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Impact

CONNECT Centre drives transformative research that impacts communities, industries, and policymakers through innovative communication technologies.

 

We advance next-generation technologies like 5G, IoT, and data analytics, directly influencing industries, education, and government. Our research empowers local communities and shapes global standards, ensuring innovation leaves a lasting, positive societal impact.

Through collaborations with startups, multinationals, and policymakers, we solve real-world challenges inclusively and sustainably. Engaging with nonprofits and communities, we ensure our insights drive equitable, responsible progress in an evolving world.

Outcomes

 

 

We celebrate the tangible outcomes of our projects, whether improving connectivity in rural areas, streamlining urban infrastructure, or developing safer, smarter solutions for health and well-being. Our outreach initiatives spark curiosity among young people and aspiring technologists, helping nurture the next generation of innovators who will continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

This enduring impact grows each day through CONNECT’s network of global collaborations, conferences, and educational programs. We actively share breakthroughs, nurture entrepreneurial ventures, and encourage vibrant debate on the potential of technology to shape a better future. In doing so, we amplify the reach of our research and ensure that our discoveries empower communities, enrich lives, and inspire a collective vision for a more connected world.

Impact Case Studies

 

6G-One Consortium: AI-Driven Network Customisation

 

Who: Professor Marco Ruffini (co-PI, Trinity College Dublin) and industry partners, including Benetel, Intel, VMware, and others. 

What: The 6G-One initiative, part of Ireland’s 6G Open Networking Alliance, focuses on advancing Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) through the integration of AI and innovative technologies. 

When: 2023 and ongoing. 

Where: Ireland, leveraging the OpenIreland testbed. 

Breakthrough: This initiative is transforming the telecommunications landscape by developing open, interoperable, and modular network components. A key goal is to reduce energy consumption in Open RAN networks while addressing critical issues such as vendor lock-in and e-waste reduction. The project also enhances cloud RAN technology using X-haul and Analogue Radio over Fibre innovations. 

Importance: Open RAN fosters competition by enabling start-ups to develop specialised network components, thus lowering barriers to entry in the telecoms market. By promoting sustainability and innovation, this initiative is poised to reduce operational costs and carbon footprints while stimulating economic growth in the sector. 

Translation: The 6G-One initiative has catalysed a collaborative ecosystem of academia and industry, positioning Ireland as a leader in next-generation telecommunications. 

Beneficiaries: Key industry partners such as Benetel, Intel, and VMware, as well as Irish start-ups and global stakeholders, benefit from the initiative’s advancements in network infrastructure and sustainability. 

Metrics: 

  • Projected 30% reduction in energy usage in Open RAN deployments. 
  • Recognition with the 2022 Outstanding Academic Achievement of the Year Award (IBEC Technology Ireland Industry Awards). 

Project MISTRAL: Dependable Networks for Emergency Applications

 

Who: Professor Holger Claussen (PI, Tyndall National Institute), Dr. Boris Galkin (Research Fellow, Trinity College Dublin), and Captain Ken Lyons (Irish Defence Forces). 

What: Project MISTRAL develops a drone-based communication network to enhance real-time response capabilities for humanitarian and peacekeeping missions. 

When: 2022–2024. 

Where: Ireland and emergency response scenarios globally. 

 
iGround test track
iAerial SDR receiver locations
iReceived signal power as a function of horizontal distance, at ground level.
iAerial measurements at 500m height (right). The signal range is extended from 1-2 km to tens of km by using the drone-mounted SDR technology.

 

Breakthrough: Demonstrated a 625-fold increase in VHF radio coverage using drone-mounted systems, significantly improving communication in disaster-stricken areas such as post-earthquake Turkey and Syria. These AI-driven drones autonomously optimise their positions for maximum signal coverage. 

Importance: Reliable, real-time communication is crucial for emergency response, logistics, and health services. MISTRAL’s scalable technology ensures that critical services can operate effectively in the most challenging environments. 

Translation: Collaborations with A-techSYN, a UAV manufacturer, ensure the rapid industrialisation and deployment of the technology. This innovation has potential applications in commercial sectors such as logistics and remote sensing. 

Beneficiaries: Irish Defence Forces, Civil Defence, emergency response teams, and affected communities in disaster zones. 

Project launch event. Centre, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Mr. Micheál Martin T.D. (then Taoiseach) with then Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Mr. Simon Harris T.D. (now Taoiseach), and CONNECT Principal Investigator Prof. Holger Claussen with FI Dr. Lester Ho, both of Tyndall National Institute. Also in the photograph (at left) are Prof. Philip Nolan, Director, Science Foundation Ireland and Lt.-Gen. Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff, Óglaigh na hÉireann (Irish Defence Forces)

Metrics: 

  • Extended communication range from 1–2 km to tens of kilometres. 
  • Accelerated deployment of emergency services by 50% in field trials. 
  • Beneficiaries: Irish Defence Forces, Irish Civil Defence, A-techSYN, people in emergencies.

Irish Defence Forces personnel attaching Raspberry Pi Software Defined Radio (SDR) unit, suspended underneath, to DJI Matrice 200 UAV (drone).

eCargobike Pilot Scheme: Sustainable Urban Mobility

 

Who: Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, BleeperBike, and researchers from Trinity College Dublin. 

What: A pilot project testing the feasibility and impact of eCargobikes for urban deliveries to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. 

When: 2021–2023. 

Where: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council area, Ireland. 

eCargoBikes photographed on Dún Laoghaire promenade

Breakthrough: Demonstrated that participating businesses reduced carbon emissions by 1.92 tonnes during the pilot phase. The project also identified significant reductions in particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. The average eCargobike delivery trip was 2.6 km, showcasing their efficiency for short-haul urban deliveries. 

Importance: The adoption of eCargobikes for local deliveries offers a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles, significantly reducing urban pollution and promoting active travel. The initiative provides a scalable model for other urban areas aiming to transition to greener logistics solutions. 

Translation: Insights from the pilot have been shared with councils and businesses across Ireland to promote wider adoption of eCargobikes. The project has also inspired follow-up studies on tailoring cargo bikes for specific freight needs, such as temperature-controlled goods. 

Beneficiaries: Local businesses and communities benefit from cleaner air and reduced traffic congestion. Cycle-based logistics companies like BleeperBike gain new opportunities, fostering economic growth in sustainable transport. 

Metrics: 

  • 70% of eCargobike deliveries occurred between Thursday and Sunday. 
  • Reduction of 1.92 tonnes of CO2 emissions and significant air pollutant savings. 

Beneficiaries: Irish Defence Forces, Civil Defence, emergency response teams, and affected communities in disaster zones. 

Metrics: 

  • Extended communication range from 1–2 km to tens of kilometres. 
  • Accelerated deployment of emergency services by 50% in field trials. 
  • Beneficiaries: Irish Defence Forces, Irish Civil Defence, A-techSYN, people in emergencies