Welcome to the December edition of the IUA Bulletin, before we dive into our news, we want to take a moment to wish you a joyful, peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!  

We’re calling on the incoming government to #InvestInHigherEd

Ireland’s ability to compete on a global stage for investment and economic advantage is intrinsically linked to the reputation and performance of its higher education and research sectors. So, we are urging the new government to ensure that the future pipeline of talent and innovation is secured by delivering fully on the commitment of the outgoing government to close the funding gap in higher education and to invest substantially in research and innovation which has been neglected over the last decade.

A massive congratulations to the winners of this year’s competition:

• Overall winner: Aideen McCabe, University College Cork

• Runner-up winner: Muhammad Muddasar, University of Limerick

• Audience Choice winner: Megan Joyce, Technological University Dublin

You can learn more about the finalists, watch their videos or watch the event playback by clicking the below button:

In other news…

It is part of a European network with over 600 centres across 42 countries, assisting researchers with:

• Networking opportunities

• Jobs & funding database: 80,000+ vacancies and 300+ funding offers annually

• Practical advice on visas, permits, and more.

Professor Tasman Crowe, UCD’s Vice-President for Sustainability, contributed to the discussion by emphasising the vital importance of education, particularly lifelong learning, in leading the way toward a more sustainable future. He highlighted how micro-credentials offer learners a practical, flexible, and accredited pathway to acquiring the green skills necessary for this transition

Despite evidence of resistance, we must remain committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.

A recent article from Tony McMahon, Associate Director of HR and EDI in the IUA, highlights the growing societal divide, fuelled by resistance to inclusivity, both in the U.S. and closer to home, in Ireland. It underscores the critical role of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives in addressing persistent inequalities in higher education.