12 things we learned in 2023, thanks to Trinity research

Posted on: 20 December 2023

In the last year Trinity’s researchers have made significant contributions to their fields, enriching our culture, building better futures and increasing our understanding of the world we live in. 

12 things we learned this year thanks to Trinity research:

  1. Irish workers in the 16th-century consumed beer very similar to our own modern beverage with an ABV of 5% and up to 270 calories per pint. Read full story here
  2. Plants might be able to absorb more CO2 from human activities than previously expected – and thus play an even larger role in mitigating global climate change. Read full story here.  
  3. Women’s safe participation in rugby influenced by marginalisation, under preparedness, rugby culture and wider society. Read full story here.   
  4. Voting in the 2016 US presidential election was not affected by foreign disinformation campaigns on X (Twitter). Read full story here. 
  5. The existence of gravitational wave signals in the cosmos, which help us understand far more about the universe. Read full story here.
  6. The lives of adults ageing with an intellectual disability were found to be overwhelmingly positive with some concerns. Read full story here. 
  7. Measuring the 'true value' of Irish woodlands could help bring back our native forests. Read full story here.
  8. gene therapy for glaucoma, which affects 80 million people worldwide, could be available soon. Read full story here
  9. How clinicians come to the decision to perform c-section surgery?  Read full story here.
  10. Autism brain states hold the key to unlocking childhood memories. Read full story here.
  11. The paw prints, burn marks and mysterious code on Ireland’s only copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, published 400 years ago. Read full story here.
  12. Participation in arts, creative and cultural activities is associated with higher quality of life and lower levels of depression, stress, worry and loneliness. Read full story here.