Postgraduate Research Vacancies

Toxicological Profiling in Cetaceans: Linking Contaminant Burdens to Biological Health Metrics
Cullen Scholarship: Modelling climate change impacts in Ireland’s marine ecosystem using the Atlantis model
Cullen Scholarship: Recruitment drivers for boarfish and other spasmodic stocks
Chimera Project Ph.D. Fellowships
Collaborative Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing Processes
PhD Researcher – Collaborative Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing Processes PHD-4
PhD Researcher – Cold-Chain Temperature Risk Forecasting in H&LS
PhD Researcher – Additive Manufacturing in Antenna Design
Surface Texturing & Sustainable Additive Manufacturing
Recycling Machining Swarf into Wire Feedstock for Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing
Investigating Food Web Dynamics & Environmental Change in a Deep Humic Lake
The Plastic Pulse: Linking Flood Events, Nature-Based Solutions, and Spatiotemporal Microplastic Pollution in Agricultural Catchments.
Population genetics of the Irish white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) using traditional and non-invasive eDNA methods and investigation into potential resistance to the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci
Designing together, co-producing the conditions for effective community-led public service delivery.
Photonic-Inspired Federated Learning for Communication-Efficient Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs)
Co-Designing and Co-Evaluating Collective Climate Action Pathways Implemented by Irish Local Authorities Using Behavioural Insights, Living Labs, and National Climate Action Plan Data
Co-Created Monitoring and Modelling of Climate-Driven Trihalomethane Risks in Irish Drinking Water using Integrated Low-Cost Sensors, Citizen Science, and GIS for Adaptive Water Management
PhD in Freshwater Ecology
AIMINGPEAT Research Project: Funded PhD Opportunity on Predicting CO₂ Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands

Toxicological Profiling in Cetaceans: Linking Contaminant Burdens to Biological Health Metrics

Lead supervisor:

Dr. Sinéad Murphy (Sinead.murphy@atu.ie)

Co-supervisors:

Dr. Cóilín Minto ATU (Coilin.Minto@atu.ie)

Dr. Rosie Williams, Institute of Zoology, London (rosie.williams@ioz.ac.uk)

Dr. Brendan McHugh, Marine Institute, Rinville, Co. Galway (brendan.mchugh@marine.ie)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other contaminants pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and top predators such as cetaceans. This MSc project will investigate pollutant loads in stranded cetaceans as part of a broader effort to develop biodiversity and health indicators for ecosystem-based management. The research will integrate necropsy sampling, contaminant analysis, and ecological interpretation to assess pollutant exposure and its implications for cetacean health and conservation.

The MSc is part of a larger EMFAF-Marine Institute funded cetacean necropsy and pollutant tender awarded to the Atlantic Technological University, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Eurofins Germany, and the Institute of Zoology, London. Sampling conducted as part of the 2025–2028 vertebrate necropsy project will generate case studies from which samples and associated data, including legacy and emerging pollutant metrics, will be made available for the MSc research. These data will be integrated with an Irish pollutant dataset that compiled both historical and contemporary measurements as part of an earlier project.

Work will include the quantification of concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and a broader suite of legacy and emerging contaminants within tissue matrices collected from stranded and bycaught cetaceans in Irish waters. This analysis will establish robust contaminant baselines, undertake comparison between contemporary and historical datasets, thereby supporting a long term assessment of temporal trends in chemical exposure among cetacean populations inhabiting Irish waters.

Within the MSc, further progress will be made in understanding potential pollutant mechanisms and modes of action, such as immune suppression, toxicity pathways, and inter elemental relationships among pollutants. This will include examining how chemical contaminants interact with factors such as age, sex, nutritional condition, maturity status, pathogens, and disease. The assessment will draw on both detailed case studies and robust statistical analyses.

To evaluate toxicological risk, the project will also develop comprehensive guidelines for interpreting marine mammal toxicity thresholds. These guidelines will incorporate scoring criteria for a range of assessment parameters.

Key Objectives

Statistical modelling of POPs concentrations, including PCBs and PFAS, as well as other contaminants in blubber and liver samples from stranded and bycaught cetaceans in Irish waters.
Evaluate temporal and spatial trends in contaminant loads in relation to health and body condition indices, to contribute to the development of biodiversity indicators incorporating pollutant data for policy frameworks (e.g., MSFD, OSPAR).
Develop comprehensive guidelines for reviewing marine mammal toxicity thresholds.
Further exploration of potential pollutant mechanisms and their modes of action.
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, with dissemination of results at international conferences and stakeholder workshops.

Profile requirements/qualifications:

Minimum requirements:
A Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) BSc in Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Ecotoxicology, or related field.
Strong understanding of marine mammal ecology, ecotoxicity and conservation.
Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Proficiency in communication, initiative, flexibility and organisational skills.
Must be fluent in spoken and written English (consult language requirements for ATU students HERE).
Have a full (international EU) driving licence.
Additional desirable requirements:
Familiarity with necropsy procedures and sample handling.
Knowledge of contaminant chemistry and analytical techniques.
Skills in R or Python for data analysis.
Publication track-record and strong technical report writing and presentation skills.

Training & Support

The candidate will receive training in necropsy protocols, statistical analysis, contaminant data interpretation and indicator development. Collaboration with Eurofins GfA Lab Service GmbH will provide exposure to state-of-the-art analytical technologies.

This research MSc opportunity provides coverage of EU University fees and a stipend of €22,000 per annum for no longer than 2.5 years. Under current ATU policy, Non‑EU fees do not apply to research students.

Application procedure:

Applications must include:

• A Curriculum Vitae (including 2 references and contact details of academic referees who may be contacted as part of the selection process)

• A personal statement, not exceeding 2 pages and explaining (i) how you meet or plan to meet the project’s requirements, (ii) what your motivation and interest in the topic are, with specific reference to details provided in this advert, and (iii) why you would like to pursue a MSc research programme in Ireland and ATU.

• Transcripts of degree results

Please ensure that all required documents are included and that your application is complete before submission.

Candidates should begin the MSc degree as soon as possible after receiving an offer.

Applications must be submitted as a single MS Word or PDF file (with subject line “Application to Necropsy and pollutant tender MSc”) to Dr Sinéad Murphy by email (sinead.murphy@atu.ie).

Application Deadline: Wednesday 18th February 2026, 5:00 pm

Application enquiries: Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Sinéad Murphy (sinead.murphy@atu.ie)

Cullen Scholarship: Modelling climate change impacts in Ireland’s marine ecosystem using the Atlantis model

The effects of climate change are increasingly apparent in ocean environments. Climate change poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems, necessitating enhanced understanding to adapt effectively for a changing future. The continental shelf and slope off Ireland have high levels of biodiversity and are considered of ecological importance for the different life history stages of many fish species. Historically, this region has supported significant demersal fisheries and since the mid-1990s, efforts to address historically low biomass and recruitment in several stocks have led to an overall decline in fishing pressure. However, many stocks remain overexploited. Fishing and climate change interact in multiple ways within the region. There is therefore a clear need to better understand marine ecosystem change holistically to ensure management plans can be put in place to protect marine biodiversity while sustainably providing marine ecosystem goods and services.

Ecosystem models allow a digital representation of the marine ecosystem that can be used to explore possible and coherent states of nature alongside different management scenarios and anthropogenic pressures. Atlantis is considered the most advanced ecosystem model available. Our overall aim in this Cullen Scholarship is to enhance Ireland’s ecosystem modelling capacity by contributing to the development of a Celtic Seas Atlantis model. We will focus on parameterising and testing the biological submodel. Our approach is systematic per trophic level: definitions, grouping, flux modelling, sensitivity, comparison with real data, and forcing with downscaled regional physical models. By developing all links from primary producers to higher trophic levels and human pressures we will illuminate the dynamics of the system allowing for holistically informed strategic management for a future of ocean change.

Specific objectives to be codeveloped with the PhD student are to:

1. Review of Atlantis end-to-end ecosystem modelling with application to the Celtic Seas.

2. Primary producer submodel calibration and projection under climate change scenarios.

3. Zooplankton submodel calibration and projection under climate change scenarios.

4. Understanding bottom-up drivers of forage fish dynamics in the Celtic Seas ecoregion.

5. Understanding predation or competition release of higher trophic level species.

Requirements/Qualifications: The successful candidate will hold an Honours Degree with a minimum award classification of 2:1 or equivalent in a cognate discipline (Oceanography, Mathematics, Statistics, Marine Biology, or a related discipline). Demonstrated experience in scientific programming (e.g., R/C++/Python programming language), excellent quantitative/modelling skills and familiarity with data management will be a distinct advantage, as well as evidence of contributions to scientific publications.

Project Duration: 48 months

Conditions:

● €25,000 tax-exempt stipend per annum.

● Postgraduate fees will be covered by the project.

● In addition, any necessary travel, material and open access publication costs incurred during the project will be covered.

If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to web link English Language Requirements | ATU – Atlantic Technological University to view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU

Project Start Date: Spring 2026

Application Closing Date: February 27^th 2026

Applicants should submit their:

– Curriculum Vitae (to include details of 2 referees)

– A copy of transcript of results

– A Personal Statement

The Personal Statement should not exceed 1 page and must include details on:

● How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this PhD research programme

● Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme.

For further information on the project, please contact: Dr Cóilín Minto (coilin.minto@atu.ie), Dr Deirdre Brophy (deirdre.brophy@atu.ie), or Denise O’Sullivan (denise.osullivan@marine.ie)

Data Protection Statement

ATU takes very seriously its legal obligations as set out in the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018 to safeguard and protect your personal information in our possession. The personal information which you disclose to us in this form will only be used to assess your suitability; administer and register you for this scholarship. We will not keep your personal information for any longer than is necessary for those stated purposes. For more details, please refer to ATU’s Student Privacy Statement: Student-privacy-statement

This project (Grant-Aid Agreement No. CS/25/008) is carried out with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland.

Cullen Scholarship: Recruitment drivers for boarfish and other spasmodic stocks

Recruitment is the process of young fish transitioning to life stages that can be caught. It is one of the most important, though often most poorly understood processes regulating fish populations. Recruitment determines year-class strength, which in turn regulates stock size, subsequent reproduction and sustainable harvest levels. A combination of density-independent and density-dependent mortality and initial egg abundance defines a stock-recruit relationship. These are often typified by marked variability around a fitted relationship. For some populations, however, recruitment can be typically quite low and occasionally exceptionally high. These stocks are termed “spasmodic” recruiting stocks and are characterized by infrequent and irregularly occurring episodes of strong recruitment, followed by periods of weak recruitment. Boarfish, horse mackerel and blue whiting are all important commercial species displaying spasmodic recruitment to varying degrees.

These stocks challenge the estimation of reference points, appropriate harvest control rules and short-term forecasts. In this project, we will investigate possible recruitment mechanisms and effective management of spasmodic stocks by: 1) collecting new datasets in collaboration with the pelagic industry to expand our understanding of reproduction, larval distribution and diet; 2) investigating the relationships between early life history growth, dispersal and feeding and recruitment variability ; and 3) developing management strategy evaluations that: a) build operating models based on mechanistic understanding derived here; and b) develop and test appropriate management procedures, informed by stakeholders, that are capable of safeguarding reproduction, yield and stability of yield for spasmodic stocks

Specific objectives to be codeveloped with the PhD student are to:

1. Review spasmodic stock-recruitment relationships including potential drivers and management.

2. Collect empirical data to improve understanding of the reproductive biology and recruitment of boarfish via at-sea and port sampling.

3. Investigate links between recruitment variability and early life history growth.

4. Investigate links between recruitment variability and early life history dispersal.

5. Explore match-mismatch hypothesis for recruitment variability of boarfish (and possibly other spasmodic stocks).

6. Investigate appropriate management procedures for spasmodically recruiting stocks within management strategy evaluations.

Requirements/Qualifications: The successful candidate will hold an Honours Degree with a minimum award classification of 2:1 or equivalent in a cognate discipline (Zoology, Marine Biology, Oceanography, Fisheries Science, Aquatic Ecology, or a related discipline). Demonstrated experience in sampling at sea, scientific programming (R programming language), good quantitative/modelling skills and familiarity with data management will be a distinct advantage, as well as evidence of contributions to scientific publications.

Project Duration: 48 months

Conditions:

● €25,000 tax-exempt stipend per annum.

● Postgraduate fees will be covered by the project.

● In addition, any necessary travel, material and open access publication costs incurred during the project will be covered.

Project Start Date: Spring 2026

Application Closing Date: February 20th 2026

Applicants should submit their:

– Curriculum Vitae (to include details of 2 referees)

– A copy of transcript of results

– A Personal Statement

The Personal Statement should not exceed 1 page and must include details on:

● How your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this PhD research programme

● Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme.

For further information on the project, please contact: Dr Cóilín Minto (coilin.minto@atu.ie), Dr Deirdre Brophy (deirdre.brophy@atu.ie), Dr Edward Farrell (edward@kfo.ie) or Dr Andrew Campbell (andrew.campbell@marine.ie).

Data Protection Statement

This project (Grant-Aid Agreement No. CS/25/008) is carried out with the support of the Marine Institute and funded under the Marine Research Programme by the Government of Ireland.

CHIMERA Project Ph.D. Fellowships

DESCRIPTION: These 2 PhD studentships are part of the collaborative and interdisciplinary Research Ireland funded CHIMERA project. Blue-Green biotechnologies encompass a range of activities such as biofuel generation, environmental bioremediation or the valorisation of high-added value chemicals from natural sources. As such, the metabolic properties of microalgae are actively researched worldwide. Here, CHIMERA will focus on investigating the bioactivity attributes of microalgal species isolated from the west of Ireland to characterise those with high potential for market-oriented biotechnological applications, with an emphasis on high-value metabolites such as antioxidant, cytotoxic or antimicrobial compounds.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS: Motivated candidates with strong interests in applied microbiology, cell biology and biotechnology must have a Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) (essential) and/or a M.Sc. (desirable) in relevant disciplines. One position on offer will focus on “Microbiology” themes while the other one will have a “Human Cell Culture” remit. Candidates with prior practical experience in microbiology (eg. antimicrobial assays), analytical chemistry (eg. GC/MS), microalgal physiology (eg. photoautotrophic cultivation), cell biology (eg. human cell culture and assays) and/or molecular biology (eg. transcriptomics) will be considered favourably. Only candidates with a valid European passport are eligible for these positions as international fees cannot be paid from the available funding. If English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency will be required.

EXPECTED STARTING DATE: From March 2026.

TO APPLY: Please send by email 1) a detailed cover letter addressing how your prior experience aligns with this project and your motivation for pursuing a PhD at ATU Sligo, 2) full curriculum vitae and 3) contact details of two academic referees (who may be contacted as part of the selection process) to Dr. Nicolas Touzet (nicolas.touzet@atu.ie). Please insert the subject line ‘CHIMERA’ with your electronic correspondence.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 17:00 local time, 27th of February 2026.

FUNDING SOURCE: Research Ireland

STIPEND: €25,000 per annum + institutional registration and tuition fees for 4 years.

Collaborative Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing Processes

The candidate would work on this project within the larger framework of the NWCAM2 programme, which will address crucial challenges in the life and health sciences sector by supporting SMEs in the development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products – enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete on a global scale. The programme will combine deep research with practical implementation to ensure tangible benefits, directly supporting SMEs on both sides of the border to embed advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools, and sustainable materials.

This PhD project will advance the capability of serial collaborative robot manipulators to support low-volume high mix manufacturing and rapid reconfiguration from one product run to the next, moving toward a deployable, human-centric system for flexible manufacturing. The research will be motivated by two partner SMEs in manufacturing, (1) a metrology, inspection and manufacturing solutions company, serving the MedTech and Pharmaceutical industry (2) a precision engineering company, serving the MedTech, Automotive and Aerospace industry.

The PhD will focus on the following themes: collaborative robot application optimisation, integrating semantic cues and constraints into safety, calibration and work-cell design to support dynamic safety behaviour, more streamlined certification and calibration of reconfigurable/re-deployable robotic cells.

The overarching objective is to develop collaborative robotic systems that can be deployed, adapted, and validated quickly in real industrial settings while remaining accessible, reliable, and safe for non-expert users.

For informal inquiries and more information about the role, please contact the lead supervisor for PhD philip.long@atu.ie

Essential Qualifications & Skills

Min 2.1 Hons Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Demonstrable experience with Robotic hardware/simulators

Demonstrated motivation, interest and knowledge of the project, university and research lab.

Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Ability to start position in Ireland immediately and no later than 31st of May 2026.

Fluency in English is essential. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet ATU’s minimum English language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 or equivalent)

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

Experience with robotic integration and conducting experiments.

Experience in robot programming, machine vision and applications of machine learning algorithms.

Knowledge of robot kinematics, dynamics and collaborative robotic applications.

Knowledge of ROS/ROS2.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Application queries please contact philip.long@atu.ie

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

The project, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), has received funding of €9,981,033 and will be led by Catalyst, in partnership with Atlantic Technology University (ATU), North West Regional College, Ulster University, Trinity College Dublin and Irish Manufacturing Research Centre.

PhD Researcher – Collaborative Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing Processes PHD-4

The research will focus on the following themes: human-in-the-loop robot teaching, using multimodal data streams to enable intuitive programming, online supervision, and operator-driven correction during execution, and

For informal inquiries and more information about the role, please contact the lead supervisor for PhD philip.long@atu.ie

Essential Qualifications and Skills:

·Min 2.1 Hon Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

Demonstrable experience with Robotic hardware/simulators

Demonstrated motivation, interest and knowledge of the project, university and research lab.

Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Ability to start position in Ireland immediately and no later than 31st May 2026

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

Experience with robotic integration and conducting experiments.

Experience in robot programming, machine vision and applications of machine learning algorithms.

Knowledge of robot kinematics, dynamics and collaborative robotic applications.

Knowledge of ROS/ROS2.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

PhD Researcher – Cold-Chain Temperature Risk Forecasting in H&LS

There are massive challenges with ensuring the quality of temperature-sensitive biological materials, such as blood components, organs, vaccines, and clinical specimens. This challenge exists in clinical laboratory environments and within logistical operations. Even brief temperature fluctuations can result in degradation of samples, financial loss, compromised patient outcomes, and breaches of regulatory compliance. This research proposes the development of a physics-informed machine learning model capable of forecasting cold-chain temperature deviations.

In contrast to conventional monitoring systems that merely record temperature retrospectively, the proposed approach integrates sensor data with thermodynamic modelling to construct a digital twin of temperature-sensitive refrigeration systems. The research will examine how factors such as heat-transfer dynamics, equipment ageing, ambient environmental variability, door-opening behaviour, compressor performance, and storage-load fluctuations shape internal thermal conditions. Machine learning models will be trained to identify early indicators of instability and to predict both short-term and long-term temperature deviations with quantifiable uncertainty. Crucially, the research incorporates an explainable AI (XAI) component, aimed at generating transparent and interpretable model outputs that can be scrutinised by engineers, quality-assurance staff, and regulators.

Techniques such as feature-attribution analysis and physics-guided interpretability will be explored to ensure that predictive insights are trustworthy and auditable. Further work will address robust sensor fusion, anomaly detection, and model interpretability to satisfy regulatory expectations in clinical settings. Empirical validation will be undertaken using controlled test environments alongside real-world datasets from high-risk storage environments. By shifting cold-chain management from reactive, alarm-driven responses towards proactive, predictive, and explainable refrigeration control, the project aims to enhance system reliability, reduce risks, and strengthen the safeguarding of critical biological materials.

Work on this project falls within the larger framework of the NWCAM2 research programme, which will address crucial challenges in the life and health sciences sector by supporting SMEs in the PEACEPLUS region in the development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products – enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete on a global scale. The PhD will combine statistical modelling, AI/ML, simulation, digital twin and systems thinking to improve cold chain reliability, patient safety, and supply chain resilience for pharmaceuticals, biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies.

The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other NWCAM2 partners including University of Ulster, IMR and Trinity College. The broader NWCAM programme will combine deep research with practical implementation to ensure tangible benefits, directly supporting SMEs on both sides of the border to embed advanced technologies such as digital twin, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning (ML), and digital modelling. Key responsibilities of the researcher will include:

Conducting original research on predictive modelling, digital twinning, and cold chain risk forecasting.

Developing digital twin models representing temperature‑controlled pharmaceutical supply chains.

Designing and implementing AI/ML algorithms for time‑series prediction, anomaly detection, and risk estimation.

Building and analysing large-scale datasets, including sensor data, environmental data, and logistics metadata.

Performing simulation, statistical modelling, and uncertainty quantification to evaluate risk and system behaviour.

Integrating physics‑based, statistical, and machine‑learning approaches into hybrid modelling frameworks.

Creating reproducible code, data pipelines, and model documentation that adhere to scientific best practices.

Conducting model evaluation, including benchmarking, sensitivity analysis, and robustness testing.

Ensuring compliance with data governance, ethical AI, and regulatory considerations relevant to health‑critical systems.

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

A minimum 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering

Strong programming ability in Python

Experience with in NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit‑learn and/or PyTorch/TensorFlow

Experience handling time‑series data and large, noisy, real‑world datasets

Hands on experience in Machine Learning

Solid grounding in probability and statistics

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills

Ability to write technical reports and prepare scientific publications

Deliver presentations to diverse audiences

Work both independently and collaboratively in a research team

Manage time and research tasks effectively

Highly self-motivated with a clear interest in interdisciplinary and applied research

Ability to start position in Ireland immediately and no later than 31st May 2026

Desirable Qualifications & Skills:

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Data Science

Interest in, or exposure to Digital twins and simulation and modelling of physical systems

Understanding of interactions between physical processes and data‑driven models

Familiarity with discrete event simulation, agent-based models, or hybrid systems

Prior research experience leading to publications is an advantage

Please send a CV, transcripts, and a cover letter outlining your suitability to the role to: Fiona.Barrett@atu.ie referencing project number and NWCAM2 in subject of email.

Informal enquiries in relation to the project go to Dr. Kevin Meehan- kevin.meehan@atu.ie

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

PhD Researcher – Additive Manufacturing in Antenna Design

Advanced manufacturing in the Health and Life Sciences (H&LS) sector increasingly requires compact, lightweight, and high-performance RF components and IoT devices for sensing, instrumentation, medical monitoring, and automated production environments. However, conventional fabrication of RF components—such as antennas, waveguides, filters, and sensing structures—relies heavily on subtractive, energy-intensive processes that generate significant waste and often involve hazardous chemicals. These limitations create sustainability and cost challenges, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This PhD project focuses on developing sustainable, low-carbon additive manufacturing (AM) approaches for RF and IoT components, with an emphasis on electromagnetic efficiency, mechanical resilience, and manufacturability for H&LS applications. The research will investigate how RF/IoT components such as antennas can be fabricated sustainably using additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and printed electronics, while optimising energy consumption, material usage, and overall process efficiency.

The project will explore recyclable, bio-derived, and energy-efficient feedstock materials suitable for RF and IoT applications, alongside the design of antenna and RF structures tailored to additive manufacturing constraints, including polymer-based AM and directed energy deposition (DED). Sustainable process parameters will be developed to minimise waste, reduce post-processing, and support low-waste AM production lines relevant to H&LS factories.

A key element of the research will be the integration of AI-assisted optimisation techniques to enhance manufacturing quality, tune electromagnetic performance, and reduce carbon impact across the design-to-manufacture workflow. The project will demonstrate on-demand printed antennas, lightweight RF modules for medical devices, printed sensors for clinical environments, and rapidly manufacturable IoT devices, with a particular focus on scalability and accessibility for SMEs.

Prototype RF and IoT devices will be validated through comprehensive electromagnetic and mechanical testing, including gain, bandwidth, specific absorption rate (SAR), robustness, and resilience to sterilisation processes. Engagement with SME partners through NWCAM2 will support assessment of manufacturing transferability and real-world industrial relevance.

Objectives:

Investigate recyclable, bio-derived, and energy-efficient feedstock materials optimised for RF and IoT applications.

Design RF and antenna structures specifically tailored for additive manufacturing constraints (3D printing, DED, polymer AM).

Develop sustainable AM process parameters to reduce energy consumption, waste, and post-processing requirements.

Integrate AI-assisted optimisation for manufacturing quality, performance tuning, and carbon-impact reduction.

Demonstrate prototypes of RF/IoT devices for real H&LS applications (e.g., medical devices, hospital monitoring, smart clinical packaging).

The successful candidate will undertake doctoral research in the design, analysis, and optimization of the manufacture of and sustainable RF components and antenna systems. Work on this project falls within the larger framework of the NWCAM2 research programme, which will address crucial challenges in the life and health sciences sector by supporting SMEs in the PEACEPLUS region in the development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products – enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete on a global scale. The research may target applications such as wireless communications, satellite systems, radar, IoT, biomedical devices, or emerging technologies (e.g. 5G/6G, mmWave, terahertz, reconfigurable or smart antennas).

The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other NWCAM2 partners including University of Ulster, IMR and Trinity College. The broader NWCAM programme will combine deep research with practical implementation to ensure tangible benefits, directly supporting SMEs on both sides of the border to embed advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools, and sustainable materials. Key responsibilities of the researcher will include:

Conduct original research in antenna theory, materials, design, and implementation

Develop and analyse antenna structures using analytical, numerical, and simulation methods

Design, simulate, and optimize antennas using electromagnetic simulation tools

Fabricate prototypes and perform experimental validation and measurements

Analyse results and compare simulations with measured data

Publish research findings in high-quality peer‑reviewed journals and conferences

Contribute to project reports, presentations, and dissemination activities

Collaborate with supervisors, researchers, and industry partners

The PhD researcher will be expected to contribute to the following scientific, industrial and sustainable impacts:

New additive manufacturing routes for RF and IoT components.

Low-carbon printable materials for H&LS electronics.

Prototypes demonstrating improved sustainability and reduced emissions.

Contributions to digital design rules and manufacturing guidelines for SMEs

Engagement with SME partners via NWCAM2 to assess manufacturing transferability.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

A minimum 2.1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering

Solid Understanding of:

Electromagnetic theory

Antenna fundamentals (radiation, impedance matching, bandwidth, efficiency)

RF and microwave engineering principles

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication skills

Ability to write technical reports and prepare scientific publications

Deliver presentations to diverse audiences

Work both independently and collaboratively in a research team

Manage time and research tasks effectively

Highly self-motivated with a clear interest in interdisciplinary and applied research

Ability to start position in Ireland immediately and no later than 31st May 2026

Desirable Qualifications and Skills

A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in RF engineering, electromagnetics, antennas, or microwave engineering

Hands-on experience with antenna simulation tools (e.g. CST, HFSS, COMSOL)

Familiarity with RF measurement equipment (VNA, spectrum analyzer, anechoic chamber)

Experience with programming or data analysis (e.g. MATLAB, Python, C/C++)

Prior research experience leading to publications is an advantage

Knowledge of advanced antenna topics, such as:

Array antennas and beamforming

Reconfigurable or metamaterial antennas

mmWave/terahertz antennas

Wearable or implantable antennas

Knowledge of metamaterials for RF, microwave and mmwave engineering

Please send a CV, transcripts, and cover letter outlining your suitability to the role to: Fiona.Barrett@atu.ie referencing project number and NWCAM2 in subject of email.

Informal enquiries in relation to the project go to Dr. Sahar Saleh – sahar.saleh@atu.ie

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

Surface Texturing & Sustainable Additive Manufacturing

Research role in advanced manufacturing focusing on comparative investigation of laser and EDM surface texturing on DED and wrought fabricated components. This project will be undertaken in collaboration with Prior PLM Medical, based in Carrick on Shannon.

Aims and Objectives:

To characterise microstructural and surface property changes induced by laser and EDM texturing on DED and wrought material samples

To quantify and compare the energy consumption and process efficiency of both texturing methods when applied to DED vs wrought substrates.

To perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) assessing environmental impacts including carbon footprint and material waste for each

process–material combination.

To establish correlations between DED process parameters, resultant substrate condition, and texturing effectiveness and efficiency.

To provide practical guidance for industry on selecting sustainable surface texturing strategies for DED-fabricated components.

The candidates would work on this project within the larger framework of the NWCAM2 research programme, which will address crucial challenges in the life and health sciences sector by supporting SMEs in the development of environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes and products – enabling them to innovate, reduce emissions and compete on a global scale. The successful candidate will be expected to collaborate with other NWCAM2 partners including University of Ulster, IMR and Trinity College. The broader NWCAM programme will combine deep research with practical implementation to ensure tangible benefits, directly supporting SMEs on both sides of the border to embed advanced technologies like additive manufacturing, digital tools, and sustainable materials.

The PhD researcher will be expected to contribute to the following scientific, industrial and sustainable impacts:

Improved understanding of how DED microstructure and surface conditions interact with laser and EDM texturing processes.

New process–structure–property relationships specific to DED-fabricated SS 316L.

Evidence-based recommendations for surface finishing and repair workflows involving DED components.

Practical guidance on parameter selection to optimise functional performance while minimising energy and waste

Quantitative comparison of energy consumption and environmental impacts for laser vs EDM texturing applied to DED and wrought substrates.

Insights that support more sustainable adoption of DED in industrial settings.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

A minimum 2.1 Honors Degree (or equivalent) in:

Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy, Physics, or a closely related discipline

Exposure to materials characterisation, mechanical testing, or metal processing.

Demonstrated laboratory experience in at least one of the following:

Materials characterisation (SEM, XRD, EBSD, metallography),

Mechanical testing (hardness, tensile, tribology),

Manufacturing or machining processes.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent writing and communication.

Ability to start position before 1 May 2026.

Desirable skills and qualifications

Experience with additive manufacturing, particularly DED or laser-based processes.

Knowledge of laser processing, EDM, or other surface modification techniques.

Familiarity with life cycle assessment, energy monitoring, or sustainability evaluation.

Experience with software such as MATLAB, Python, CAD/CAM, or data-acquisition tools.

Prior experience conducting independent research (e.g., undergraduate thesis, MSc project).

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

Application queries to david.tormey@atu.ie

Recycling Machining Swarf into Wire Feedstock for Directed Energy Deposition (DED) Additive Manufacturing

Sustainability of feedstock production remains a challenge, both economically and environmentally. Machining operations generate large quantities of metallic swarf, much of which is downcycled or disposed of. This project explores recycling stainless steel 316L (other metallic materials) swarf into wire suitable for laser directed energy deposition (DED) processes, with the aim of reducing waste, costs, and environmental impact. This project will be undertaken in collaboration with Industry partner Lawrence Engineering based in Collooney and Ballymote, Co. Sligo

Aim & Objectives

Aim: To develop, optimize, and evaluate a sustainable process for converting stainless steel 316L machining swarf into wire feedstock for use in DED additive manufacturing.

Objectives:

Characterize machining swarf (morphology, contamination, residual stresses, composition).

Develop processing routes for producing wire from swarf.

Assess the properties of recycled wire compared to commercial feedstock.

Evaluate printability and part performance of swarf-derived wire in DED.

Conduct life cycle and cost analysis.

Disseminate findings through publications and industrial engagement.

Duties:

The PhD researcher will be expected to contribute to the following scientific, industrial and sustainable impacts:

Proof of concept for recycling machining swarf into AM feedstock.

Data on mechanical and microstructural behavior of swarf-based wire.

Framework adaptable to other alloys.

Demonstrated sustainability benefits (LCA, cost).

High-impact publications and industrial engagement.

Insights that support more sustainable adoption of DED in industrial settings.

A minimum 2.1 Honors Degree (or equivalent) in:

Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Metallurgy, or a closely related discipline

Exposure to materials characterisation, mechanical testing, or metal processing.

Demonstrated laboratory experience in at least one of the following:

Materials characterisation (SEM, XRD, EBSD, metallography),

Mechanical testing (hardness, tensile),

Manufacturing or machining processes.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Excellent writing and communication.

Strong interest in sustainable manufacturing, recycling technologies, or additive manufacturing

Ability to start position before 31 May 2026.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

Experience working with metallic microstructures, heat treatments, or deformation processing (rolling, extrusion, drawing).

Familiarity with DED or wire-based additive manufacturing.

Knowledge of contamination control, materials consolidation, or powder/wire feedstock production.

Experience with environmental assessment tools (LCA, carbon accounting).

Competence with data analysis and materials modelling tools.

€25,000 per annum + Tuition Fees

Application queries to david.tormey@atu.ie

Investigating Food Web Dynamics & Environmental Change in a Deep Humic Lake

Lough Feeagh is a deep, oligotrophic humic lake located within the Burrishoole catchment on the west coast of Ireland. is the catchment is an internationally important long-term ecological monitoring site, with over 70 years of diadromous fish records (Atlantic salmon, Brown trout and European eel) and extensive high-frequency monitoring of lake and river physico-chemistry, plankton and hydrology. Lough Feeagh is a key reference site within the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON) and is widely used to study the impacts of climate and land-use change on freshwater ecosystems.

This PhD will investigate food web dynamics and environmental change within this deep humic lake. The project will utilise long-term datasets collected by the Marine Institute to quantify trophic structure, energy flows and ecosystem functioning within the lake. The student will investigate how environmental pressures, including climate-driven warming, changing stratification, and catchment land-use change (e.g. forestry cessation and rewilding) influence food web dynamics and key species.

The research will involve defining functional groups across the lake ecosystem (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fish and microbial components), compiling and analysing long-term biological and environmental datasets, and constructing an Ecopath food web model. Dynamic Ecosim simulations will then be used to explore ecosystem responses to scenarios such as rising water temperatures, altered carbon inputs, changes in fish populations, and shifts in plankton communities.

The PhD student will be based primarily at the Marine Institute’s research station in Newport, Co. Mayo and will work closely with Marine Institute staff and the ATU supervisors. The project offers training in ecosystem modelling, freshwater and fisheries ecology, statistical analysis in R, and field and laboratory techniques, and will contribute to improved understanding of ecosystem responses to environmental change, with direct relevance to freshwater management, fisheries conservation and nature restoration in Ireland.

Requirements/Qualifications:

Minimum requirements

· An Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) or MSc in Marine or Environmental Science, Zoology, Ecology, or a related discipline.

· Strong quantitative skills, including data handling and statistical analysis

· An Interest in ecosystem modelling, freshwater ecology and climate impacts

· Fluency in spoken and written English (consult language requirements for ATU students HERE).

· A full (international EU) driving licence.

Additional desirable requirements:

· Experience with R or other statistical software

· Knowledge of aquatic ecology, fish biology or limnology

· Experience with modelling tools (Ecopath/Ecosim, population models, or similar)

· Experience with GIS, stable isotopes, or stomach content analysis

· Excellent field and laboratory skills.

Project Duration: 48 months

Project Start Date: No later than 31^st May 2026

Application Closing Date: Friday 20^th February 2026 with interviews to take place in March 2026

Application Procedure:

Applicants should submit their:

· Curriculum Vitae (to include details of 2 referees)

· A copy of transcript of results

· A Personal Statement

The Personal Statement should not exceed 2 pages and should include an outline of:

Ø How you meet the requirements of the position

Ø Why you would like to pursue this PhD research programme

Conditions:

· €25,000 Stipend per annum.

· Postgraduate fees for EU students of €6,000 per annum* will be covered by the project

· Any necessary national and international travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered by the project.

*Please Note: Candidates from outside the EU are eligible to apply, but will be expected to provide evidence of sources of additional funds to cover excesses associated with Non-EU fees.

Project Start Date: No later than 31^st May 2026

Application Closing Date: Friday 20^th February 2026 with interviews to take place in March 2026

Applications must be submitted to louise.vaghan@atu.ie e-mail address only. Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.

For further information on the project, please contact: Dr Louise Vaughan (louise.vaughan@atu.ie)

Data Protection Statement

The Plastic Pulse: Linking Flood Events, Nature-Based Solutions, and Spatiotemporal Microplastic Pollution in Agricultural Catchments.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and strongly motivated graduate to undertake an a 2-year funded Research MSc as part of a collaboration in the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre at Atlantic Technological University, based at our Mountbellew campus in Galway.

The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is one of the most important pieces of legislation in relation to water quality in EU member states. Plastic pollution poses a severe threat to the biodiversity and ecological integrity of aquatic environments, impacting both natural habitats and the communities that rely on them. Rivers are critical pathways for plastic debris transport, making it crucial to intervene in rivers to prevent pollution from reaching marine ecosystems. Nature-based solutions (NbS), using nature (biodiversity) and natural processes, have been employed worldwide to address diverse socio-environmental issues.

The project will aim to:

Explore the applicability of current NbS in flood prevention for the dual purpose of mitigating the movement of plastics into waterways within an agroecosystem.

Assess the plastic pollution and how these challenges are exacerbated by climate change through alterations in hydrologic patterns, ecosystem dynamics, and retention capacities.

Requirements/Qualifications:

· The successful candidate must hold an Honours Degree (First or 2:1) in a cognate discipline (Freshwater Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Geography or a related discipline).

· Experience of aquatic fieldwork is required.

· Knowledge of freshwater ecology and plastic pollution

· Good organisational and management skills.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

· Good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

· Demonstrated experience in statistical software packages such as PRIMER, and ArcGIS,

· A full clean (International EU) driving licence.

The candidate will be expected to work on their own initiative and be willing to acquire the broader skills necessary for the successful completion of a MSc project.

Applicants should submit:

– Curriculum Vitae (to include 2 referees)

– A copy of transcript of results

– A Personal Statement (max 1 page) outlining:

o How you meet the requirements of the position

o Why you would like to pursue this MSc research programme.

Applications must be submitted to roisin.nash@atu.ie e-mail address only (with subject line “Application to Interreg scholarship”). Please ensure all documents are emailed as a single Word or PDF file.

Funding Notes:

This MSc.is funded under INTERREG Atlantic Area programme.

Conditions:

· €25,000 Stipend per annum.

· Postgraduate fees for EU and non-EU students will be covered by the project.

· In addition, any necessary travel and material costs incurred during the project will be covered.

· The student will be based at the Mountbellew campus, Co. Galway and will have access to facilities at the MFRC, ATU Galway City, Dublin Road Campus.

If either English or Irish is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to web link: English Language and Entry requirements to view the minimum English language proficiency standards for entry to ATU

Project Start Date: March 2026

Application Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 30^th January 2026

Population genetics of the Irish white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) using traditional and non-invasive eDNA methods and investigation into potential resistance to the crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci

Institution: Atlantic Technological University, Galway, Ireland

Location: ATU Galway (50%) and Marine Institute HQ Rinville, Galway (50%)

Application deadline: Not later than Friday 23^rd of January 2026.

Short description

An exciting four-year (CULLEN) PhD scholarship is available to take part in an applied research collaboration between the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Marine Institute (Galway), in Ireland. This full-time research opportunity will aim at using molecular genetics and biochemistry techniques to generate high-impact scientific evidence for the conservation and management of Irish white clawed crayfish. The key tasks of this research will be to (i) characterise the genetic diversity and population structure of Irish white clawed crayfish, (ii) implement established protocols for environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring of both crayfish and associated water-borne pathogens, (iii) apply ecological modelling to understand population connectivity and colonisation patterns, (iv) address epidemiology aspects and spread of ongoing outbreaks of crayfish plague in Ireland and (v) collaborate with government agencies and conservation stakeholders. The project will involve field sampling in riverine ecosystems across Ireland (e.g. National Crayfish Plague Surveillance Programme and crayfish monitoring campaigns) and laboratory work (e.g. population genetics, ecological modelling and eDNA analysis). Prior experience with basic molecular biology and/or biochemistry is desirable, but training will be provided to the PhD candidate.

Background and project details

Research topic

The White-Clawed Crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes (WCC hereafter), is an endangered freshwater crayfish species found in Europe, from the Iberian peninsula to Croatia and up north to the UK. WCC are classified as Endangered in the IUCN Red List and the Irish population is considered to be of substantial conservation importance within Europe. Under Irish and European legislation; WCC is listed on Annex II and Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive, hence 15 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) have been designated in Ireland.

Populations of WCC have suffered significant declines across its distribution range in Europe. The most significant threats to WCC are pathogens, competition with non-indigenous crayfish species and habitat degradation. One of the most important causes of WCC declines are outbreaks and mass mortality caused by a water mould (Aphanomyces astacii) also known as crayfish plague, which is a notifiable disease whose occurrence and spread is currently monitored the Fish Health Unit of the Marine Institute, as the competent authority and national reference laboratory in Ireland.

Population genetic structure of Irish WCC remains poorly understood, however preliminary analysis of mitochondrial DNA data showed levels of diversity comparable to mainland European populations as well as significant population differentiation within Ireland, which should be further elucidated for management and conservation of Irish WCC populations. This is particularly important in view of potential restocking and/or translocation programmes, which should be mindful of any underlying genetic structure.

The main objectives of the project will be to:

The following research objectives are envisaged:

1. Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant WCC literature and associated genetic resources, including latest protocols for genetic data acquisition and analysis, as well as establishing a reference database with all existing genetic data.

2. Develop and implement a mitogenome sequencing protocol for WCC to better capture genetic variation in Irish WCC and to generate a permanent genetic resource.

3. Conduct a population genetic and phylogeography study of WCC in Ireland using nuclear and mitochondrial markers to provide recommendations on conservation and management.

4. Implement environmental DNA (eDNA) tools to monitor distribution of WCC, pathogens and potential vectors to aid the understanding of pathogen spread dynamics and the identification of potential ark sites.

5. Investigate the immune resistance mechanisms that contribute to the survival of Irish WCC populations exposed to previous crayfish plague outbreaks by characterizing their immune proteins.

Foreseen key responsibilities:

• Conduct field work for sample collection, including participation to the National Crayfish Plague Surveillance Programme;

• Conduct molecular laboratory procedures, including protein/DNA/eDNA extraction, DNA quantification, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, microsatellite genotyping, mitogenome sequencing using High Throughput Sequencing technologies, Sanger sequencing and proteomic analysis;

• Execute analytical pipelines using dedicated software packages (e.g. R);

• Establish and maintain a reference database for biological and genetic data;

• Maintain laboratory notebooks, research records and generate technical reports and data as required by the management team;

• Disseminate findings by means of conference/symposia contributions and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Profile requirements/qualifications:

Minimum requirements:

• A Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or equivalent/relevant area.

• Some experience with basic molecular techniques such as Nucleic Acid extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis and/or basic biochemistry techniques.

• Expertise in either field and/or laboratory experimental design.

• Evidence of planning and executing concurrent tasks as an individual and as part of a research team.

• Must be fluent in spoken and written English (consult language requirements for ATU students HERE).

• Proficiency in communication, initiative, flexibility and organisational skills.

Additional desirable requirements:

• Publication track-record and strong technical report writing and presentation skills.

• Experience in DNA-based field approaches, including sample acquisition and nucleic acid isolation.

• Experience in DNA-based laboratory approaches, including quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and sample preparation for High Throughput Sequencing (HTS).

• Experience with eDNA analysis and associated bioinformatics.

• Experience with protein extraction and analysis.

• Experience working in a “clean room” environment and/or an accredited molecular laboratory (e.g. ISO17025 standard).

• Have a full (international EU) driving licence.

Application procedure:

Applications must include:

• A Curriculum Vitae (including 2 references and contact details of academic referees who may be contacted as part of the selection process)

Applications must be submitted as a single MS Word or PDF file (with subject line “Application to WCC CULLEN scholarship”) to Dr Luca Mirimin by email (luca.mirimin@atu.ie). For further information on the project please contact Dr Luca Mirimin (luca.mirimin@atu.ie).

Designing together, co-producing the conditions for effective community-led public service delivery.

Key Dates

Submission Deadline: 26 February 2026

Interview Dates: Mid-March 2026

Start Dates: May-June 2026. A CO-CREATE Summer School induction will occur in June 2026 which PhD students will be required to attend.

Summary

Atlantic Technological University Donegal invites applications for a full-time funded PhD studentship as part of Co-Create Ireland: Art and Design Research Network for Inclusive Futures (CO-CREATE), a €4m cross border research project supported by the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme.

PhD Description

This research explores the potential of a co-production model of service design delivery within the community services sector in partnership with Atlantic Technological University (ATU), National College of Art and Design (NCAD), North West Community Network (NWCN), and the Department for Communities (DfC). The study seeks to understand if collaborative frameworks between communities and government could enable innovative, community-led “in-sourcing” of public services, where local groups co-design, deliver, and sustain services traditionally ‘outsourced’ to external agencies or companies.

Building on European and Irish precedents such as Co-Creation of Service Innovation in Europe (EU) and Innovating Communities (ROI), insights from research carried out by NWCN and the Ideas Fund, as well as examples like The Traveller Primary Health Programme (ROI), The Markets Community Development Association (Belfast) and Afrikaanderwijk Cooperative (NL), this project aims to expand and localise these models through a design research lens. By integrating creative, socially engaged, and participatory design methods, the research will generate grounded insights into how communities can effectively co-produce services, examples could be: childcare, social enterprise development, or wellbeing initiatives.

The methodology will combine service design approaches (co-discovery, prototyping, iterative design), framed within theories of participatory governance. The research will involve relevant parties such as community organisations, government representatives, and service users, in every stage: co-planning, co-discovering, co-designing, co-delivering, and co-evaluating. This iterative process will not only map barriers to community-led in-sourcing from both government and community perspectives but also identify enabling conditions such as trust, capacity-building, and shared accountability.

This project aligns with Better Public Services: Public Service Transformation Strategy 2030, responding directly to policy imperatives for innovation and inclusion in public service delivery. The project will also contribute to the objectives of Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities 2019–2024 (ROI) and the People and Place Strategy (NI), supporting community organisations to co-create services that reflect local priorities while advancing sustainable development goals.

Ultimately, this PhD will produce a transferable framework for co-produced community service design, offering practical tools and policy recommendations to strengthen democratic participation, enhance service effectiveness, and empower communities to take ownership of local service delivery.

Essential Criteria

The successful PhD candidate will have:

Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Product/Interaction/Service/Graphic Design, Community Work, Social Sciences, Business Development, Spatial Design, Urban Studies, or a related field.
Ability and willingness to work in a co-design manner in close collaboration with community groups and government bodies.
Experience using research methods or practice-based approaches relevant to co-design.
Excellent research and design skills.
Proficiency in written English; ability to present and engage in discussion in English.

Prior publications and experience in the fields mentioned above are assets but not a requirement.

Desirable Criteria

If Atlantic Technological University Donegal receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

In depth knowledge of the lived experience of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Racialised, and/or otherwise Global Majority people, disabled people, trans people, people exiting a career break,

people with caring responsibilities, care-experienced people, and LGBT+ and queer people.

Experience of working in or researching service design, social enterprises, community organisations or regional enterprise development.
Sound understanding of social enterprise/community group ecosystem and/or experience working in service design.

Key Responsibilities of the Candidate

Develop a coherent research proposal in consultation with the supervisory team and project partners (NWCN and DfC).
Undertake literature review, conceptual framework development, empirical fieldwork (qualitative, and where appropriate quantitative) and case-study research with social enterprises, community organisations and Government agencies.
Critically review existing co-production models both in Ireland, Northern Ireland and internationally to identify transferable principles for community led service delivery.
Identify the factors that facilitate and hinder communities, governmental organisations, and educational institutions working together to co-produce services.
Implement a participatory, iterative methodology to co-design, co-deliver and co-evaluate emerging service solutions.
Disseminate findings through academic publications, practitioner toolkits, workshops and stakeholder engagement.

Co-Create

CO-CREATE will establish an all-island partnership which researches and advances the role citizen-centric art and design research can play in responding to the polycrisis, addressing intersecting cultural and environmental challenges and the increasing role fragmentation of social cohesion plays in exacerbating them. CO-CREATE aims to engage the creativity of diverse communities and foster forms of co-created research that will help to drive societal transformation and cultivate inclusivity in public services, climate action, health and heritage. The programme will offer opportunities for PhD students to develop new projects through engaged collaboration with an extensive cross-border network of researchers, cultural institutions, industry partners, community groups and public bodies.

Recruited PhD students will be part of the all-island CO-CREATE Doctoral Network, linking researchers working across the National College of Art and Design, University of Ulster, University of Limerick and Atlantic Technological University. As part of the CO-CREATE Doctoral Network, students will benefit from:

Opportunities to conduct collaborative research projects embedded with partner organisations
Annual Summer School training intensives bringing doctoral students together with researchers, partners and experts from across and beyond the CO-CREATE network
Annual CO-CREATE PhD research fora to develop and share research
Access to CO-CREATE micro-credentialised courses, offering flexible accredited learning in topics and methodologies linked to co-creation (Year 3 onwards)
An optional funded mobility, offering the opportunity to spend a period of time outside of their home institution, conducting research within another CO-CREATE partner higher education institution

Equal Opportunities / EDI Statement

We honour our obligations under the Employment Equality Acts (1998-2015) and under the Public Sector Equality Duty. Discrimination on account of the protected grounds (Gender, Marital Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, and Membership of the Traveller Community) is not tolerated in any means.

We actively encourage those who have been underrepresented in Higher Education to apply. This includes but is not limited to: Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, Racialised, and/or otherwise Global Majority applicants, disabled applicants, trans applicants, applicants exiting a career break, applicants with caring responsibilities, care-experienced applicants, and LGBT+ and queer applicants.

Funding

This project is funded by the Higher Education Authority’s North South Research Programme.

This PhD scholarship will provide:

EU full-time tuition fees
A tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum
Up to €3,500 per annum for research expenses related to the studentship
Up to €1,500 per annum for travel expenses related to the research being undertaken
Up to €5,000 for mobility expenses. Mobilities are an optional part of all CO-CREATE PhD studentships and provide funding for students to spend a portion of their studies (up to a maximum of 12 months) at a partner higher education institution within the CO-CREATE network.

Eligibility

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree are not eligible to apply for this scholarship.

This is a full-time PhD studentship, only applicants who are available to undertake a full-time degree will be considered.

Cross-border collaboration is an essential part of CO-CREATE, and as such, applicants to CO-CREATE PhD studentships must be able to travel regularly and freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland (UK). Applicants must specify whether they have a citizenship, residency or status which allows them to travel freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Doctoral Study at Atlantic Technological University, Donegal

How to Apply

There will be an online information session for interested applicants for CO-CREATE PhDs on Monday, 12 January 4-5pm. You can register for the session at the following link. This session will provide interested applicants with general information about the CO-CREATE project and the CO-CREATE Doctoral Network. It will also feature a Q&A portion where applicants can raise questions about the advertised PhD projects.

If applicants have questions, they can contact the supervisory team, or relevant research office of the higher education institution they are making an application to. Applicants should not contact partner organisations directly about the studentships.

To apply for PhD- please submit to isobel.cunningham@atu.ie

A 1,500 word speculative proposal based on the central research questions detailing practice-led research methodologies, modes of participation, possible outcomes and how this proposal reflects the candidates own practice and position.

A Curriculum Vitae (including qualifications, or exam results to date (if degree is incomplete), 2 references and contact details who may be contacted as part of the selection process)

A 1 page personal statement outlining your motivation, suitability and capacity to undertake the PhD studentship

Contact details of two referees

Supervisory Team

Dr. Isobel Cunningham: Atlantic Technological University

Crona O’Donoghue: Atlantic Technological University

Dr. Caoimhe Mc Mahon: National College of Art and Design

Photonic-Inspired Federated Learning for Communication-Efficient Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs)

The SPEAR centre Research Programme: Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Integrated Photonics

Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Letterkenny Campus

In partnership with Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute, and Seagate Technology

Duration: 4 years (Full-time)

Expected Start Date: February 2026

Location: WiSAR Lab, ATU, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland

SPEAR Project Background and Description

The Semiconductor and Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre is a €8.5 million cross-border project which will provide ATU and UU access to an all-island network of research groups and industry partners with the strategic support of Tyndall, and with advisory support from Seagate Technology. The SPEAR Centre is a Photonics research, training and innovation response to challenges outlined in the EU Chips Act 2023 and to simultaneously address existing deficits in high-skill/high-value employment and research infrastructure in the border region.

The SPEAR Centre is designed to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, while developing Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s deep-tech innovation ecosystem. It aims to train the next generation of scientists and engineers to support growth in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks.

Key to this project will be doctoral training initiative consisting of 15 PhD students delivered in collaboration with Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute, and Seagate Technology, one of the global leaders in data storage and photonics innovation.

Four PhD students will be based at ATU Donegal and will join the collaborative Doctoral College with PHD students based in Ulster University and Tyndall National Institute. This will involve co-supervised research, joint training activities, summer schools, industry engagement, and access to advanced infrastructure. These fully funded PhDs provide the opportunity to conduct high-impact applied research while building valuable professional skills across academia and industry.

PhD Project Description

Project Title: Photonic-Inspired Federated Learning for Communication-Efficient Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs)

This PhD project will develop a novel, communication-efficient Federated Learning (FL) framework for Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs) by drawing inspiration from photonic and neuromorphic computing principles. Instead of frequent, data-heavy model updates, the proposed approach will use event-driven and sparse-update mechanisms so that learning updates are transmitted only when meaningful local changes occur. This will significantly reduce network congestion, lower latency, and enhance privacy.

The research will explore hierarchical learning across different network levels (user devices, radio units, distributed units, and central units), while addressing challenges such as network heterogeneity, limited edge resources, and security vulnerabilities. The outcome will be a scalable, privacy-preserving, and high-performance learning framework suitable for future 6G and intelligent edge networks, contributing to advances in telecommunications, IoT systems, and autonomous wireless infrastructure.

Candidate Requirements

Applications are invited from graduates who meet the following:

Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in:

o Electronic Engineering/Electrical Engineering

o Photonics / Optical Engineering

o Telecommunications Engineering

o Data Science / Artificial Intelligence

o Computer Engineering

o Applied Computing

o Computer Science

o Or a closely related discipline

Equipped with advanced scientific and engineering research skills to tackle the challenges of developing innovative photonic-inspired computing and communication technologies for next-generation networks, combined with the entrepreneurial, leadership, and teamwork abilities to excel in interdisciplinary academic and industry environments.
Demonstrated ability to:

o Write technical reports and prepare scientific publications

o Deliver presentations to diverse audiences

o Work both independently and collaboratively in a research team

o Manage time and research tasks effectively

Highly self-motivated with a clear interest in interdisciplinary and applied research
Fluency in English is essential. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet ATU’s minimum English language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 or equivalent)

Desirable Skills and Experience

Strong programming proficiency in Python
Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and/or TensorFlow
Experience using data science libraries (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn)

This PhD position offers:

Full coverage of EU/UK academic fees

Tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum for four years

Project-related research expenses and travel support

These positions are funded by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit their application as a single PDF document to: fiona.barrett@atu.ie

Subject line: SPEAR PhD Application – Your Name

The PDF should include:

A one-page cover letter indicating your preferred research theme and your motivation
A CV (maximum 2 pages)
Academic transcripts
Contact details for two academic referees

Application Deadline:

9th January 2026. Early application is strongly recommended.

Informal Enquiries: Dr Shagufta Henna – shagufta.henna@atu.ie

ATU is committed to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all research activities.

Co-Designing and Co-Evaluating Collective Climate Action Pathways Implemented by Irish Local Authorities Using Behavioural Insights, Living Labs, and National Climate Action Plan Data

Duration: 4 years (Full-time)
Location: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus
Expected Start Date: 1st September 2026

This PhD project, supervised by Dr. Salem Gharbia at the Department of Environmental Science, Atlantic Technological University, will investigate how local authorities, community stakeholders, and government departments coordinate and deliver climate actions across Ireland. As climate action plans become increasingly detailed and ambitious, a major national challenge now lies not in planning but in implementation, as governance structures, behavioural factors, decision-making processes, and interdepartmental collaboration shape the success of climate delivery. The PhD will develop a robust analytical and practical framework to understand and improve how collective climate actions are organised, prioritised, and supported at local levels. This will include mapping governance structures, evaluating roles and responsibilities across sectors (Energy, Transport, Land Use & Nature, Water & Coastal Management), and identifying barriers to collaboration and collective action. A strong emphasis will be placed on behavioural dimensions of climate delivery, such as visibility of climate actions, perceived fairness, coordination friction, and stakeholder trade-offs.

A central aspect of the project will be the creation of living labs with local authority staff and community groups. These participatory environments will support the co-design and testing of practical tools, templates, behavioural experiments, and collaborative decision-making simulations. Techniques may include climate investment simulations, proximity bias experiments, Agent-based modelling and diagnostic assessments of coordination effectiveness. Outputs will help develop actionable strategies, insights, and resources that strengthen climate action delivery across Ireland.

This PhD project will be fully funded by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and will be based at the ATU Sligo campus within the Department of Environmental Science. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Salem Gharbia, joining an active research group focused on climate modelling and collaborative climate action. Funding will cover full tuition fees and a stipend of €22,000 per year to support living costs over the four-year programme.

Deadline: 28th February 2026

To be considered please forward a Cover Letter, CV, copies of transcripts, minimum 2:1 Honors Degree in the respective field, copy of Degree Certificate and proof of English Language proficiency to salem.gharbia@atu.ie

Please submit all documents stated above in one PDF attached document with the name of the applicant as the title of the file. Shared files will not be considered.

Co-Created Monitoring and Modelling of Climate-Driven Trihalomethane Risks in Irish Drinking Water using Integrated Low-Cost Sensors, Citizen Science, and GIS for Adaptive Water Management

Duration: 4 years (Full-time)
Location: Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Sligo Campus
Expected Start Date: 1st September 2026

This PhD project, supervised by Dr. Salem Gharbia at the Department of Environmental Science, Atlantic Technological University, will investigate how climate change influences the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in Irish drinking water systems. THMs, regulated disinfection by-products arising from chlorination, pose significant public health risks, and their occurrence in Ireland has been intensifying due to climate-driven changes in temperature, precipitation, organic matter loading, and land-use dynamics. Building on existing scientific evidence and national concerns about “at-risk” drinking water supplies, this research will develop an integrated, GIS-based modelling framework to predict THM formation under future climate conditions and support adaptive water treatment strategies. A distinctive feature of this PhD will be the incorporation of citizen science, low-cost water quality sensors, and living-lab co-creation environments. The formed living lab community by this project will collaborate in monitoring key water-quality parameters (e.g., temperature, turbidity, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon proxies) using validated low-cost sensing technologies and citizen science campaigns deployed in catchments and distribution networks. These participatory data streams will enhance spatial and temporal coverage, feed directly into GIS and machine-learning models, and support the co-design of context-appropriate interventions. Through the living-lab approach, stakeholders will engage in iterative model validation, scenario exploration, and evaluation of adaptive treatment and source-protection strategies.

This PhD project will be fully funded by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and will be based at the ATU Sligo campus within the Department of Environmental Science. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Salem Gharbia, joining an active research group focused on climate impacts and environmental modelling. Funding will cover full tuition fees, along with a stipend of €22,000 per year to support living costs for 4 years.

Deadline: 28th February 2026

To be considered please forward a Cover Letter, CV, copies of transcripts, minimum 2:1 Honors Degree in the respective field, copy of Degree Certificate and proof of English Language proficiency to salem.gharbia@atu.ie

Please submit all documents stated above in one PDF attached document with the name of the applicant as the title of the file. Shared files will not be considered.

PhD in Applied freshwater ecology

Principal Investigators: Prof. Frances Lucy, Dr. Luca Mirimin, Dr. Nicolas Touzet.
Duration: Funded for 3 years, full-time.
Funding Source: PEACEPLUS FLOW PROJECT

Description

This applied ecology studentship is part of a larger collaborative and interdisciplinary mission within the EU-funded (SEUPB PeacePlus) “For the Love of Our Waters” (FLOW) project. The FLOW project aims to address declining water quality in cross border Ireland & Northern Ireland priority catchments in support of the 3rd Cycle of River Basin Management Plans (2021-2027). The PhD student will carry out research on water quality analysis (chemical and biochemical), species (micro- and macrobial) monitoring by means of eDNA analysis, as well as take part in biodiversity/heritage/water literacy outreach initiatives. The student will be based in CERIS (ATU Sligo), but will also conduct part of their work in the MFRC (ATU Galway). A substantial amount of field work and travel across Ireland and Northern Ireland is expected from the start of the
fellowship. This will also include stakeholder engagement such as landowners, farmers or schools. Attendance and contribution to international scientific conferences and publication of peer-review scientific papers is also envisaged. Activities will encompass field work, sampling, water sample analysis (e.g. water quality parameters, phytoplankton/cyanobacteria characterisation, eDNA analysis) as well as engaging with
community stakeholders groups, contributing to literature review, statistical analysis, data interpretation, report writing and dissemination of findings.

Stipend: €24,000 per annum + institutional registration and tuition fees for 3 years.

Profile Requirements: Motivated candidates with strong interests in environmental science and aquatic microbial ecology must have a Honours Degree (minimum 2.1 BSc) (essential) and/or a M.Sc. (desirable) in relevant disciplines. Appropriate training will be provided. However, candidates with prior practical experience in microbiology (e.g. water quality assays), analytical chemistry (e.g. HPLC), microalgal biology (e.g. photoautotrophic cultivation) and/or molecular biology (e.g. real time PCR and/or eDNA metabarcoding) will be considered favourably. A valid driving licence from a European country is essential. Scholarship fees will be covered in full for candidates with European citizenship, but not for non-European citizens. If English is not the applicant’s first language, evidence of English language proficiency is required for registration. Please refer to this web link to consult ATU’s English language proficiency standards.

Expected Start Date: October 2025 (pending funding availability).

To Apply: Please send by email 1) a detailed cover letter addressing how your priorexperience aligns with this project and your motivation for pursuing a PhD in CERIS/MFRC/ATU, 2) full curriculum vitae and 3) contact details of two academic referees (who may be contacted as part of the selection process) to Dr. Nicolas Touzet (nicolas.touzet@atu.ie). Please insert the subject line ‘Application to FLOW PhD position’ with your electronic correspondence.

This research is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Closing date for applications: 17:00 local time, 20th of September 2025.

AIMINGPEAT Research Project: Funded PhD Opportunity on Predicting CO₂ Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands

Project Title: “Advanced Integrated Measurements and Modelling Approaches for Predicting Carbon Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands” – AIMINGPEAT, funded under the Irish EPA Research Programme 2021-2030.

Supervisor: Dr. Alina Premrov alina.premrov@atu.ie.

IF TWO SUPERVISORS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY ON THE PLATFORM:

Dr. Alina Premrov alina.premrov@atu.ie.
Dr. Matthew Saunders saundem@tcd.ie.

OVERALL Project description:

Peatlands are significant carbon (C) reservoirs, with their C sink strength influenced by multiple factors. Despite historical losses, Ireland still possesses substantial peat resources but lacks a comprehensive system for accurately accounting for peatland emissions. Peatland ecosystems are crucial for national and international climate mitigation goals, especially in achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 through restoration. The AIMINGPEAT project aims to improve carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) emission/removal reporting for Irish peatlands and identify effective management interventions, focusing on the main drivers of GHG dynamics, especially in degraded and rehabilitated peatlands. The research under the AIMINGPEAT project further strives to introduce a comprehensive modelling framework encapsulating statistical/empirical and/or hybrid/coupled modelling approaches/tasks to using the biogeochemical process-based models. Modelling C exchange in rehabilitated/restored peatlands can be challenging due to their unique conditions and heterogeneous nature, and advanced modelling approaches are needed to address these challenges. While some country-specific emission factors have been incorporated into recent NIR, default Tier 1 emission factors are still used in the absence of specific data. The research under AIMINGPEAT project aims to tackle these gaps and has been designed to consider both CO₂ and CH₄emissions/removals. The research focuses on improving current national inventory reporting (NIR) for CO₂ and CH₄, assisting climate neutrality assessment. The project further strives to establish links between analysing GHG emissions/removals at various scales, producing outputs that advance the state-of-the-art and support knowledge transfer to the scientific community and beyond.

Overall Main Project Objectives:

Improve Ireland’s GHG emissions/removals assessment for peatlands, including both CH₄ and CO₂, using a comprehensive modelling framework.
Identify key drivers of GHG emissions/removals in Irish peatlands to inform management interventions for climate mitigation.
Develop and apply advanced integrated modelling approaches to enhance NIR reporting for CO₂and CH₄, aiding climate neutrality assessment.
Enhance understanding of Irish peatlands, especially degraded and rehabilitated ones, to support restoration, ecosystem services, and resilience.
Engage stakeholders to improve CO₂ and CH₄ NIR methodologies and maximize peatlands’ climate mitigation potential, drawing inspiration from climate futures projects.
Evaluate Irish peatlands’ role as a C sink to develop measures, scenarios, and strategies for future climate mitigation and neutrality, including short-term actions and long-term milestones.
Establish/recommend advanced measuring and modelling approaches to improve NIR, monitor progress towards climate neutrality, and evaluate peatland climate mitigation potential over time.

Funded PhD Opportunity (Focusing on CO₂ Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands):

Under the AIMINGPEAT research project, applications are invited for one separate funded PhD research opportunity on integrated measurements and modelling approaches for predicting C emissions and removals from Irish peatlands with main focus on CO₂ emissions and removals.

ThisPhD opportunity provides coverage of EU University fees and a stipend of €25,000 per annum for no longer than four years. The PhD will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Alina Premrov (alina.premrov@atu.ie) at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Science, Sligo, Ireland, in close collaboration with Dr. Matthew Saunders (saundem@tcd.ie), Trinity College Dublin, School of Natural Sciences, Botany Discipline, Plant Ecophysiology Research Group, Dublin, Ireland. At later stages, the project will also work closely with Dr. Jagadeesh Yeluripati (Jagadeesh.Yeluripati@hutton.ac.uk), The James Hutton Institute, Information and Computational Sciences Department, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.

Start date: No later than in 2025, earlier preferred.

Candidate Requirements:

Applications are invited from graduates holding a first or 2.1 class honours degree or M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, Soil Science, Plant Biology/Botany, Agricultural Science, Atmospheric Physics, Biochemistry, Physical Geography, Biogeochemistry or related discipline.
Candidates should be highly interested in interdisciplinary research approaches and enjoying data-handling and data-analyses, extensive environmental modelling, including statistical/empirical, process-based, and coupled/hybrid modelling approaches. Applications are sought from candidates with knowledge of data-handling and analysis, basic software and R programming language for statistical computing and graphics (The R Foundation for Statistical Computing). Knowledge of other programming languages, such as Python is desirable. Research experience in handling large datasets, statistical analyses, environmental modelling, GIS, remote sensing and related disciplines would be a distinct advantage.
Candidates should exhibit skills in writing reports, preparing scientific journal publications, delivering presentations, working both independently and in a team, and being highly self-motivated. Fluency in English is essential, and candidates whose first language is not English need to meet ATU’s minimum English language requirements (https://www.atu.ie/study/international/english-language-requirements).

Application Procedure:

Interested applicants should submit their application, within a single PDF document, consisting of a CV with educational background, transcripts of degree results, list of publications and conference presentations, a short (1–2 page) letter of motivation, and names and contact details of 2 referees, directly to Dr. Alina Premrov alina.premrov@atu.ie. The motivation letter should clearly state how the applicant’s research interests and skills relate to the research project outlined above. Please ensure that all required documents are included and that your application is complete before submission.

By submitting their application as outlined above, applicants consent to having their application documents forwarded to and evaluated by the selection committee. *

Applications are welcomed from EU / EEA / UK applicants.

Please only apply if you are eligible for EU fees.

ATU is committed to embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) – https://www.atu.ie/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion.

Application Deadline: End of October 2025 (or until filled, with formal starting date no later than in 2025), earlier applications are preferred.

Application enquiries: Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr. Alina Premrov alina.premrov@atu.ie.

Funding Notes: AIMINGPEAT research project is funded under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the EPA Research Programme 2021-2030 (Project Ref. 2024-CE-1289). The EPA Research Programme is a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

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Co-Designing and Co-Evaluating Collective Climate Action Pathways Implemented by Irish Local Authorities Using Behavioural Insights, Living Labs, and National Climate Action Plan Data

Co-Created Monitoring and Modelling of Climate-Driven Trihalomethane Risks in Irish Drinking Water using Integrated Low-Cost Sensors, Citizen Science, and GIS for Adaptive Water Management

PhD in Applied freshwater ecology

AIMINGPEAT Research Project: Funded PhD Opportunity on Predicting CO2 Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands

AIMINGPEAT Research Project: Funded PhD Opportunity on Predicting CO₂ Emissions and Removals from Irish Peatlands