovation toward high-impact societal applications while maintaining technical rigor in areas like federated learning and contrastive embedding. Barry Smyth's scientific recognition includes: ECCAI Fellowship (2003) Royal Irish Academy Membership (2011) Honorary Doctorate from Robert Gordon University (2014) SFI Researcher of the Year (2014) Over 20 best paper awards Earnst & Young Entrepreneur Finalist (2006) Irish Software Association's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (2012) His research funding and advisory impact manifests through entrepreneurial success: co-founding ChangingWorlds (acquired for $60M) and HeyStaks (€3M venture capital), while actively advising Irish startups and serving on the Irish Times Trust board. This commercial translation complements traditional grant funding, with his 400+ publications generating 13,000+ citations and an h-index of 58. Leading the Recommender Systems research group at Insight Centre, Smyth directs collaborative projects spanning academia and industry. His teams integrate computer scientists, sports physiologists, and financial analysts to develop deployable AI solutions, notably the marathon training recommendation system used by recreational runners globally and privacy-preserving frameworks adopted by financial technology partners.
Alan Duggan is a Research Fellow in the Department of Building & Civil Engineering at the University of Galway, affiliated with the Engineering Research Group (ERG). His work focuses on sustainable construction practices, environmental engineering, and the environmental impact of infrastructure projects, particularly in peatland regions. He specializes in carbon footprint analysis, geotechnical challenges in peatland construction, and the development of low-carbon materials and techniques. Principal Investigator in ERG Focus areas: Peatland rehabilitation, carbon sequestration in construction materials, and sustainable transportation infrastructure His research integrates geotechnical engineering with environmental science, addressing challenges in ground improvement, drainage systems, and carbonation processes. Key contributions include studies on stabilized peat as a carbon sink and embodied carbon analysis in motorway construction. His publications span environmental sustainability, material science, and infrastructure planning, emphasizing practical solutions for reducing environmental impact in construction projects.
Ian Pitt is a Lecturer in Usability Engineering and Interactive Media at University College Cork (UCC). He leads the Interaction Design, E-Learning and Speech (IDEAS) Research Group, focusing on multimodal human-computer interaction, auditory interfaces, and accessibility solutions for visually impaired users. Pitt holds a D.Phil from the University of York, followed by research fellowships at Otto-von-Guericke University in Germany before joining UCC in 1997. His research interests include speech-based interfaces, e-learning systems, and accessibility technologies for blind users. Key projects include the EU-funded ENABLE Network (2011–2014) and prototype development for UniWink. He has secured significant grants, including €72,009 from IRCSET for voice analysis research and €19,478 from the EU for ICT-supported learning initiatives. Pitt has advised numerous PhD students, including Flaithri Neff (2011), Emma-Kate Crowley (2014), and current candidates Aine Kearns and Patrick Egan. His publications span journals like International Journal of Game-Based Learning and conferences such as ICCHP and ACM SIGACCESS. He has contributed to committees for conferences like CHI and the Irish HCI conference. Teaching modules include Usability Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and Digital Media Development. His work emphasizes inclusive design principles, with projects addressing navigation systems for blind students and adaptive e-learning frameworks. Recent research trends focus on ICT-delivered aphasia rehabilitation, emotional BCI interfaces, and multimodal learning systems. Collaborations include international partners through EU grants, reflecting his global impact in accessibility and educational technology.
Olaf Schmidt is a Professor at the School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin (UCD). His academic career includes roles such as Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor (2008–2017) and extends back to a Post-doctoral Research Assistant position (1999–2001). He holds a Ph.D. from UCD (2000), an M.Sc. in Soil Science from the University of Aberdeen (1993), and a Diplom-Agraringenieur from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg (1992). Research Focus: Schmidt specializes in soil ecology, earthworm biology, stable isotope analysis, and sustainable agriculture. His work addresses topics like soil restoration, invasive species impacts, food authentication, and ecosystem rehabilitation. He leads projects such as Edaphobase 2.0 and the Gunnera tinctoria invasion studies. His research integrates molecular techniques, isotopic tracing, and large-scale data synthesis. Awards & Recognition: Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (2023) Honorary Member of the Association of Applied Biologists (2022) Fellow of the Institute of Soil Science (2023) Teaching & Outreach: Coordinates modules on soil science, environmental microbiology, and the circular bioeconomy. Engages in public lectures on topics like earthworm contributions to soil health. Collaborates internationally, including a visiting professorship at the University of Agriculture in Kraków (2022). Grants & Impact: Contributed to the SmartGrass project, enhancing sustainable agricultural practices through multispecies swards. His work on peat alternatives and mine tailings rehabilitation has practical implications for environmental management and policy. Labs & Collaborations: Active in the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative and Soil BON network. Edaphobase 2.0 exemplifies his data-driven approach to soil biodiversity research.
Dr. Ciarán Ó Catháin is a Lecturer in the Department of Sport and Health Science within the Faculty of Science and Health. He is actively engaged in research at the intersection of sports science, exercise physiology, and nutritional health, with a strong emphasis on athlete performance and well-being. His research interests include: Sports Science and Exercise Physiology Nutritional Science in Athletics Female Athlete Health, particularly menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive tracking Dietary intake and culinary nutrition among athletes Resisted sprint training and performance monitoring Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in sports interventions Application of machine learning and wearable technology in sports Dr. Ó Catháin’s recent publications demonstrate a trend toward evidence synthesis (systematic reviews and meta-analyses), interdisciplinary methodologies, and a growing focus on gender-specific considerations in sports performance. His work integrates engineering concepts such as gait analysis and phase velocity with health sciences, reflecting a cross-disciplinary approach. He also explores emerging technologies like augmented reality and synthetic data generation for performance prediction. While no formal scientific awards are listed, his research has contributed to high-impact journals including Sports Medicine , Frontiers in Sports and Active Living , and Nutrition Bulletin . His h-index of 10 and 254 citations reflect a solid and growing academic influence. There is no available information regarding student supervision, grant funding, laboratory affiliations, or collaborative teams. However, his frequent co-authorship suggests active research collaboration, particularly with researchers in sports physiology and nutrition.
Sinead O'Keeffe is a Research Fellow at the University of Limerick in the Faculty of Science and Engineering , specifically within the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering . Her research bridges the technical domain of optical fiber sensor development with critical applications in radiation therapy and sports medicine. Primary Research Themes Medical radiation dosimetry using optical fiber sensors Brachytherapy dose monitoring systems Sports injury prevention in Gaelic football and running Mental health literacy in rural farming communities Key Technical Contributions Development of scintillation-based dosimeters Characterization of perfluorinated polymer fibers 3D printed sensor systems for clinical and rehabilitation applications Interdisciplinary Applications Prostate cancer radiotherapy dose measurement Mental health intervention programs for athletes Work-family conflict analysis in Irish farming Email: sinead.okeeffe@ul.ie
Professor Francesco Pilla is a Full Professor of Smart and Sustainable Cities at University College Dublin's School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, where he also serves as Co-Director of the Spatial Dynamics Lab. Previously, he held positions as MSc Director (2018-2019) and Undergraduate Director for the School of Architecture. With over 15 years of experience in GIS modeling and spatial data analysis, Professor Pilla's work bridges technology, urban planning, and community engagement to create more sustainable cities. Professor Pilla's research focuses on developing geospatial analysis tools and environmental pollution models (air, noise, water) using GIS platforms to facilitate interoperability between research teams and end users. His approach integrates environmental pollution models with pervasive and community sensing applications for calibration and validation. A key innovation in his work is the integration of co-design principles through Living Labs in urban planning and citizen science initiatives to improve city life from an environmental perspective. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on urban sustainability challenges, with significant contributions to air quality monitoring, sustainable transportation, climate adaptation, and citizen science methodologies. His work increasingly incorporates advanced AI techniques, including large language models and machine learning algorithms, to analyze urban systems and develop data-driven solutions for complex environmental problems. The research demonstrates a clear trend toward integrating diverse data sources and developing practical tools for urban governance and planning. Haagen-Smit Prize (2024) - Recognizing outstanding papers published in Atmospheric Environment Best eMobility Project - Electric Vehicle Awards 2024 All Ireland community & council awards - Best Community Transport Initiative 2024 Academic research award: tipping point for action from Financial Times (2023) Professor Pilla leads numerous significant research projects including iSCAPE (H2020-SC5) as Coordinator, OPERANDUM (Principal Investigator for UCD) focusing on flood risk reduction with nature-based solutions, WeCount (Principal Investigator for UCD), and Connecting Nature (Principal Investigator for UCD). He has also secured funding through SFI Investigator grants for 'Scalable, Privacy-Enhanced Analytics for sharing mobility systems' and several Environmental Protection Agency projects. His collaborative work extends to partnerships with MIT through Fulbright/EPA TechImpact awards and IBM through Faculty Awards. At the Spatial Dynamics Lab, Professor Pilla oversees research that combines geospatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and community engagement. His innovative 'Bike Library' initiative, which has expanded to multiple schools in Dublin, exemplifies his commitment to translating research into practical community solutions. The lab's work integrates advanced sensing technologies, GIS platforms, and citizen science to address urban environmental challenges through collaborative approaches.
Dr. Rob Argent is a Lecturer in Digital & Connected Health at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), within the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. With a background as a Physiotherapist in the NHS, he transitioned to academic research through a PhD in Connected Health at University College Dublin (UCD). His work focuses on patient-facing digital health technologies, particularly wearables for musculoskeletal rehabilitation and chronic disease management. He is an editorial board member of npj Digital Medicine and holds certifications in health professions education. Education: BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, Coventry University (2007–2010) PhD in Connected Health, University College Dublin (2016–2019) PGDip in Health Professions Education, RCSI (2021) Professional Certificate in University Teaching & Learning, UCD Research Interests: Rob's research bridges clinical practice and technology, emphasizing wearable sensor validation, digital biomarkers, and usability of health technologies. Key areas include gait analysis, fall detection algorithms, and the evaluation of consumer wearables. He advocates for stakeholder-driven digital health solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health). Grants & Projects: "Evaluation of novel digital biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis" (Enterprise Ireland, 2023–2026) "CERBERUS: Certainty of Evidence Reports for Wearable Devices" (SFI, 2023–2024) "EPIVIEWS: Epilepsy Wearables Monitoring Study" (Irish Research Council, 2022–2025) Teaching Roles: Module Lead for Connected Healthcare and Internet of Medical Things in RCSI's MSc Technologies & Analytics in Precision Medicine program. Also contributes to leadership development, lifestyle medicine, and project management modules across multiple programs. Labs/Teams: Part of RCSI's Population Health research cluster and collaborates with UCD's Insight Centre for Data Analytics. His work aligns with interdisciplinary efforts to advance digital health innovation and clinical translation.
Ross Anderson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education & Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick. He co-founded the Biomechanics Research Unit (BRU), which has secured €1.14 million in funding and produced significant outputs including 56 journal papers and 127 conference papers. His expertise spans movement variability in sports, biofeedback applications, wireless technology in medicine, and engineering solutions for sports medicine. Anderson holds a PhD from the University of Limerick (2002), M.Sc. from University of Aberdeen (1997), and B.Sc. from Robert Gordon University (1995). He has held roles including External Examiner for Sport and Exercise Sciences at UL and Biomedical Engineer at Grampian Healthcare. His teaching philosophy emphasizes formative evaluation, adaptive learning styles, and fostering student engagement through cooperative tasks. Research focuses include pacing strategies in swimming and marathon running, reliability of biomechanical measurements, and clinical applications like step-count reliability in MS patients. He collaborates with 29 researchers and advises 13 postgraduate students. Anderson is active in professional organizations like the International Society of Biomechanics in Sport and Sports Engineering.
Madeleine Lowery is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin. She leads the Personal Sensing research group, focusing on engineering approaches to study the human nervous system in health and disease, with applications in therapies for impaired motor function. Her interdisciplinary research integrates neural engineering, electromyography, and biomedical signal processing. Specializes in neuromuscular systems and neural control of movement Develops myoelectric control systems for artificial limbs Designs high-density electrode systems for neural activity recording Investigates deep brain stimulation mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease models Her research spans neurodegenerative disorders (ALS, Huntington’s disease) and rehabilitation technologies , including wearable sensors for gait and sleep analysis. Key methodologies involve computational modeling , adaptive control systems , and biomedical signal analysis .
Dr. Donal Holland is a researcher at the University College Dublin (UCD) and a funded investigator at Insight Centre. He co-leads the UCD Rehabilitation Engineering and Robotics Lab with Dr. Giacomo Severini, focusing on the intersection of technical knowledge, mechanical design, robotics, and biomechanics. His work addresses the creation and dissemination of technical knowledge, STEM education outreach, and soft robotics for rehabilitation applications. Key Research Areas: Rehabilitation Engineering, Soft Robotics, Design Pedagogy, Wearable Sensors, and Biomechanics. Recent publications highlight advancements in soft robotic actuators, predictive control systems for human movement, and educational tools like DEFT and the Soft Robotics Toolkit. His lab’s work includes devices for stroke rehabilitation and wearable biomedical applications. The most recent articles (2024–2018) span Robotics, Neuroscience, Materials Science, and Education. Themes include neural controllers for mobility, 3D-printed actuators, design knowledge reuse, and the integration of technology into rehabilitation. Subfields emphasize predictive simulations, wearable devices, STEM outreach, and materials engineering. Labs & Teams: Co-leader of the UCD Rehabilitation Engineering and Robotics Lab, he develops tools for rehabilitation robotics and open-access platforms to support researchers and educators globally.
Giacomo Severini is a Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University College Dublin. His research focuses on human motor control, motor learning, and rehabilitation robotics, aiming to develop innovative tools for rehabilitating individuals with movement impairments. He holds an MS (2008) and PhD (2012) in Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering from Roma Tre University, Italy, and previously worked as a Research Associate at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital (2011–2015) and postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School (2012–2015). Research Interests: Dr. Severini investigates neuromuscular control mechanisms using robotics, computational modeling, and clinical biomechanics. Key areas include: Rehabilitation engineering for stroke, cerebral palsy, and spinal injuries Muscle synergy analysis to decode motor recovery patterns Robot-assisted gait and upper-limb training Neural-inspired controllers for adaptive movement Biomechanical assessments of sit-to-stand, walking, and cycling Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize quantitative rehabilitation science , with recurring themes in muscle synergy applications for clinical diagnostics, robot-assisted therapy efficacy, and predictive simulations of movement. Studies frequently integrate multimodal data (EMG, EEG, kinematics) and target neurological populations (stroke, cerebral palsy). Awards: No scientific awards mentioned in available sources. Affiliations: As a Funded Investigator in the Personal Sensing research group, he collaborates on projects bridging engineering and clinical rehabilitation. No specific labs or student advising details are provided.
Professor Deirdre Murray is the Director of the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) and Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at University College Cork (UCC). She leads the NCRI's strategic initiatives and oversees cancer data analysis across Ireland. Her expertise spans public health medicine, cancer epidemiology, and neonatal neurology research. She chairs the UK and Ireland Association of Cancer Registries and contributes to international collaborations like the EUROCARE consortium. Professionally, she holds roles on the National Screening Advisory Committee and National Research Ethics Committee, emphasizing her commitment to public health governance. Trained in medicine at UCC and with a Master’s in Public Health from UCD, Dr. Murray’s career bridges clinical practice and population health. Her research focuses on cancer outcomes, neonatal brain injury, and early childhood neurodevelopment. Notable projects include developing machine learning models for neonatal risk assessment and examining long-term outcomes of preterm infants. She advocates for standardized neonatology training through pan-European initiatives and explores digital health tools for monitoring conditions like motor neurone disease. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address complex health challenges, such as optimizing cancer registries, improving data governance in multi-national studies, and advancing care for at-risk populations. Her contributions span clinical leadership, policy development, and innovative research methodologies.
