Eight UCC students announced as Puttnam Scholars 2025–2026

11 Feb 2026

• The Puttnam Scholars programme offers UCC students from across disciplines an opportunity to collaborate with Lord David Puttnam, award-winning producer, educator and environmentalist. 

Eight students from University College Cork have been awarded the prestigious title of Puttnam Scholar for 2025–2026, joining a unique programme that brings together creative practice, leadership and social engagement.

The Puttnam Scholarship offers students from any discipline the opportunity to work with and learn from Lord David Puttnam, a pioneer in digital education and an Oscar-winning producer whose films include Chariots of Fire, The Mission, The Killing Fields and Midnight Express.

Open to students across UCC, the programme is designed to foster collaboration across disciplines, encouraging scholars to think critically about the role of media, storytelling and leadership in shaping society.

Meet the 2025–2026 Puttnam Scholars

This year’s scholars reflect the breadth and diversity of creativity and study across UCC. The 2025–2026 Puttnam Scholars are:

• Caoimhe Forde Atkinson, final-year Ecology and Environmental Biology BSc student
• Shannon Cotter, final-year Finance student
• Tereza Feixová, final-year Film and Screen Media BA student
• Tomás Flynn, final-year Bachelor of Arts BA - International student studying English and Philosophy
• Bruna Barreto Fontoura, Film and Screen Media MA student
• Aisling Knox, Arts Management and Creative Producing MA student
• Darren O’Connor, Redesigning the Post-industrial City (RePIC) MSc student
• Lucy Raeke, Arts Management and Creative Producing MA student

Learn more about the Scholars here

Empowering confident, socially aware graduates

Bringing together students from science, finance, the humanities, urban studies and creative arts, the scholarship creates a space where ideas can move beyond boundaries.

Dr Ciara Chambers, Senior Lecturer in Film and Screen Media at UCC, said: “The Puttnam Scholarship is about more than film. It is about understanding the power of storytelling and communication in every field. Each year, we see students from very different disciplines come together with curiosity, imagination and a real sense of purpose. The energy they bring from their own backgrounds transforms the conversation. They challenge each other, learn from one another and, in the process, grow into thoughtful leaders who understand the responsibility that comes with influence.”

Through workshops, mentoring and engagement with Lord Puttnam, scholars explore the intersection of creativity, ethics and public life. The programme encourages them to consider how their own disciplines, whether in science, business, urban design or the arts, can contribute to a more informed and connected society.

As the newest cohort begins their journey, they join a growing network of alumni who have carried the values of the Puttnam Scholarship into careers across media, policy, education and beyond.

Alex Brady, producer, music tutor and community facilitator, said: "The Puttnam Scholarship was truly life-changing for me. Receiving it gave me the confidence to pursue my work not just as a student, but as a creative person in my community. Being mentored by David Puttnam was an extraordinary experience. While his career is legendary, what stays with you most is his kindness, vision, and genuine care for your ideas. The seminars make it clear that your input is valued, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded scholars from different disciplines was inspiring. The highlight was creating a film together under Puttnam’s mentorship, with UCC’s incredible support. It was a transformative experience that gave me lasting friendships, skills, and confidence. "

Learn more about the Puttnam Scholarship programme at UCC on the programme page.