Postgraduate Research Student Awards 2023

This Awards scheme celebrates the outstanding achievements of Postgraduate Research Students in the College of Medicine and Health. It provides a formal process to recognise the achievements, efforts, and valuable contributions of our students. There are 5 research award categories recognising the achievements of both Doctoral and MSc (research) students at the College of Medicine and Health in UCC in each category.

The Awards Ceremony organising committe for Bright Futures included: Joan Osayande, David Healy and Professor Yvonne Nolan. Awards were presented by Professor Philip Nolan, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland

Nominees 

• All Doctoral (PhD and MD) and MSc (research) students registered in the College of Medicine and Health.
• Self-nominations and nominations by CoMH peers and supervisors are accepted.
• UCC Staff members, current and/or past postgraduate research students in CoMH are invited to submit nominations.
• Individuals can be nominated for more than one award, but a nomination of only one PGR student per category will be accepted.

The below awards will be presented at Bright Futures: 

Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award

WINNER 2023 Sinéad Horgan, School of Nursing and Midwifery

Sinead’s PhD is on the topic of Surgical Site Infection. In addition to numerous research publications, she has actively integrated her findings into the workplace. A flavour of her contributions include:

• She is the Chairperson of the surgical site infection surveillance group in CUH
• Sinéad has designed and implemented an education programme that has been shared with other hospital and national groups
• She has developed and adult literacy-approved booklet for patients

Highly Commended were Clara Heinrich, School of Pharmacy and Niamh Coffey, School of Dentistry

Photo Sinead Horgan, School of Nursing & Midwifery winner of the 2023 Postgraduate researcher of the year award, receiving her award from Professor Philip Nolan

This award recognises outstanding contribution by a postgraduate research (PGR) student (doctoral or MSc) in their research field.

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• Attainment and consistency of high-level research achievements for a period appropriate to stage of postgraduate studies (e.g. publications, awards).
• Demonstration of a commitment and capacity to communicate the nature and impact of their research both within and beyond academia (conferences, outreach activities, community, or industry engagement).
• Evidence of engagement with external stakeholders and the community (if applicable).
• Demonstration of potential to become an inspiring leader.

Outstanding Peer of the Year Award

WINNER 2023 Edina Hanley, School of Nursing and Midwifery

Edina’s peer support activities include initiating a regular ‘coffee-and-catch-up’ with other students, help with practicalities such as childcare, and sharing her experiences as a researcher with prospective PhD students. Her dedication and kindness provide steady and outstanding support for peers.

Highly Commended was Maria Caruso from the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience in the School of Medicine.

Photo: Caroline Egan accepting the award from Professor Philip Nolan on behalf of Edina Hanley from the School of Nursing & Midwifery the winner of the Outstanding Peer of the Year Award.

This award recognises a PGR student who consistently displays characteristics valued and appreciated by other students and colleagues.

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• A spirit of collaboration, collegiality, and kindness.
• A willingness to assist and support colleagues and/or other students that is above and beyond expectations.
• Contributions which have made a positive impact on morale within the research team, department/unit, UCC and beyond.

Publication of the Year Award

WINNER 2023 Sukainah Al Khalaf, School of Public Health and the INFANT Research Centre

For her publication in the journal Hypertension in 2022 entitled ‘Role of Antihypertensive Treatment and Blood Pressure Control in the Occurrence of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: a Population-Based Study of Linked Electronic Health Records.’

This award is for the best publication by a PGR student as a first author (or joint authors if joint first) from work undertaken while registered as a postgraduate student in the College of Medicine and Health. Publications include, but are not limited to, research article(s), review articles(s) and book chapter(s).

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who has authored a publication demonstrating:

• A health-related or scientific breakthrough.
• A transformative discovery for societal and/or health impact.
• Priority will be given to primary research articles.

Public Engagement Award

WINNER 2023: Silvia Veiga Seijo, Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science in the School of Clinical Therapies

Her project investigates the children’s and community members’ perspectives on developing a play-friendly community in a deprived neighbourhood. Silvia has engaged with children as co-researchers who have decided to make a film to explain their ideas to improve play in the community and will be presented at the Children’s Parliament in June 2023.

Highly Commended was Naomi Hanrahan, from APC Microbiome Ireland and the Department of Medicine, School of Medicine.

This award recognises the contribution by a PGR student who has taken an active approach in communicating and engaging with the public to maximise the impact of their research.

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• Effective communication of the relevance and impact of their research beyond academia.
• Demonstration of the use of innovative methods to communicate research in both an understandable and engaging fashion.
• Involvement of the public in research (public-patient involvement, co-creation, citizen science)
• Evidence of raising public awareness of the value of their research to society and/or to influencing policy.
• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable community engagement programmes and partnerships.

Promotion of Equality and Diversity Award

WINNER 2023: Sonia Lenehan, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, School of Medicine and INFANT Research Centre

In 2019 Sonia partnered with the National Council for the Blind to develop and run a workshop for teenagers with visual impairments involving sourcing suitable science equipment and developing tactile experiments. Following this success, Sonia secured an SFI Discover Award to fund the Science4Sightloss project which encourages and empowers children with visual impairments to take part in science. With feedback from the participants Sonia is working to establish these workshops as part of the NCBI independent skills curriculum.

Highly Commended were Ayse Kont, School of Pharmacy and Allison Mula, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, School of Clinical Therapies

This award recognises a PGR student who has demonstrated an active commitment to promoting equality and diversity in their research activities. 

Evaluation Criteria:

This award will be presented to a PGR student who demonstrates outstanding achievements in the following:

• Evidence of encouraging inclusive participation and eliminating discrimination.
• Evidence of activities promoting equality and diversity.
• Commitment to the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion beyond the expectations of their role/project.

BRIGHT FUTURES AWARDS

In addition awards were presented to the My Research in a 1 Minute Video and the Pro/Am Three Minute Thesis  winners

Photo: Winner of the My Research in a 1 Minute Video :Agat Elgammal School of Pharmacy 

Photo: Marita Hennessy receivin the award for best PRO/AM teams on behalf of her self and Laura Linehan from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Pregnancy Loss Research Group). 

Ahmed Lutfi ASSERT   2^nd place of the My Research in a 1 Minute Video 

and Jack Murray School of Pharmacy 3^rd  place of the My Research in a 1 Minute Video