Ciarán Mac an Bhaird is an Associate Professor of Business and Management at Dublin City University (DCU), within the Fiontar & Scoil na Gaeilge department. He holds a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, a B.Comm and LL.B from NUI Galway, and an M.Sc. in Finance from DCU. His academic role includes teaching and supervising PhD students focusing on enterprise policy, high-growth firm financing, and entrepreneurship education. Research interests span resourcing small firms, capital structure, alternative finance, and public policy for SMEs. He authored Resourcing Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (Springer-Verlag, 2010), launched by the Irish Minister for Enterprise. His work has been published in journals like Small Business Economics and Venture Capital . He chairs the Entrepreneurial Finance track at the Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Conference and serves as an associate editor for Research in International Business and Finance . Current PhD advisees include Simon Bridge, Nouf Alnasser, Batoul Batoulbanjar, and Sean O Reilly. Professional activities include contributions to policy reports for Enterprise Ireland and the Irish League of Credit Unions, and participation in the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Programme.
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.
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.
Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.
Dr. Sabin Tabirca is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Information Technology, University College Cork (UCC). He holds a BSc from Bucharest University and a PhD from Brunel University. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Algorithmics, Interactive Media, and HCI, with applications in computational cancer modeling, mobile health (mHealth), and parallel computing. He coordinates MPT Activities and is affiliated with the CRR Group and BCRI Centre. Notable awards include UCC's President Award for Innovation in Teaching (2007), IT@Cork Leader Award (2008), and UCC Staff Recognition Award (2013). His teaching includes modules like Parallel and Grid Computing, Mobile Application Design, and Graphics for Interactive Media. Dr. Tabirca has supervised over 70 MSc students and numerous PhD candidates, many of whom now hold academic and industry roles globally. His research includes developing mHealth apps for cystic fibrosis patients, 3D cancer visualization tools, and frameworks for mobile parallel computing. Publications span mHealth design pipelines, cancer prediction models, and mobile gaming for health education. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects, blending computer science with medical and biological applications.
Professor Aoife Gowen is a leading academic at the UCD School of Biosystems & Food Engineering , specializing in hyperspectral imaging and its applications across medicine, food safety, and engineering. Her research, supported by prestigious European Research Council (ERC) funding, investigates water molecule interactions with surfaces to improve bone graft materials and develop innovative diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. She also leads Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded projects on hyperspectral monitoring of bacterial growth for food safety. Beyond technical research, Professor Gowen has developed computational tools now integrated into commercial chemical analysis software. Her work spans interdisciplinary domains, including sustainable transport policy, critical thinking education, and promoting gender diversity in engineering. As a key figure in the Women on Walls initiative, she has enhanced visibility for women in STEM fields. Her recent publications focus on spectral technologies for food quality, microplastics characterization, and medical diagnostics, reflecting her commitment to addressing global challenges in health and sustainability. Scientific Awards: ERC Grant for water-surface interaction research Professor Gowen actively collaborates with European networks and industry partners, driving advancements in hyperspectral imaging applications. Her lab’s efforts to bridge computational science with real-world chemical analysis have positioned her as a pioneer in invisible chemistry visualization, impacting medicine, food, and environmental engineering.
Victor Lazzarini is a Professor of Music at Maynooth University, Ireland, specializing in computer music and audio signal processing. He holds a BMus from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil, and an AMusD from the University of Nottingham, UK. His research spans electroacoustic music, digital signal processing, and music technology. He leads the Csound project, a widely used sound and music computing system, and authored libraries like Aulib and Aurora. Education: Bachelor of Music (BMus), UNICAMP, Brazil Advanced Music Degree (AMusD), University of Nottingham, UK His research interests include sound synthesis, computer music languages, and the intersection of music with technology. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and books such as Spectral Music Design: A Computational Approach (Oxford UP, 2021) and co-edited volumes like Ubiquitous Music Ecologies (Routledge, 2020). His work bridges academic and industrial sectors through projects like the Enterprise-Ireland-funded commercialization initiative. Prof. Lazzarini’s contributions to music technology include pioneering tools like Csound, which enable real-time audio synthesis and processing. His articles span topics from digital filter design to historical computer music archaeology, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied domains. Awards: AIC/IMRO International Composition Prize (2006) He advises on interdisciplinary projects such as the BeatHealth initiative, integrating ubiquitous computing and music. His creative output includes electroacoustic compositions performed globally and released on labels like FarPoint Recordings. Lazzarini actively collaborates with international teams, contributing to conferences like DAFx and ICMC, and leads initiatives like the Ubimus (Ubiquitous Music) research network.
Dr. Enda Donlon is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University's School of STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies, part of the DCU Institute of Education. He specializes in ICT integration in education, digital technologies for teacher training, and AI in education. As APF leader for the AI and Emerging Technologies strand of DCU's Doctor of Education Programme, he drives innovation in educational technology. His professional roles include former presidency of the Educational Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) and governance roles in European educational research bodies like EERA. Research interests focus on digital pedagogy, teacher professional development, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies in education. He has received prestigious awards including the DCU President’s Award for Innovation (2014) and Excellence in Teaching (2021 team award). Enda contributes to academic governance through editorial roles in journals like International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education and Irish Educational Studies . His work bridges theory and practice, exploring topics such as cybersecurity professionals’ learning needs, pandemic-era academic collaboration, and AI’s role in reshaping educational landscapes. Ongoing projects include frameworks for computational thinking education and virtual/augmented reality applications in teacher training.
Professor Ita Richardson is a Professor of Software Quality in the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems at the University of Limerick. She serves as Co-Principal Investigator at Lero – the Irish Software Research Centre, funded by Science Foundation Ireland. Her roles include leading projects on Global Software Engineering, Connected Health, and Women in STEM. Affiliated with multiple centers including the Ageing Research Centre and Health Research Institute, she also holds adjunct professorship at the University of Eastern Finland. Education: PhD (1999), MSc (1992), BSc (1983). Her research focuses on software processes, quality in medical devices, global software development, and gender equity in STEM. Notable projects include FESTA (EU-funded initiative for female STEM academics) and TRANSFoRm (patient safety in Europe). She has supervised PhD students funded by SFI, IRC, EU, and international universities. Teaching spans software processes, software quality, and connected health at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Collaborations include IBM, Johnson & Johnson, and health institutions. Awards include Science Foundation Ireland Industry Fellowship (2014-2017). Active in initiatives like Athena SWAN and community engagement through Gaelic sports and cultural groups.
Eoghan Holohan is an Associate Professor in the School of Earth Sciences at University College Dublin (UCD). His research focuses on gravity-driven deformation processes, including calderas, sinkholes, and volcanic systems, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork, remote sensing, and numerical/experimental models. He holds a BA in Natural Science (2002), a Diploma in Statistics (2004), and a PhD in Geology (2008) from Trinity College Dublin. Prior roles include Assistant Lecturer at UCD (2006–2007), postdoctoral fellowships (2007–2012), and a research scientist position at GFZ Potsdam (2012–2015). Since 2016, he has been affiliated with UCD, advancing his academic career to his current rank. Research interests span volcanic edifice evolution, karst landscape dynamics, peatland geohazards, and structural tectonics. He employs methods like satellite InSAR, drone photogrammetry, and discrete element modeling. Notable contributions include studies on the Bárdarbunga caldera collapse (Iceland), Dead Sea sinkholes, and lava dome morphology. Holohan coordinates courses in structural geology, digital geology, and remote sensing, supervising undergraduate and graduate projects. His grants include funding for karst subsidence detection, sinkhole machine learning, and Atlantic geohazard risk management. Scientific accolades include Exceptional Reviewer recognition (Geosphere 2017), AGU invited talks (2013, 2018), and the Bob Hunter Memorial Prize (2005). He actively reviews for journals like Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research and participates in international collaborations across multiple countries.
Diarmuid O Briain is a researcher with expertise in cybersecurity, industrial control systems, and network infrastructure. His work focuses on developing open-source testbeds for simulating cyber threats, analyzing vulnerabilities in industrial systems, and advancing internet exchange points (IXPs) in developing regions. Key areas of research include MITRE ATT&CK framework applications, software-defined networking (SDN), and network virtualization. He has contributed to studies on East African internet infrastructure and Uganda's digital transformation. His research agenda emphasizes practical solutions for cybersecurity challenges in critical infrastructure and scalable network designs for under-resourced regions. Notable contributions include the Vicsort open-source testbed and frameworks for distributed IXPs in developing countries. While no formal academic appointments or awards are listed, his publications highlight active engagement with global cybersecurity and network policy issues. Diarmuid's work bridges technical innovation with socio-economic considerations, particularly in contexts where robust internet infrastructure is critical for development. His articles span from 2010 to 2024, showing sustained contributions to both cybersecurity and network architecture domains.
Michael Cosgrave is a Lecturer in the Department of Digital Arts and Humanities at University College Cork (UCC), where he has been employed since 1993. He holds a BA, MA, and PhD in History from UCC, with his doctoral research focusing on Irish participation in the UN mission in the Congo. His work bridges digital humanities, education technology, and historical studies. Key areas of expertise include personal learning environments, game-based pedagogy, and interdisciplinary research methods. He has authored a major book on Ireland’s early UN peacekeeping missions and contributed to numerous conferences on teaching innovation, digital scholarship, and historical methodologies. Education: Cosgrave earned his BA (1985), MA (1986), and PhD (2003) in History at UCC. He also completed UCC’s Cert and Diploma in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. His professional development emphasizes integrating digital tools into humanities education. Research interests span the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL), digital humanities workflows, and the use of simulations/games in complex problem-solving. Recent work addresses asynchronous online discussion tools, cultural differences in history pedagogy, and semantic markup for educational platforms. His book Ireland and UN Peacekeeping (2020) examines early Irish contributions to global peace missions. Advising and grants: While no specific students are listed, Cosgrave has led pedagogical initiatives such as inter-institutional PhD modules and XML-based historical research projects. His work on ‘Personal Learning Artefacts’ explores digital ownership and privacy in lifelong learning. Labs/teams: He contributes to UCC’s Digital Arts and Humanities initiatives and collaborates internationally on projects like semantic discussion fora and game-based assessment design.
Darina M. Slattery is an Associate Professor in the School of English, Irish & Communication at the University of Limerick (UL), where she contributes significantly to digital education, instructional design, and technical communication. She has held leadership roles in major institutional digital transformation projects, including serving as Academic Change and Engagement Lead for the adoption of Brightspace as UL’s Virtual Learning Environment. PhD in Computer Science, University of Limerick M.Sc. in Software Localisation, University of Limerick B.Business Studies with French, University of Limerick Certificate in Leadership & Innovation, MIT Professional Education Alumna of IELOL (Institute for Emerging Leadership in Online Learning) Professional certification in GenAI for Teaching and Learning (2025) and Universal Design for Learning (2021) Darina's research centers on digital education, with a strong focus on technology-enhanced learning, AI and GenAI in education, learning analytics, and collaborative online international learning (COIL). She investigates how virtual teams function in global educational contexts and designs frameworks for effective online teaching. Her work supports faculty development and promotes equitable, accessible online learning environments. Her recent publications reflect a consistent trend in digital pedagogy, virtual collaboration, and institutional change. She explores the design of inclusive online learning, the impact of LMS adoption, and the use of virtual environments like OpenSimulator for international student collaboration. Her work bridges technical communication, educational theory, and practical implementation. Notable scientific awards include: Emily K. Schlesinger Award for Outstanding Service to the IEEE Professional Communication Society (2023) Frank R. Smith Outstanding Journal Article Award (2019) UL Award for Excellence in the Provision of Pedagogic Support (2019) Darina has supervised over 100 MA students and co-supervised two PhD theses. She has led and contributed to multiple funded projects, including the EUCERMAT Erasmus+ project and the UL VLE Implementation Project. She is actively involved in grant-funded research on teacher professional development, GenAI in education, and learning analytics. She serves on university, faculty, and school committees and has held leadership roles in the IEEE Professional Communication Society, including President (2021–2022) and Program Co-Chair (2024). She leads initiatives such as the Developing UL Online (DUO) programme and has collaborated internationally with institutions in Norway, Germany, France, the USA, and the Netherlands. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and reduced inequalities.
Professor Maria de Sousa Gallagher is a Senior Lecturer in Process & Chemical Engineering at University College Cork (UCC) and Principal Investigator (PI) in the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), Food Institute, and Tyndall National Institute. With over 25 years of experience, her expertise spans Manufacturing Competitiveness, Circular Economy, sustainable engineering systems, and novel materials. She has led 27 research grants internationally, focusing on recycling innovations like the patented Pack-in-MAP® software and the RecEOL project, which demonstrated viable recycling of electronic waste. Her work integrates industry collaboration, academic leadership, and sustainable technologies. Education: Holds a BE, MSc, and PhD in relevant disciplines. Her academic roles include Director of the Masters in Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering (2016-21) and current Co-Director of SUSFERM, a center for fermentation bioprocessing systems. Research Interests: Circular Economy, recycling of composite materials (tyres, PCBs), sustainable packaging, and bioprocess modeling. Key projects include chemical recycling of plastics, eco-innovative seafood processes (SEAFOOD-AGE), and valorization of cassava waste. Publications & Impact: Over 250 peer-reviewed articles, 5,953 citations, and an h-index of 37. Her research emphasizes practical solutions for sustainability, such as edible coatings and molten metal pyrolysis. Advising & Grants: Supervised 88 postgraduate students (13 PhD and 75 MEngSc) and coordinated numerous minor research theses and industry partnerships. Her grants span EU, national, and industry-funded initiatives totaling millions in funding. Labs & Collaborations: Active in UCC’s Process & Chemical Engineering department, ERI, and Tyndall National Institute. Engaged in interdisciplinary teams addressing global challenges like aging populations and waste reduction.
Eamonn Ambrose is an Associate Professor at the School of Business, University College Dublin (UCD), where he has held his position since August 2002. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Medicine (2018–2023). His expertise spans healthcare supply chain management, service process innovation, and global purchasing practices. He holds a BE from UCD, a DPhil from the University of Warwick, an MBA from UCD, and professional diplomas in university teaching and learning. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating modules such as Operations & Supply Chain Management , Global Operations , and Supply Chain Management in Global Food Systems . He has led initiatives like the Bachelor of Commerce (International) program and the ME(Engineering with Business) program. His research focuses on healthcare operations, emergency department effectiveness, and buyer-supplier relationships, with publications in journals like International Journal of Operations and Production Management and Journal of Supply Chain Management . He secured grants including IBM Faculty Awards (2017–2019, 2011–2026) and the OBRSS Research Support Scheme (2016–2020). Professional roles include Board Member of the European Operations Management Association and consultancy work in asset management and procurement improvement.
