Following the recent announcement of new Scholars and Fellows at Trinity College Dublin, the School of Engineering is proud to congratulate Dr Breiffni Fitzgerald, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, on being elected to Fellowship - one of the highest academic distinctions at the University. 

Known for his leadership and innovation, he currently serves as Director of Postgraduate Teaching and Learning for the School, shaping the academic and student experience for taught and research postgraduates across engineering. 

A Chartered Engineer and internationally recognised researcher, Dr Fitzgerald’s work sits at the intersection of structural dynamics, control theory, and machine learning, with a strong focus on wind energy systems. His latest research, supported by Research Ireland, moves beyond individual turbine control to consider the wind farm as a holistic system. 

We caught up with Dr Fitzgerald to learn more about his pioneering research, his passion for education, and his reflections on this milestone.  

“It’s an honour — and a reflection of the incredible people I’ve worked with.” 

Congratulations on your Fellowship! What does this recognition mean to you?  

Dr Fitzgerald: It's an honour to be elected to Fellowship. It would not have been possible without the wonderful support I’ve been fortunate to receive from my family, colleagues and students over the years.

 

Your research and teaching in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering is highly respected — what current project or breakthrough excites you most? 

Dr Fitzgerald: At the moment, I’m excited about my recent work on wind farm dynamics and control. Traditionally, wind turbines have been designed and controlled in isolation, but my recent research, supported by Research Ireland, takes a more holistic view, treating the wind farm as an interconnected system. By integrating machine learning with advanced structural dynamics and control theory, we're developing models that can improve energy efficiency and reduce structural loads and fatigue across the entire farm. 

It’s also been rewarding to see the impact of my earlier work on vibration control and active damping being taken up by others in the field and by industry.  

 

How have you seen the field of engineering evolve during your time at Trinity?

Dr Fitzgerald: Since I’ve joined Trinity College Dublin, I’ve noticed a real shift, amongst students and staff, towards tackling the climate crisis head-on. There’s a growing awareness that civil and structural engineers have a crucial role to play in both mitigating the impacts of climate change and adapting the built environment to be more resilient. 

Many of my colleagues in Civil Engineering are using their expertise to address these challenges, whether that’s through low-carbon design, sustainable materials, or climate-resilient infrastructure. The focus of our research has increasingly aligned with this global challenge. 

 

What do you value most in your role as a mentor and educator within the School of Engineering? 

Dr Fitzgerald: The best part of the job is working with our fantastic students - undergraduate, master's, and PhD - on challenging problems. I try to help them build strong technical skills, but also to foster their curiosity and develop their critical thinking skills. Just as often, I learn from them. That exchange is something I really enjoy. 

 

Can you share a moment in your career at Trinity that has stayed with you — a teaching highlight or a research success? 

Dr Fitzgerald: Hearing my name called out on Trinity Monday was very special! 

 

What future opportunities or challenges do you see ahead for engineering education and innovation? 

Dr Fitzgerald: Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both a major opportunity and a significant challenge.

Engineers will play the key role, not only in developing and shaping the technology, but also in using it as a practical tool, much like calculators or computers in earlier generations. AI has the potential to transform how we design solutions to global challenges like climate change. At the same time, issues such as the energy demands of data centres and the need for responsible use, make it essential that we continue to emphasise core technical skills and critical thinking in engineering education. 

With the interview concluded, it's clear that Dr Fitzgerald’s work exemplifies the spirit of academic excellence and innovation that Trinity seeks to foster.

 

Congratulations once again to Dr Fitzgerald on this richly deserved recognition. His leadership, both in research and in the classroom, continues to advance the mission of the School of Engineering - to educate, inspire, and innovate for a better future.