Spotlights | UCD Research

Spotlights

As a global community, we face many major challenges and opportunties to create a healthier, more equal and more sustainable society. Explore the work and impact of UCD researchers in these challenge areas, bringing excellence and interdisciplinary creativity to solving problems and expanding our horizons.

Major Strategic Themes

Sustainability

Space

Sustainable Societies

New Health Technologies

Irish Literary Culture

Sustainable Food Systems

Energy

Spotlights on Research

Climate Resilience

Modelling and predicting climate hazards and to develop effective solutions that can safeguard our environment, communities, and economic stability.

Protecting our Environment

Defending our ecosystems and improving management of our natural resources.

Space Technologies

Building capacity, skills and collaborations to support industry and grow Ireland's space sector.

Building Networks, Shaping Policy

Influencing decision-makers and informing citizens through rigorous research and collaborations.

Ensuring Healthy Lives

Developing new frameworks and technologies to improve health access and outcomes.

Earth Observation

Enhancing intelligent systems capability and access to address urgent global challenges.

Integrating Digital Technology

Demonstrating how digital technologies can be powerful tools for transforming society.

Creating Resilient Structures

Building sustainable infrastructures to safeguard resources and help tackle systemic inequalities.

Astronomy

Exploring the history of the universe through groundbreaking research that can inform our future.

Community Engaged Sustainability

Investigating the human, social and behavioural aspects of social transitions needed to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

AI and Data in Health

Transforming healthcare by making Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Intelligence technologies accessible and enabling data-driven decisions for all.

Memory and Reconciliation

Looking back on legacies of conflict, marginalisation, creativity and storytelling to move forward constructively.

Sustainable Power

Developing innovative ways to reduce the carbon-content of energy and increase the efficiency of energy use.

Biomedical Technologies

Working with clinicians in UCD's teaching hospitals, industry stakeholders and international collaborators, our researchers are advancing knowledge in Biomedical Technologies.

Cultural Innovation

Working with international collaborators to offer cultural touch points and create new lenses for how we see the world.

AI and Machine Learning

Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to find creative solutions that enhance society and daily life.

New Therapeutics

Using new technologies to pioneer the exploration of chronic disease and translating this knowledge into preventative strategies, novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

Nutrition and Health

Working across nutrition, from molecular to public health, to examine the impact of diet and lifestyle factors on disease risk, precision nutrition and 'Healthy Ageing' intervention strategies.

GeoEnergy

Using applied geoscience research and geological applications to reduce carbon emissions and increase provision of alternative energy sources and storage.

Soil

Working to protect soil as a precious resource, by advancing knowledge around biodiversity, sustainable agricultural management practices and carbon sequestration.

New Digital Cultures

Applying computer science and digital technology alongside interdisciplinary approaches to analysis, collaboration and engagement.

Sustainable Agriculture

Future-proofing food systems from farm to fork and transitioning agriculture to a greener more sustainable model.

Transition to Net Zero

Transforming the way we produce energy by working collaboratively towards net zero carbon, while empowering citizens through education, innovation and digitalisation.

Food Technology, Safety and Integrity

Developing new technologies to ensure the safety of the food chain and the protection of public health, while driving innovative design to improve food quality and sensory appeal.

Bioeconomy

Reducing environmental impact, valorising waste and creating new opportunities for traditional sectors.

Infectious Diseases

Bringing together leading clinicians and researchers to create new interdisciplinary approaches to tackle infectious disease.

Cancer

Fostering excellence and collaboration in cancer research to improve personalised patient treatment and care.

Inclusive Society

Reimagining democracy, scrutinising political economy, driving change towards equality and sustainability.

Climate Action

Interdisciplinary research across the university addressing the challenge of climate change and environmental impact.