Trinity researchers and staff honoured in IRC 'Research Ally' awards

Posted on: 06 December 2022

Nine Trinity researchers and members of staff were honoured in the ‘Research Ally’ category at this year’s Irish Research Council Researcher of the Year awards.

Research Ally prizes are awarded to mark the crucial role played by higher education personnel in supporting the academic research community across all career levels. Postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, academic and research-active staff were invited to nominate the mentors, supervisors, research officers and technical support staff who have supported their work and careers and improved the Irish research ecosystem. 

Trinity awardees in the Research Officer category:

  • Deirdre Caden, International Engagement Manager

Trinity awardees in the Supervisors and Mentors category:

  • Dr Catherine Conlon, Assistant Professor, Social Studies
  • Prof Kenneth Pearce, Professor of Philosophy 
  • Dr Daniela Tropea, Associate Professor, Psychiatry
  • Dr Alison Fernandes, Assistant Professor, Philosophy
  • Dr Cristina Trujillo, Assistant Professor, Chemistry
  • Dr Caítriona Leahy, Assistant Professor, German 
  • Prof Max García Melchor, Ussher Assistant Professor in Chemical Energy Systems

Trinity awardees in the Support / Tech category: 

  • Gordon O'Brien, Chief Technical Officer

A total of 56 Irish research allies, described as the "unseen heroes of the Irish research ecosystem", were nominated by students and staff from across the Irish higher education and research system. 

Speaking about the importance of the awards, IRC Assistant Director Dr Gráinne Walshe said:

"The Irish research ecosystem could not function without the essential supports provided to researchers at all stages of their careers by research officers, technical staff, mentors and supervisors. As a research funder, we rely on and interact with research allies on a daily basis. We are delighted to recognise the crucial role they play in ensuring that Ireland’s research and innovation system continues to thrive and excel."

Also at this year's Irish Research Council Researcher of the Year awards, a special commendation was given to Trinity's Giovanni Di Liberto, Dept Computer Science.

Read more about the Research Ally awards here.