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Four ATU researchers awarded €408,000 from Research Ireland funding as part of New Foundations programme
Tackling menstrual health, cancer nutrition, bioplastics, and parasites, four ATU researchers have secured funding as part of New Foundations programme by Research Ireland.
PhD researchers, Erin Pyper, Leah Walsh, Megan Olley, and Sofia Rainey have been awarded €408,000 through Research Ireland’s New Foundations programme, part of a €36.3 million nationwide investment in early-career researchers.
The initiative supports projects that address pressing social, environmental, economic, and health challenges across Ireland.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:
This significant investment of €36.3 million in our early career researchers reinforces the Government’s commitment to the future of Ireland’s research and innovation system. The Government of Ireland programme is a central measure in supporting the system’s continued development and in strengthening Ireland’s international competitiveness. Early career researchers are the lifeblood of that system.
Menstrual health’s impact on physical activity
Erin Pyper’s project, “Promoting Women’s Health and Quality of Life: Menstrual Cycle and Contributors to Physical Inactivity”, has been awarded €136,000. Her research will how the menstrual cycle affects women’s ability to maintain sustained physical activity and overall quality of life.
Through studying the live experiences of women in Ireland, Erin’s findings hope to aid the development of an educational programme designed to promote health and well-being for those who menstruate.
Improving nutrition for young cancer survivors
Leah Walsh has also received €136,000 for her project, “Exploring the Impact of Nutrition Interventions on the Health Outcomes of Young Cancer Survivors in Ireland”. This study seeks to co-design a nutritional intervention tailored to young adult cancer survivors aged 18–39, working closely with a patient advisory group to ensure it is practical, accessible, and evidence-based.
Bioplastic effects on aquatic life
Megan Olley’s project, “Bioplastic Leachate Ecotoxicity on Aquatic Environments”, has been awarded €68,000. Her research examines how chemicals released from bioplastics affect aquatic organisms including hermit crabs, daphnia, and freshwater algae.
By simulating environmental breakdown processes, Megan aims to understand on the ecological risks of bioplastics, contributing to future policy decisions and EU chemical regulations.
Parasite diversity in Irish freshwater ecosystems
Sofia Rainey has received €68,000 for her project, “Assessing Freshwater Parasite Diversity in Ireland”. Her research focuses on parasite diversity in Irish freshwater ecosystems, studying hosts such as insects, fish, and birds.
The New Foundations programme has funded projects across 14 Higher Education Institutions in Ireland, supporting research that addresses real-world social, environmental, economic, and health challenges.
Featured Image: Four ATU researchershave been awarded €408,000 through Research Ireland’s New Foundations programme.
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Jorden McMenamin
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Tel: 074 918 6127
E: jorden.mcmenamin@atu.ie
