We are delighted to share that two outstanding educators from the School of Engineering, Professor David Hoey and Dr Seamus O’Shaughnessy, have been honoured with 2025 Trinity Teaching Awards by the Trinity Centre for Academic Practice, Trinity Teaching and Learning. 

Presented on 6 June, the awards celebrate excellence in teaching and learning across Trinity College Dublin. They highlight the dedication, creativity and impact of academic staff who inspire students and support colleagues in enhancing educational practice. 

This year, the School of Engineering is proud to recognise the achievements of: 

Professor David Hoey, recipient of the University Excellence in Teaching Award 

Dr Seamus O’Shaughnessy, recipient of the Inspiring Educator Award 

 

Image of Professor David Hoey receiving teaching award from Provost Linda Doyle

Professor David Hoey: Fostering Excellence in Biomechanics and Beyond 

Professor David Hoey was selected for the University Excellence in Teaching Award, one of the highest distinctions given to Trinity educators. These awards recognise exceptional and sustained contributions to teaching and learning that have made a lasting impact on students and the institution. 

A student nomination praised Prof Hoey’s commitment to both education and mentorship: 

“Prof Hoey is highly deserving of this recognition due to his unwavering commitment to both teaching and student development. His in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for biomechanics and tissue engineering have profoundly shaped our academic experience. His passion for teaching and research leaves a lasting impression on all his students.” 

Professor Hoey is a leading researcher in the field of musculoskeletal mechanobiology and tissue engineering, holding appointments in the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and the AMBER Centre. He also serves as Principal Investigator on several national and European projects focused on regenerative medicine, mechanotherapeutics, and bioprinting. His innovative teaching methods are deeply informed by his cutting-edge research and dedication to student engagement. 

 

Dr Seamus O’Shaughnessy receives Teaching award from Provost Linda Doyle 

Dr Seamus O’Shaughnessy: Making Engineering Concepts Come to Life 

Dr Seamus O’Shaughnessy was honoured with an Inspiring Educator Award, which recognises educators who make a significant impact through their ability to motivate students and enhance teaching practices within their discipline. 

One student highlighted the unique, integrated approach Dr O’Shaughnessy brings to his modules: 

“The mixture between labs and lectures every week cemented my understanding between the theory and how to put it into practice. This is unlike most modules I have taken... It shows creativity was used to create the module, and shows a very deep understanding of the theory by Seamus to be able to create a course in this way.” 

Dr O’Shaughnessy has nearly two decades of research and teaching experience in thermal sciences and energy systems. His work spans fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and energy for sustainable development, with impactful collaborations across academia, industry, and international development. He brings this rich perspective into the classroom, fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking in the next generation of engineers. 

 

A Culture of Excellence 

These awards are a testament to the calibre of teaching within the School of Engineering and reflect the values we strive to uphold: curiosity, rigour, and a genuine commitment to student learning. 

Head of School, Professor Alan O’Connor, commented: 

“On behalf of the School, I warmly congratulate David and Seamus. These awards reflect not just their individual excellence, but the ethos of teaching and learning we value so highly at Trinity Engineering. Their commitment to students, creativity in the classroom, and academic leadership continue to shape and strengthen our community.” 

We are proud of our colleagues and grateful to the students and peers who took the time to nominate and support their recognition. 

 

To learn more about this year’s Teaching Award winners, visit: 
 đź”— https://www.tcd.ie/academicpractice/celebratingexcellence/Teaching-Awards/