UCC researchers at the heart of public service transformation

10 Nov 2026

Two University College Cork (UCC) researchers have received Public Service Fellowships, through a Research Ireland programme that will help strengthen evidence-informed policy, decision making and public trust.

The programme offers academic researchers a unique opportunity to be seconded to Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies to work in partnership on issues of national importance. This enables the exchange of expertise and fosters public sector innovation, whilst giving researchers valuable insight into government decision-making and policy development.

A new legal framework for emerging DNA identification techniques

Professor Nessa Lynch, Matheson Professor in Law, Innovation and Technology at the School of Law in UCC & a Principal Investigator in Rinn Artificial Intelligence, will be seconded to Forensic Science Ireland for a period of 18 months (part-time) to work on her project entitled ‘The feasibility of Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) and other DNA based identification methods within the Irish Criminal Justice system’.

This project will propose a legal and ethical framework for the use of new and emerging DNA identification techniques in the criminal justice system in Ireland, particularly Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, which involves DNA analysis paired with genealogical research. This may be used in cold cases to identify suspects or victims and is in use in other jurisdictions. It also poses risks to individual and collective rights and interests.

Professor Lynch said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to work on potential legal and ethical frameworks for FIGG and other DNA based identification methods. This builds on my longstanding research expertise in emerging technologies in criminal justice systems and the principled and ethical use of new methods. This is an example of the School of Law's established record in contributing expertise to law and policy reform, and of the potential of the new Rinn AI centre in applying research expertise to policy.”

A new support framework for students with disabilities in third level education

Dr. Aoife Price, a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Applied Social Studies and UCC Futures – Collective Social Futures will be seconded to the Department of Further and Higher Education Research, Innovation and Science for a period of 12 months (full-time) to work on her project entitled ‘Mapping of supports and services available to students with disabilities across tertiary education.’ 

This project is intended to inform and shape the development of a policy framework aimed at supporting the design and implementation of a more flexible, responsive, and tailored model of supports and services for students with disabilities throughout their tertiary journey. The project will focus on transitions into and between further education and higher education, supports and services available to students with disabilities during their studies, and work experience opportunities and pathways to employment.

Dr. Price said: “I am delighted to play a key part in this project, which will examine how students with disabilities experience tertiary education and map the supports and services available to them across their educational journey. By listening to learners and engaging with those who support them across the tertiary education sector, we aim to identify opportunities to strengthen supports, improve transitions within and beyond education, and help create a more inclusive and responsive system that supports successful pathways to employment.”

Making the announcement at an event in The Royal Irish Academy of Music during Public Service Transformation Week, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society at Research Ireland, said: “Research Ireland’s Public Service Fellowship programme connects researchers with public sector organisations to turn research expertise into real-world impact. We are pleased to partner with 24 organisations in offering researchers an opportunity to collaborate with public sector leaders. From improving health and wellbeing to enhancing online safely and food security, these awards will harness the power of collaborative research to make a real difference to communities across Ireland.”

Participation in the Fellowship has more than tripled since it was first piloted in 2019. Under this year’s programme, 41 researchers have been awarded funding totalling €3.9 million. The funded projects involve 24 host organisations. The theme of Public Service Transformation Week 2026 is Stronger Together:  Delivering the Public Services of the Future, in recognition of the vital contribution that research and academic expertise can make in supporting delivery of Ireland’s public service transformation strategy, Better Public Services.

Congratulating UCC’s awardees, Professor John F. Cryan, UCC Vice President for Research and Innovation, said: “These awards bring research and public service together to shape evidence-based policies, strengthen communities and addressing national and global challenges. These collaborative projects between universities and public services will facilitate the exchange and sharing of expertise towards evidence-informed approaches across the public sector and will be key to shaping policies that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.”