Three new Trinity projects to address climate challenges

Posted on: 19 June 2025

The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.

The funding, which ranges from around €580,000 to €660,000 for the three projects, will be used to support research that aims to:

• predict and assess the future noise environment in Ireland (Dr Kennedy, School of Engineering) – read more here.
• transform bio-waste into graphene materials that capture carbon (Prof. Schmitt, School of Chemistry and AMBER Research Ireland Centre)
• develop long-term systems for monitoring the impacts of climate change on health in Ireland (Mr Chersich, working on a Children’s Health Ireland study)

Dr John Kennedy, who will lead project Noise 2050, said: “The EPA’s support for Noise 2050 enables us to harness cutting-edge acoustic modelling, sensor networks, and citizen science to map and predict Ireland’s evolving soundscape through to 2050. By combining real-time data analytics with community-driven monitoring, we can deliver targeted noise reduction strategies that support public health, inform smart policymaking, and foster quieter, more liveable cities and rural areas.

“This project recognises the need to deliver a healthier environment which is enabled by innovation, grounded in science, and shaped by the people it serves.”

Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Evidence and Assessment, said: “The increased scale of research funding being announced by the EPA in 2025 reflects the critical role that research and innovation play in addressing climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity decline.

"This new EPA funding will help develop innovative solutions to support Ireland’s response to these challenges. Congratulations to the successful researchers and I look forward to hearing more about these exciting projects in the years ahead.”

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