Discover Research Dublin 'Smart World/Full Life'
2 Oct 2014
On Friday 26th September, Trinity opened its doors to the public for the 'Discover Research' event which offered the general public a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the world of research - and researcher. Over 50 free, exciting, and interactive events and demonstrations took place in and around central Dublin, with Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, officially launching the event on the Dining Hall Steps, Trinity College Dublin, with Professor of Comparative Immunology, Cliona O'Farrelly, who fronted the bid for Trinity to host this EU-wide initiative. Discover Research Dublin showcased what researchers really do and why research matters. Exploring abstract and practical questions through a variety of unique digital and traditional formats including interactive installations, apps and social media, debates, digital archives, tours, presentations and photography, Discover Research Dublin featured something for everyone.
Conor McGinn and Prof Vinny Cahill, Dean and Vice-president of Research
One of the events was 'Smart World/Full Life' - an interdisciplinary researcher 'pitch' competition. Seven TCD researchers 'pitched' projects, both current and planned, addressing some of the key societal challenges identified by Horizon 2020 with a trophy awarded to the most engaging and convincing pitch, as voted on by the audience. The series of pitches highlighted how innovative research taking place at TCD is addressing the challenges facing European society and will continue to do so through access to Horizon 2020 funding. Against competition from across college, including Physics, Law & Neuroscience, newly appointed Assistant Professor Conor McGinn was awarded the trophy. Conor gave an entertaining and forward looking presentation about how robotics could provide assistive care for the elderly in their own homes, drawing heavily upon research work carried out in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering under the supervision of Assistant Professor Kevin Kelly.