The CONNECT Centre is proud to celebrate our 2024 Education and Public Engagement (EPE) Champions, recognising the outstanding contributions of our researchers and staff in engaging with the wider public, key stakeholders, and inspiring future generations in STEM. These champions play a vital role in making research more accessible, inclusive, and impactful through a wide range of education and public engagement initiatives.
Education and Public Engagement (EPE) bridges the gap between research and society, ensuring that scientific advancements are relevant, inclusive, and beneficial to all. By connecting with policymakers, industry leaders, communities, and young people, EPE fosters trust in science, inspires future researchers, and promotes collaborative innovation. Outreach activities also help shape research agendas by incorporating public perspectives, broadening the societal impact of our work.
Leading by Example
Leadership at CONNECT continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to public engagement. Professor Daniel Kilper, Director of CONNECT, led national conversations on building a quantum communication network for Ireland, highlighting the Centre’s future-facing research in secure communications. Patrick Kelly, Executive Director, championed CONNECT’s work at international conferences and policy forums, helping to amplify our voice on the global stage. Meanwhile, Daniel Ferrick, CONNECT’s EPE Manager, not only developed engaging STEM outreach activities—from a Cybersecurity Escape Room to Climate Action Week activities —but also created EPE training programmes that empower researchers across CONNECT to engage confidently with the public.
Our 2024 EPE Champions
There are far too many EPE activities to list them all, but below is just a glimpse into the kinds of initiatives our 2024 Champions have led or contributed to—spanning smart cities, quantum tech, AI, climate action, and youth engagement.
- Grace D’Arcy, Postdoctoral Researcher – Developed and coordinated smart city and STEM engagement activities, including Design Your Future City, Smart Docklands events, and the Academy of the Near Future Showcase.
- Dr. Hazel Murray, Postdoctoral Researcher – Delivered STEM outreach, cybersecurity awareness, and interactive workshops that reached a wide audience through talks and media appearances.
- Clara Butz, Postdoctoral Researcher – Led smart city and STEM outreach efforts including IWISH, ESB Science Blast, ANF Showcase, and The Connective Detective workshops.
- Claudia Bailey, Postdoctoral Researcher – Showcased smart city innovations at Smart Cities events and the Smart Docklands Networking Event.
- Professor Cormac Sreenan, Principal Investigator – Participated in STEM outreach through Computer Science Open Days, postgraduate engagement, and standards promotion.
- Professor Holger Claussen – Promoted wireless communications research through public engagement across CONNECT.
- Ruairí de Frein, Funded Investigator – Played a key role in STEM education and mentorship, contributing to SciFest, Engineering Your Future, and Irish language school outreach.
- Ibnu Taufan, Postgraduate Student – Took part in public STEM communication activities including I’m a Scientist, the Cork Carnival of Science, and EU Sparks for Climate.
- Mariana Chihenseck Blanco, Postdoctoral Researcher – Led youth engagement efforts through events like the Smart Docklands Networking Event, OurKidsCode, and Climate Career Day.
- Karolina Anielska, Postdoctoral Researcher – Focused on AI, drones, and smart cities outreach, delivering workshops on AI Awareness, Public Good Drones, and Water Quality.
- Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, Principal Investigator – Advanced quantum research engagement by leading QCI Ireland 2024 activities, the ESA ScyLight Conference, and Quantum 2030 Strategy discussions.
These champions highlight CONNECT’s commitment to making research accessible, inspiring future innovators, and strengthening connections between science and society. Their dedication ensures that CONNECT’s work has a lasting, meaningful impact beyond academia.
If you’re interested in getting involved with CONNECT’s EPE activities, please contact: daniel.ferrick@tcd.ie
