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University College Cork is a flagship education provider in Cork, working with local and global partners to solve the world's most challenging problems. It is making a significant contribution to secure an equitable and sustainable future, driving economic innovation, educating a skilled workforce and delivering research that drives economic growth. UCC is committed to responding to local and national employment needs, advancing knowledge and driving economic and social change in Ireland and beyond.
By educating the workforce of tomorrow and delivering groundbreaking research and innovation, UCC makes significant societal contributions, driving progress and powering positive change
Professor John O'Halloran MRIA, President
In 2024 we undertook a review of these economic and societal impacts. Using figures from the financial year 2022/23, analysis of the direct, indirect and induced economic impact estimated that UCC contributes €1.18 billion to the Irish economy annually and supports over 21,000 jobs. Every €1 spent by the University produced €6 in economic benefit. The report also showcases the breadth and depth of UCC's social and cultural impact across teaching, research and engagement. It presents a number of key findings and spotlights examples of some of the many ways that our staff and students generate economic value and wider social and cultural benefits.
This is a well-written, accessible and clear report. The analysis and presentation have been undertaken rigorously and objectively, and reflect best practice applied in other impact studies of universities and higher education institutions in Ireland, and more broadly including the UK. The results confirm the significant and growing social and economic impacts of UCC locally, nationally and globally.
Professor Mike Danson, Professor Emeritus of Enterprise Policy, Heriot-Watt University and Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (External Reviewer)
UCC has a long history of impact in the evolution of electricity generation in Ireland. Sir Robert Kane’s seminal analysis of hydropower underpinned the Government decision in the 1920s to develop the Shannon Scheme at Ardnacrusha, which led to the establishment of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB), bringing electricity to the nation over the following decades. UCC’s impact on Ireland’s energy transition continues today. A UCC analysis of the evolution of Ireland’s energy system has underpinned ESB’s ambition to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2040 through the deployment of innovative energy technologies. Through UCC’s leadership in offshore wind energy and hydrogen research, collaborative research with ESB is driving innovations that will enhance their capacity and competitiveness in these areas well into the future. This has included partnerships in projects developing a blueprint for offshore wind energy development in Ireland.
Dingle Peninsula 2030
This award-winning collaborative project on the Dingle Peninsula has worked with the local community since 2018 to enable the societal changes required for a sustainable transition. Spanning energy, agriculture, marine, transport and tourism, it serves as a living laboratory demonstrating how we can all live more sustainably in the future. Impacts include the establishment of the West Kerry Dairy Farmers Sustainable Energy Community; a local roadmap for anaerobic digestion; an informed and involved local community; and designation of the Peninsula as Kerry County Council's Decarbonization Zone. It delivered a measurable diffusion of sustainability in the local community, especially within the home energy and farming sectors, an increase in rooftop solar usage and policy changes supporting community-based climate action initiatives and a decrease in local carbon emissions.
Start-up company: Telea
Telea, founded by UCC Speech & Language Therapy graduate Clare Meskill in 2020, is a MedTech company that combines speech and language therapy with software development to provide voice therapy to individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Telea’s innovative digital speech therapy technology has the potential to help the 12,000 people in Ireland living with Parkinson’s Disease to maintain their voice and slow down progression of the disease. Claire completed UCC's IGNITE programme and in 2022 raised €700k in pre-seed funding. Today, Telea is integrated as part of speech and language therapy clinics in the HSE, NHS and private hospitals in Ireland, the UK and the US.
Cork Folklore Project
This community-based project at the Department of Folklore & Ethnology works to preserve, disseminate and promote engagement with the culture and folklore of Cork to animate our understanding of our past and our future. It has been collecting, archiving, and sharing the memories, stories, tradition, and folklore of Cork since 1996. Spanning working life, leisure, social change, health, childhood and everyday life, it records lived experiences that shape the cultural history of Cork. It has made a significant contribution to social, cultural and intellectual wellbeing, having recorded over 1,000 hours of recordings and produced multiple publications, outreach programmes and community initiatives.
Graduate Attributes Programme
UCC’s student-centred Graduate Attributes Programme supports students to develop key skills and attributes through academic and extracurricular activities. It enhances their personal and professional growth, preparing them to live, learn and lead in a shared, co-created future and enables them to take an active role in advancing the just and sustainable evolution of our communities, our society and our economy. Emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, communication, digital skills, and global citizenship, the programme fosters well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to society and succeed in their careers. Since its launch in September 2018, more than 14,500 students have benefitted from the initiatives delivered by the programme.
World’s first MRI safe implantable neurostimulator
Implantable neurostimulation devices are increasingly being used to treat chronic disorders, but because they are electron-powered the patient can no longer undergo MRI examination after implantation. To address this, IPIC, led by Brian Corbett and Jérôme Garnier at Tyndall National Institute, collaborated with Belgium’s Synergia Medical to develop and fabricate a unique photovoltaic cell for use within the human body. This enabled initial product evaluation trials, and Synergia Medical recently secured authorization to carry out a first in human study for drug resistant epilepsy with the vagus nerve stimulation device.
Independent Testimonials
UCC is a vital talent and innovation engine for the Foreign Direct Investment community in Cork and beyond, and an important pipeline of highly skilled talent for industry.
MaREI’s work has been a key input to our strategy. Based on our experience, we believe the team have made a valuable contribution to national debate and policy development founded on rigorous research
- ESB
As one of the largest employers in Cork, UCC not only provides valuable employment opportunities but also cultivates the skilled workforce that fuels our region’s growth.
UCC has played a vital role in Ireland, and beyond, in the delivery of cutting edge knowledge and skills across many of our important indigenous sectors.
UCC has been vital to the growth and success of Qualcomm Ireland in Cork and Ireland. Working with UCC for the past 10+ years has been a great collaboration with many successes and wins along the way.
UCC's emphasis on excellence in education and industry collaboration has provided us with a steady stream of talented individuals that help us stay at the forefront of our industry.
University College Cork is a vital talent and innovation engine for the Foreign Direct Investment community in Cork and beyond. UCC’s collaborative approach to working with multinational companies ensures ongoing knowledge transfer between academia and industry. The university is also an important pipeline of highly skilled talent for industry, advancing Ireland's reputation as a world class location for education and academic research.
- Rob Horgan, President, Cork Chamber
University College Cork is an important anchor in our city, producing over €3 million every day for the Irish economy. As one of the largest employers in Cork, UCC not only provides valuable employment opportunities but also cultivates the skilled workforce that fuels our region’s growth. Their commitment to excellence in education and research significantly enhances Cork's reputation as a hub of knowledge and innovation. We are proud to have UCC as a vital partner in shaping the future economic landscape of our city and county.
- Taste 4 Success Skillnet
University College Cork has played a vital role in Ireland, and beyond, in the delivery of cutting edge knowledge and skills across many of our important indigenous sectors. Its deep roots and connections with Ireland's largest indigenous sector, agri-food and drink, are well known. The School of Food and Nutritional Sciences at UCC has played a vital role across all aspects of food, agri-food, research and innovation, developing world leading education and upskilling programmes. As a network of food and drink companies, Taste 4 Success Skillnet has been working closely with the Food Industry Research Unit (FITU), School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, UCC, since 2010. Together, we have undertaken research in the identification of key industry skills gaps, and new accreditation technologies. Connecting with member companies across the wider food production, manufacturing, and processing sectors, we have identified barriers to progression, and as a result we have developed programmes to address specific skills gaps, so that people can upskill, cross-skill, and move across sectors. We are indebted and extremely grateful to the excellent team at FITU, their willingness and responsiveness to work with enterprises of all sizes, their flexibility, their keen minds and business acumen. These attributes have enabled Taste 4 Success Skillnet to partner with FITU in the provision of upskilling solutions, enabling access to career development opportunities for employees, and supporting enterprises across Ireland in the development of their people and skillsbase.
- Qualcomm Ireland
University College Cork has been vital to the growth and success of QT Technologies Ireland Ltd., (Qualcomm Ireland) in Cork and Ireland. Working with UCC for the past 10+ years has been a great collaboration with many successes and wins along the way. UCC has contributed to the resource growth at Qualcomm Ireland, producing top class students at Degree, Masters and PhD level. They have interned with us and continued as full-time employees. To date, 12% of all Qualcomm Ireland staff are UCC graduates, which speaks for itself. Our existing relationship means we have close collaborations and relationships with UCC faculty, for which we are very grateful and appreciative. The time and effort UCC have given us over the years has been hugely impactful to our growth and development. In turn, working so closely together has allowed Qualcomm Ireland to interact with faculty and students which continues to be a source of sustainability for us.
- Johnson Controls
University College Cork has proven to be an invaluable partner for Johnson Controls Ireland, consistently delivering graduates who embody innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability. UCC's emphasis on excellence in education and industry collaboration has provided us with a steady stream of talented individuals that help us stay at the forefront of our industry. We are grateful for our partnership with UCC and look forward to continued collaboration as we shape the future of our company.
- European Museum Academy Award judges
Excellence in curatorial practice, collections care and audience engagement constitute the core values of the Glucksman. The museum puts sustainability and inclusion at the core of their mission, and the staff has realized impressive results with their projects, which serve as an inspiration for museums all over the world. The museum brings communities and artists together, to explore, visualise and express their thoughts and opinions on important societal issues. This way visual art becomes a powerful tool of expression. The Glucksman prioritises its role as a civic institution that enables creative agency among diverse communities and is therefore well-deserving of the Art Museum Award.
- SERVE
We are impressed by the calibre of UCC students who have joined us here in SERVE as part of their programme’s placement module. We have observed that the students are curious about the world, which is essential in the NGO sector. UCC placement students have an interest in understanding how the world works and a desire to connect to the broader concepts of development. We have found them willing to learn and possessing a confidence to connect with our partners in an open, collaborative manner. We are impressed by their willingness to take on the challenge of development work. We feel the education and nurturing in UCC is preparing students to be global citizens who will be in a position to contribute positively to communities both locally, nationally and internationally when they graduate.
