News Archive - TUS

PolymerConnect to Bolster All-Ireland Collaboration and Innovation of the Polymer Sector

Sarah O'Brien — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:41:08 +0000

PolymerConnect to Bolster All-Ireland Collaboration and Innovation of the Polymer Sector

· Polymer sector faces challenges like regulatory pressures and supply chain disruptions, which could hinder growth if unaddressed

The Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing (ATIM) cluster, based at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone Campus, has launched PolymerConnect, a pioneering initiative designed to address critical challenges facing the polymer industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

This project, run in partnership with Northern Ireland Polymer Association (NIPA), Polymer Technology Ireland (PTI) and First Polymer Training Skillnet, aims to create a dynamic industry-driven directory of over 350 polymer companies, academic institutions, and key sectoral partners across the island of Ireland.

The polymer industry in Ireland, encompassing over 350 companies, is a crucial driver of innovation in sectors such as MedTech, ICT, biopharma, agri-food, automotive, construction, and aerospace.

However, the sector faces significant challenges, including regulatory pressures, supply chain disruptions, and material production and management issues. These challenges, if unaddressed, could hinder the sector’s growth, impacting both the economy and the environment.

Over the course of 13 months, the PolymerConnect project team will collect vital data from companies to categorise and understand the economic contribution of the polymer sector across the island of Ireland.

Using this data, the project partners will identify untapped collaboration opportunities and foster new projects, support business-to-business and business-academic partnerships, and drive innovation and competitiveness.

Pictured: (L to R) Damien McConville – Project Manager, InterTrade Ireland; Catherine Collins, Network Manager, First Polymer Training Skillnet; Gerry McNally, Manager NIPA (Northern Ireland Polymer Association); Richard Bovill, Director Navico & Chairperson NIPA (Northern Ireland Polymer Association); Caitríona Mordan, Manager ATIM (Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing) Cluster at Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone Campus; Mark McAuley, Director of Polymer Technology Ireland, Ibec; Joanne McEvoy, Project Manager, InterTrade Ireland.

PolymerConnect is funded by InterTradeIreland under the Synergy Programme, which aims to scale cross-border collaboration, using cluster and network development supports to increase the impact of programmes with economic benefit to Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Damien McConville, programme manager for innovation and entrepreneurship at InterTradeIreland, emphasised the importance of the project, stating, “PolymerConnect will play a pivotal role in strengthening the polymer sector across the island. By providing valuable data and fostering collaboration, we can really understand challenges, drive innovation and competitiveness, which will benefit the wider economy and environment.”

Caitríona Mordan, manager of atim Cluster, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative: “The PolymerConnect Project marks a significant step forward in addressing the challenges facing the polymer industry in Ireland. By leveraging data-driven insights and fostering collaboration across the island, we aim to build a globally competitive all-island polymer ecosystem.”

Gerry McNally of Northern Ireland Polymer Association (NIPA) added, “PolymerConnect will promote collaboration, networking, and knowledge sharing among businesses in the polymer sector across different regions and industries. In the face of increasing demand, rising costs and labour shortages, such collaboration is vital to tackle these shared challenges and capitalise on potential opportunities.”

Mark McAuley from IBEC emphasised the project’s significance for industry growth: “IBEC’s development of the Plastics Map of Ireland in 2016 laid the groundwork for mapping our polymer sector. The PolymerConnect platform will take this to the next level, significantly enhancing the visibility and recognition of Ireland’s polymer industry on both national and international stages. This project is crucial for supporting businesses in connecting, innovating, and driving the sector forward.’’

Project Implementation and Goals

The PolymerConnect Project will be implemented over 13 months, with key activities including:

• Data collection: Co-creating data fields through workshops with industry and project partners.

• Interactive platform development: Designing and developing a web-based interactive map to display the polymer ecosystem.

• Engagement and promotion: Launching a marketing campaign and hosting in-person and hybrid workshops to raise awareness and encourage engagement.

The project will be hosted on multiple platforms, including the ATIM Cluster website, Polymer Technology Ireland (PTI) website, NIPA website, and InterTradeIreland website.

A Unified Vision for the Future

The PolymerConnect Project aligns with the Northern Ireland 10x Strategy, aiming to foster innovation, increase R&D expenditure, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

By strengthening linkages between companies and enhancing cross-industry and cross-technology collaboration, PolymerConnect will drive strategic engagement and innovation, positioning Ireland’s polymer sector for future success.

TUS continues its Pioneering Work for Students with Intellectual Disabilities by Introducing Accredited Higher Education opportunities

Claire Gallagher — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 11:10:29 +0000

TUS continues its Pioneering Work for Students with Intellectual Disabilities by Introducing Accredited Higher Education Programme

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is pioneering advancements in access to higher accredited education, with the roll out of Level 6 accredited courses for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) from next January, under the Programme for Access to Higher Education (PATH).

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education Patrick O’Donovan have announced additional investment in PATH 4 which will allow the TUS Midlands and Midwest campuses provide equity of access to higher education opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in their region.

This will be achieved through the new accredited TUS Shine Scholars programme that is designed to assist learners with ID to achieve an academic award through a comprehensive university experience but to also have the opportunity to secure gainful employment in their own region upon graduation using their academic qualification.

President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “TUS is committed to providing regionally relevant education that is accessible to all, and this programme supports that mission while resonating strongly with our values. For true equality it is important that students of this course are immersed in the full university experience, and that is why we have developed the TUS Shine Scholars programme which includes further supports to allow this to happen.”

TUS Vice President Student Education and Experience Frances O’Connell added, “PATH 4 provides accredited learning opportunities for all students with intellectual disabilities. The Shine Scholars Programme will initially run on our TUS Athlone and Moylish campuses from January 2025, with a view to wider provision in our other campuses in the region over time and based on an evaluation of the roll-out of the programme to maximise its impact for students, their families, and with employers.

“The programme aims to ensure its sustainability in the longer term by its responsiveness to the needs of students with ID in our region having an equivalent opportunity to access accredited higher education. The longer-term impact will be on the lives of our graduates from this programme who will experience greater levels of independence and inclusion in their communities through employment and education. By having an accredited level 6 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications, the learner will also have further learning opportunities open to them should they wish to pursue further studies.”

VP Frances O’Connell. Picture: Alan Place

The proposed Shine Scholars programme consists of six individual Special Purpose Awards (SPAs) which are on the National Framework of Qualifications at Level 6. This structure enables a student to accumulate credits as they move through the programme, it also offers credited exit opportunities should any student wish to leave the programme. The work placements will be tailored to the individual interest, competencies and needs of the students.

This programme is also designed to support integration, where students on this programme are enabled to attend mainstream tutorial or practical classes on existing university modules for the discipline specific modules, thereby providing an authentic university experience and facilitating enhanced peer to peer and social learning opportunities for students.

Student Spotlight: David Hughes

Sarah O'Brien — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:19:23 +0000

Student Spotlight: David Hughes

In this series, we ask TUS students about their CAO experiences. Their insights provide valuable guidance for future students embarking on their own university journey…

When David Hughes was filling out his CAO form, TUS Athlone wasn’t his first choice, but it turned out to be the perfect fit.

Initially, David had his heart set on a different course further down the country. “I was looking at another course and university, but I quickly realised the environment wasn’t right for me,” says David, a former student of Ballinrobe Community School, Co. Mayo.

“I wasn’t very social in secondary school, but I knew I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. Athlone provided the right balance of social and academic life for me,” he explains. “It’s perfect – not too small, not too big, a great place to socialise and meet new people.”

David’s decision to study the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology wasn’t without reservations. “I think the word ‘science’ in sports science made me think of subjects I struggled with in secondary school, like maths and biology,” he recalls, “but once I started, I realised the modules were very practical and tailored to sports, which made them much more manageable and interesting.”

David uses the Alter G Anti-Gravity treadmill, designed by NASA to combat bone and muscle loss in a zero-gravity environment. Photo: Jeff Harvey

His journey through TUS Athlone proved to be transformative. “Meeting new friends and finding the right environment made all the difference. The course offers a mix of strength and conditioning, sports psychology, rehab, and physio. Plus, the personal relationships with classmates and lecturers are fantastic.”

A standout experience for David was his internship with Connacht GAA during his third year. “I worked as the main strength and conditioning coach with the Mayo senior hurlers and academy teams. It confirmed my passion for strength and conditioning and improved my communication skills and self-confidence,” he says.

David now works as a strength and conditioning coach with the Mayo GAA Senior Football Team and Garrymore Senior Football Club and is a fitness trainer at The Movement Gym in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.

However, his university journey wasn’t without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic hit during his first year, disrupting the social aspect he was looking forward to. “It was a curveball, but it taught me resilience and how to use technology more effectively. The lecturers were incredibly supportive, especially when I faced personal challenges,” he shares.

David Hughes is a recent graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology at TUS Athlone. Photo: Jeff Harvey

David also credits the support he received through the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) programme as being “brilliant”.

Looking back, David feels TUS Athlone was the right choice. “The practical approach of the course and the supportive environment made all the difference. I knew I wanted to work in sport from an early age, and this course gave me the skills and confidence to pursue my passion,” he says.

David advises future students to embrace the experience and not be afraid to ask questions. “If you don’t know something, ask. It’s better to ask and learn than to stay silent and miss out. I know when I was younger I found that hard, myself, but don’t be afraid to stick your neck out and ask, because the only silly question is the one you don’t ask.”

David Hughes from Kilmaine, Co. Mayo, is a recent graduate of the BSc (Hons) in Sports Science with Exercise Physiology. Learn more about his experience below.

TUS Celebrates Employability Plus Award Students at Special Ceremony

Claire Gallagher — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:24:59 +0000

TUS Celebrates Employability Plus Award Students at Special Ceremony

Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the Higher Education Institute with the strongest graduate employability figures in the country, has recognised students from its TUS Employability Plus Award programme at a special ceremony in TUS Moylish Campus.

The event was organised by the TUS Midwest Careers & Employability Service to recognise “outstanding students from a variety of academic programs and campuses across the Limerick, Tipperary and Clare campuses” who took part in an extracurricular employability programme.

According to the most recent HEA (Higher Education Authority) Graduate Outcomes Survey, 87% of 2022 TUS honours degree graduates are in employment, the highest percentage in the country.

According to the national survey, TUS undergraduates are also more likely to take up employment in the regions served by its campuses.

At the TUS Employability Plus Awards from left to right Dean Flexible and Work Based Learning Seamus Hoyne, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane, Student Rosangela Condori, and Careers and Employability Manager Aoife Prendergast.

The TUS Employability Plus Award programme offers students the chance to enhance their employability throughout the academic year, allowing them time to showcase their unique skillsets and experiences to potential employers. It celebrates student dedication to their professional development and highlights the commitment of TUS to graduate job-ready individuals.

Speaking at the third annual TUS Employability Plus Award 2023-2024 ceremony Aoife Prendergast, Careers and Employability Manager at TUS Midwest, emphasised the significance of the awards. She said, “The TUS Employability Plus Award recognises the dedication and effort students put into developing their employability skills, which are essential for success in today’s competitive job market. These students have actively engaged in a variety of activities, from employer engagement initiatives to reflective entries, demonstrating their commitment to their professional and personal development. We are proud to acknowledge their achievements and wish them all the best in their future careers.”

From left to right Dean Flexible and Work Based Learning Seamus Hoyne, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane, Student Denis Hardi, and Careers and Employability Manager Aoife Prendergast at At the TUS Employability Plus Awards.

Joanne Holland, Career Officer at TUS Midwest, explained, “Students completed self-reflection activities to explore and understand their own individual profile and strengths, and it also allowed them to become familiar with the market by attending employer events and skills development workshops.”

One of the successful students honoured was third year Business with Sports Management, student Tyrek Dannoun. He said,”I am currently in my work placement and having an amazing time. I can see how all these extracurricular activities helped me prepare for work placement and gave me confidence.”

Dianna Carmody, Marketing & Management Year 4 added, “Participating in the Employability Plus Award has been a transformative journey, revealing valuable insights about myself and the current job market. One key takeaway has been a deeper understanding of my own strengths, weaknesses, and preferences in the professional realm.”

Emily Challoner, Bioanalysis & Biotechnology, Year 4 said “The awards delved into key aspects of professional skills, including communications, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, all of which are crucial in navigating a career.”

TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane, presented each award recipient with a certificate, acknowledging their commitment to developing their employability skills.

Student Spotlight: Annya Coyle

Sarah O'Brien — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:56:13 +0000

Student Spotlight: Annya Coyle

In this series, we ask TUS students about their CAO experiences. Their insights provide valuable guidance for future students embarking on their own university journey…

Annya Coyle never imagined that music could be made with numbers and letters when she was filling out her CAO form four years ago.

Her journey into music and sound engineering began with uncertainty about the future and having to choose between her two great passions: music and sport.

Reflecting on her CAO journey, Annya admits, “I didn’t at all know what I wanted to do. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure if university was for me. I wasn’t really a very studious person, but I said I might as well just give it a go.”

Annya, who plays on the TUS rugby team and also for Mullingar, initially thought of pursuing a sports-related degree but eventually leaned towards music, making it her top CAO choice “at the last minute”.

“I’ve been playing sport since I was three, but I didn’t know if that’s what I wanted to do as a career, so I was like, ‘Ok, let’s just switch it out and we’ll see what happens’”.

Annya’s family, who are “very musical” were instrumental in her decision. “They were definitely a big influence. My uncle was the one who told me about the course originally, and when I saw it, I was like, ‘I’m very creative. I can definitely try that.’”

Annya Coyle is a Year 4 Music and Sound Engineering student from Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. Photo: Jeff Harvey

Looking back, Annya, who is now in her final year of the BSc (Hons) in Music and Sound Engineering at TUS Athlone, feels her choice was perfect. “Lecturers are so nice and I think the course just really suits me. I’m happy out with my choice.”

Annya’s advice to her younger self is to follow her own path. “Go with your gut. Don’t pick something just because your friends are picking it. Put yourself first and just forget about what everyone else is doing. If you end up in the same place as your friends, happy days, but I wouldn’t put that first. Put yourself first.”

Annya’s journey through the four-year degree was filled with unexpected learning experiences. “I did music in secondary school, but in university, I started doing coding and working with circuits. Who knew you could make sounds out of numbers and letters?” she laughs.

“I started off playing guitar, but now I like to mess around on my computer to make music. I enjoy everything from sad songs to techno.”

Annya also learned soldering, woodworking, and how to use industry-standard equipment in TUS Athlone’s state-of-the-art recording studio.

Annya is pictured using industry-standard equipment in TUS Athlone’s state-of-the-art recording studio. Photo: Jeff Harvey

Despite the challenges, like a tough coding module, Annya found support among her lecturers and classmates. “The lecturers were so helpful, and my classmates were great too. We had a strong class bond and supported each other.”

Annya’s biggest highlight came in her third year when she received a special academic award. “I got a call from the lecturers, and I got an award for getting the highest GPA in my course! I didn’t even realise. I think third year might have been my favourite year. I really started hitting my stride,” she says.

For the future, Annya is open to various possibilities. “I love the multimedia side of the course, like filming and marketing, but I also enjoyed the sound engineering aspects. I might take a year to try different sides of it and figure out what I want to do. I’m not fully set on anything just yet,” she explains.

Annya’s parting advice to future students is to embrace the experience. “Anyone that likes music even a little bit will find something they enjoy in my course. TUS’s smaller class sizes and the close bonds you form with your classmates and lecturers also make a huge difference. It helps you come out of your shell and build a strong support network.”

Annya Coyle is a Year 4 BSc (Hons) Music and Sound Engineering student from Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. Learn more about her experience of studying at TUS below.

Student Spotlight: Marcela Turtakova

Sarah O'Brien — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:04:31 +0000

Student Spotlight: Marcela Turtakova

In this series, we ask TUS students about their CAO experiences. Their insights provide valuable guidance for future students embarking on their own university journey…

When Marcela Turtakova was deciding her future career path, hospitality wasn’t initially on her radar. A chance encounter changed everything.

At 16, Marcela didn’t know what she wanted to do until a school visit by the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure at TUS Athlone sparked her interest in the field of hospitality.

“I had no clear direction on what I wanted to study at the time,” Marcela recalls, “but the talk made me think, ‘This could be really interesting.’”

Marcela, who is the first in her family to go to university, decided to sign up for a hospitality taster session on campus, where she was introduced to bar supervision by lecturer Sarah Jane Coffey.

“It was an absolutely class experience. It was like being a college student for the day, and it really made me want to go for it,” she says.

After doing some more research, Marcela enrolled in the Higher Certificate in Bar Supervision, knowing its broad scope could offer various career opportunities.

“Even if I wasn’t sure about staying in hospitality, I knew it offered modules in accounting, marketing, and IT etc. which meant I’d have options in other areas,” she says. “You learn a bit of everything on the course.”

This broad curriculum has allowed Marcela to develop a versatile skill set, giving her confidence in her career prospects.

She credits her choice of university to both family influences and her own first-hand experience: “My brother’s girlfriend recommended it, and when I visited, I loved the campus and the community feel,” Marcela says.

The campus’s close proximity to her hometown of Birr, Co. Offaly, also allowed for an easy commute. “I’m only a 30-minute drive.”

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Marcela admits that she found modules like accounting tough at times, but perseverance and the supportive campus environment helped her through.

Marcela Turtakova is a Year 3 BA in Hospitality Management student from Birr, Co. Offaly. Photo: Jeff Harvey

“The growth in my self-confidence has been incredible over the last three years. Initially I was extremely shy, but I’ve learned to push past my fears and embrace new opportunities,” she shares.

Marcela’s hard work paid off when she made TUS’s Dean’s Honours List, a prestigious award which recognises students who achieve a first-class honour grade average.

“After making the Dean’s Honours List for my bar supervision course, my lecturers encouraged me to aim higher, which led me to apply for the degree in hotel and leisure management,” she explains.

Marcela’s practical experiences, including her work placement with Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan, have solidified her career aspirations.

“I love being on the floor, interacting with customers. That’s my strong suit. I could see myself in a supervisory role soon,” she says with determination.

Looking ahead, Marcela is contemplating further studies in hospitality management and is excited about the prospect of potential international trips through her studies with TUS Athlone.

“These experiences give you a chance to learn a lot and see different aspects of the industry,” she notes.

Marcela’s advice to future students is simple: “Go for it. Even if you’re unsure, just try it out. Do your research, talk to people, and don’t be afraid of challenges.”

Marcela Turtakova is a Year 3 BA in Hospitality Management student from Birr, Co. Offaly. Learn more about her experience studying at TUS below.

TUS Researcher Awarded Prestigious SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship

Sarah O'Brien — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:34:13 +0000

TUS Researcher Awarded Prestigious SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship

Dr Mohamad Alsaadi will work with ÉireComposites to build ‘sustainable materials of the future’

A Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) researcher has been awarded a SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship to build “sustainable materials of the future”.

Partnering with ÉireComposites in Inverin, Dr Mohamad Alsaadi will lead the GreenCompos project, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for thermoset composites.

These advanced materials, which are cured through a heat process, will be used for reinforcing wind turbines blades, tidal energy production and hydroelectric structures.

Dr Alsaadi, who is based in the PRISM research institute at TUS’s campus in Athlone, will receive more than €100,000 to support his work over a 12-month period.

The SFI RD&I Fellowship Programme supports the temporary placement of academic researchers in industry to conduct research in various areas including energy-efficient communications networks, electrochemical sensors for rapid medical diagnostics, seaweed extract for use in cosmetics/health products, moorings for offshore wind platforms, and reducing cement’s carbon footprint using new generation low clinker cement technology.

Dr Alsaasdi is one of only two technological university-based researchers, and one of just 15 researchers nationwide, to receive a fellowship, awarded by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan.

Pictured: Dr Mohamad Alsaadi, based in the PRISM research institute at TUS’s campus in Athlone,will receive more than €100,000 to support his work, under the SFI RDI Fellowship Programme. Photo: Nathan Cafolla.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Dr Alsaadi said, “I am thrilled to embark on a new collaborative initiative in partnership with ÉireComposites. Through the GreenCompos project, we will develop sustainable alternative materials to reduce environmental footprint of thermoset composites while increasing circularity for polymer and plastic materials.”

Dr Liam Brown, VP for Research, Development and Innovation at TUS, stated, “A core ethos of TUS is to foster strong connections between academia and industry, facilitating the exchange of research knowledge and skills. We are committed to continuously supporting enterprises in developing cutting-edge technologies and expanding market reach, with thanks to SFI for co-funding this important project.”

ÉireComposites CEO Dr Tomás Flanagan remarked, “We are delighted that Dr Mohamad Alsaadi will be joining our team on an SFI fellowship. We are excited about his project which will explore the use of advanced composite materials for renewable energy applications. The project will strengthen the relationship between TUS and ÉireComposites as we work together to develop the lightweight, sustainable materials of the future”.

For more information on the SFI Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme, visit the programme webpage.

In addition to this fellowship, ÉireComposites will continue to work closely with TUS through the TUS RISE Industrial Scholarship programme.

Limerick’s First Directly Elected Mayor visits Manufacturing Solutions at TUS Coonagh Campus

Claire Gallagher — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 15:59:30 +0000

Limerick’s First Directly Elected Mayor visits Manufacturing Solutions Ireland at TUS Coonagh Campus

Newly elected mayor of Limerick John Moran was one of more than 1,000 people to have attended Ireland’s largest Irish-UK collaborative manufacturing event, which was held at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) newly opened Coonagh Campus – just hours after he was elected as Limerick’s first citizen.

Organised by the UK manufacturing supply chain trade association, the *GTMA, and TUS, Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2024 showcased the latest advancements in precision manufacturing and included 90 exhibitors from the UK and Ireland.

With half of the exhibitors travelling from the UK, Manufacturing Solutions Ireland has captured the imagination and support of both the Irish and UK Government since its first event in 2016, attracting visits from the British Ambassador to Ireland and Irish Government Ministers.

During his first day as first citizen of Limerick, newly elected Mayor John Moran visited the Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2024 at the newly opened Technological University of there Shannon (TUS) Coonagh Campus. Picture: Alan Place

GTMA Manager David Beattie said, “The strong working relationship between the GTMA and TUS has resulted in an event that began as a conduit for opening up new possibilities within the supply chain to customers and suppliers, to becoming an annual event that is advancing stronger trading relationships between Ireland and the UK. The GTMA is delighted to bring our members to Limerick every year for this event, and it has now become one of the main events on our members calendars.”

Welcoming visitors to the 2024 event at the new €27.5 million campus on the northside of Limerick city President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane, highlighted the campus’s role in expanding engineering education and research in the region.

“The first phase of the Coonagh Campus is designed to drive the expansion of engineering education and research, providing new workshops and laboratories for students, apprentices and researchers. Hosting Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2024 in this 5,819 square metre building in Coonagh underscores TUS’s strong connection with industry and the local economy. It is fitting then, that an event like Manufacturing Solutions, built on the strong working relationship of almost a decade between TUS and the GTMA and supported by the Precision Turned Parts Manufacturers Association of Ireland (PTMA) should be one of the first major events to be held on our new campus.”

12.06.24
Pictured at the Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2024: Howard Bamforth, MTT with John Tomkins and Derek Rothwell, Waterford and Wexford ETB. Picture: Alan Place

This year, the incorporation of the student-focused Interdisciplinary Engineering Research Review (IERR) conference, added a unique dimension to the event with 60 poster presentations and thesis providing a platform for students to showcase their research and innovations and ongoing engagement with industry. Additionally, the TUS F1 Concept Car team and Trinity College Dublin F1 Concept Cars were showcased, demonstrating cutting-edge engineering and design in action.

Dr Lisa Henihan Editor in Chief of the IERR journal and conference said, “The IERR conference was designed to serve as a hub for interdisciplinary engineering, providing a dedicated space for research, industry, and education to drive collaboration for both students and staff. It encourages support for early researchers by offering a platform to disseminate their work and to foster continued collaboration and innovation, building on the momentum generated by this conference.”

12.06.24 Pictured at the Manufacturing Solutions Ireland 2024 at the newly opened Technological University of there Shannon (TUS) Coonagh Campus were, Katelyn Davis, Alex Kennedy and Dale Johnston, Formula Trinity. Picture: Alan Place

Manufacturing Solutions also attracted international guest speakers and panelist including Professor Tony Schmitz from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and industry leaders from the region and country.

More than 180 Student Affairs Professionals meet in TUS to discuss Best Practice and Share Ideas in a New Era in Education

Claire Gallagher — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:41:18 +0000

More than 180 Student Affairs Professionals meet in TUS to discuss Best Practice and Share Ideas

Ensuring best practice while sharing ideas and experiences around student engagement in a new era in education, was central to the Biannual Student Affairs Ireland Seminar which took place in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish Campus this Tuesday (June 18, 2024.)

More than 180 student affairs professionals from 19 Higher Education Institutes attended presentations and specialist workshops as part of this “Creating, Engaging and Enhancing Community for Student Success” seminar.

President of Student Affairs Ireland and Student Affairs Manager at TUS Midwest Linda Barry addresses Biannual Student Affairs Ireland Seminar which took place in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Moylish Campus.

President of Student Affairs Ireland and Student Affairs Manager at TUS Midwest Linda Barry said, “Moving on to third level education is a major milestone for all students, and while each student will face challenging moments along the way, those challenges are not universal. As student service professionals our role is to ensure that students are supported through their personal journey and remain engaged with the whole college experience. We must therefore always be prepared to adapt to the changing needs of our students – be that navigating the digital age or providing extra supports in a post pandemic Ireland.

“This seminar was an opportunity for student affairs professionals from the third level sector to share knowledge, good practice and expertise. It provided a platform for researchers and practitioners to present new research and to share ideas to enhance student growth, development and success.”

Welcoming the SAI to TUS, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said the first two values that emerged from TUS staff when developing the inaugural TUS Strategic Plan were inclusivity and supportiveness.

“This means that student services are almost uniquely important to us here in TUS, both because of their work and because student services articulate what we are about, our values, our mission, and our very identity. Possibly more than another single group, our student services staff really provide the meaning for the phrase “We care about people”.”

Meanwhile the keynote address “Creating Higher Education Communities that Foster Student Engagement and Success” was delivered by Tom Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Higher Education at the University of Portsmouth.

Mr Lowe’s research includes student engagement in the development of education, embedding employability into the curriculum and student belonging. He is experienced in the practicalities surrounding student engagement in quality assurance, learning and teaching, University governance and Students’ Unions, as well as student involvement in extracurricular activities and overcoming barriers to student success through inclusive practice.

At the Student Affairs Ireland Seminar in TUS Moylish Campus (l to r) Frances O’Connell, TUS Vice President Student Education and Experience; President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane; Tom Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Higher Education at the University of Portsmouth and President of Student Affairs Ireland and Student Affairs Manager at TUS Midwest Linda Barry.

Interagency domestic violence training can save lives, TUS symposium hears.

Claire Gallagher — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 15:25:29 +0000

Interagency domestic violence training can save lives, TUS symposium hears

Interagency Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control Training is having a positive and critical impact for first responders, researchers and students, data released at a national symposium in Limerick revealed today (Thursday, 13 June).

The event, “Interagency Training Saves Lives” at the TUS Moylish Campus focused on the growing impact of delivering the accredited training known as ‘Reflecting on and Responding to Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control’, which is the only programme of its kind in the country.

It brought together a range of speakers with expertise in the domestic abuse field, including Dr Stephanie O’Keefe, CEO of Cuan, the newly formed State Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency, who spoke about her vision and the agency’s strategic initiatives to combat domestic abuse nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Knowing how to recognise abuse, understand coercive control, and provide support can save lives. This programme ensures our frontline workers are well-prepared to help people affected by domestic abuse and to change attitudes towards all forms of violence and harassment.

“It’s crucial that we educate our frontline workers so they can provide this important service in our communities.”

L-R TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane (TUS), Madeline Mc Aleer (Haven Horizons) and Minster Patrick O’Donovan TD speaking at the “Interagency Training Saves Lives” symposium in TUS. Pic Arthur Ellis.

Also speaking at the event, Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan, Head of the Garda National Services Protective Bureau, said: “Domestic abuse is a carcinogenic that has reached every town in Ireland. It is the one call that every Garda will have responded to regardless of their posting, with its effects leaching through generations. In tackling it, there needs to be a systemic, multi-faceted response and that is why working with our social justice partners, academics, victims and survivors ensures that An Garda Síochána are not found wanting in our response to this human right’s issue.”

Hosted byHaven Horizons and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), the symposium examined the latest insights and strategies to address and mitigate domestic abuse effectively.

Findings from new data by Dr Melinda Gushwa, Head of Applied Social Sciences, TUS, indicated the importance of interagency training for frontline professionals in the domestic abuse field and led to calls for a fundamental change in how funding is allocated to the sector.

The data showed that following the training, 90% of professionals reported increased knowledge about domestic abuse and coercive control, with more than 80% stating the course would influence their professional practice, and 82.2% in favour of further training. A further 82% had implemented changes to their practice since taking the course.

“Graduates were overwhelmingly positive about the course and its impact on their understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and coercive control,” said Dr Gushwa.
“They were able to take what they learned in the course and immediately apply that knowledge to their practice. This type of learning is transformative and has the power to impact how individuals, agencies and communities respond to and protect survivors of domestic violence.”

She said there was a need for greater awareness of the dynamics of domestic violence and coercive control and the adoption of the programme as continuous professional development (CPD) for Gardaí and others.

Radical change needed

The course launched in 2020 and is aimed at those working with domestic violence and sexual assault services, children and family services, the clergy, An Garda Síochána, healthcare, education and social protection and other organisations.

However, despite the unprecedented investment in frontline services for victims of domestic abuse, the violence remains a prevalent crisis in Irish society.

From 2020 to 2021 there was a shocking 399% increase in domestic abuse-motivated sexual offences. The worst year for domestic abuse related homicides was 2022, while in 2023, 54,000 domestic abuse related incidents were reported to An Garda Síochána. This represents an 8% increase from the year before.

New TUS Examines Importance of Accredited Interagency Training for Domestic
Abuse Frontline Professionals. Pictured L-R Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan (Garda National Protective Services Bureau), TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane (TUS), Madeline Mc Aleer (Haven Horizons), Dr Melinda Gushwa (TUS), Minster Patrick O’Donovan TD and Dr Stephanie O’Keeffe (Cuan) . Pic Arthur Ellis.

“We need to radically change how we respond to domestic abuse and coercive control. Interagency training delivered geographically is crucial for frontline professionals to overcome the very real barriers that currently exist to effective interagency collaboration.” said Madeline Mc Aleer, the Research, Training and Development Director of Haven Horizons, the national voluntary organisation dedicated to ending domestic, sexual, and gender-based abuse.

She developed the course with Dr Lisa O’Rourke Scott from TUS and is a lecturer on the TUS interagency training.

“Training delivered geographically is crucial for frontline professionals to overcome the very real barriers that currently exist in effective interagency collaboration. Ireland’s Third National Strategy and the Istanbul Convention highlight the importance of both accredited training for frontline professionals and closer interagency collaboration,” said McAleer.

Focusing on the unique barriers to seeking help faced by migrant women who are victims of domestic abuse, Dr Salome Mbugua, CEO of AkiDwA, and gender equality activistremarked: “We need to train frontline professionals and increase the understanding that domestic violence affects women and girls disproportionately and that it based on historical and structural unequal power relations between women and men and on intersectional forms of discrimination.”

Suzanne Walker, Senior Executive Officer with the Higher Education Authority, who leads the Ending Sexual Violence and Harassment in Higher Education programme, welcomed the findings of the research saying: “What we must remember is that sexual violence and harassment are not inevitable, they are preventable manifestations of inequitable power relations, the consequences are devastating for individuals and society. Training plays a crucial part in developing new responses.”

Haven Horizons and TUS hosted a
symposium “Interagency Training Saves Lives” which examined the impact of the delivery of the accredited continuous professional development training. Pictured L-R TUS President Professor Vincent Cunnane (TUS), Madeline Mc Aleer (Haven Horizons), Dr Melinda Gushwa (TUS) and Minster Patrick O’Donovan TD. Pic Arthur Ellis.

Commenting on the partnership between TUS and Haven Horizons, President of TUS Vincent Cunnane, said: “We want our work to impact in a real way, and this course is an outcome of our collaborative research approach with the community sector. What we are seeing very clearly now is that professionals in the area view it as having a real positive impact, and so we are ready now to take the next steps with our stakeholders and develop the capacity to train more professionals on the front lines of domestic and relationship abuse.”