Celebrating Research Impact: SETU Unveils Winners of Inaugural Competition

South East Technological University (SETU) Office of Research, Innovation & Impact has announced the winners of its inaugural Impact Case Study Competition, an initiative designed to showcase the profound positive societal impact of SETU research.

The competition was led by Dr Saoirse Cummins, SETU’s Engaged Research and Impact Officer. With expert support from trainer Saskia Walcott of Walcott Communications, participants took part in tailored workshops and one-to-one training sessions to enhance their ability to evidence and communicate their research impact to wider society.

A total of 18 case studies were submitted, each demonstrating how SETU research is addressing challenges, supporting communities, influencing policy, and working in partnership with industry and regional stakeholders.

Impact Case Study Competition Winners

—  Overall winner: ‘The Men on the Move Effect: Building Healthier Communities,’ written by Dr Paula Carroll (€500 research or travel grant)

—  Runners-up: ‘Embedding Unemployment Experiences in Public Employment Services Policy and Practice,’ written by Dr Aisling Tuite and ‘Pioneering PPIE in Ocular Therapeutics: A Case Study in Translational Engagement,’ by Tess Ames (each receiving a €300 research or travel grant)

—  Early Career Researcher category winner: ‘Co-Designing for Change: A Contextualised Outreach Initiative to Increase Female Participation in Computer Science,’ written by Fiona Redmond (€300 research or travel grant)

—  Regional Stakeholder Engagement category winner: ‘Strengthening Recovery and Inclusion Through Co-Produced Online Communities,’ written by Susan Barnes (€300 research or travel grant)

Speaking about the competition, Dr Saoirse Cummins said, “The breadth and depth of research impact at SETU is inspiring. These case studies highlight how our researchers are not only advancing knowledge but also making a tangible difference to people’s lives, communities, and enterprises across the region, and beyond.”

Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact at SETU, added, “At SETU, we are committed to ensuring our research delivers real benefits for society and for the region we serve. The Impact Case Study Competition has brought this to life by capturing examples of how our researchers are driving innovation, informing policy, and working with communities and businesses to create lasting change.”

The competition, facilitated by TU RISE funding, reflects SETU’s strong commitment to research that matters – research that is connected, collaborative, and focused on creating real-world benefits.

The Impact Case Studies are now available to read on the new dedicated research impact webpage on the SETU website, offering a powerful insight into how SETU research is shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for the South-East region and beyond.

Link to webpage here: https://www.setu.ie/research-innovation/our-research-impact

The Impact Case Study Competition was made possible thanks to funding from TU RISE (TU Research and Innovation Supporting Enterprise), which is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021–27. TU RISE is managed by the Higher Education Authority of Ireland and the Southern Regional Assembly.