Research awards for excellence in the areas of light enabled technologies, international relations and public policy
The President’s Awards for Research were presented on Wednesday, 14 February, to three individuals who have made outstanding contributions to research in the areas of light enabled technologies, international relations and public policy.
Professor Liam Barry, School of Electronic Engineering and Dr Paola Rivetti and Dr Eoin O’Malley of the School of Law and Government were all honoured for the significant impact of their research work.
Professor Liam Barry was acknowledged for his findings in the area of optical communications and photonics (light-enabled technologies).
Optical communications form the backbone of the internet which has revolutionised how people work, study and interact.
Professor Barry is regarded as an international leader in his field and in particular in the areas of laser development to allow for data transfer and fibre optic frequency combs; lasers which support high speed data channels.
He is currently a Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering and a principal investigator in photonic systems at the SFI funded Centre (IPIC); Irish Photonic Integration Centre.
Dr Paola Rivetti was presented with the President’s Early Stage Research Award.
Dr Rivetti was honoured for her immense research contribution to the field of international relations and the politics of the Middle East.
Her extensive body of work deals with peace-making and building in the region and she has gained an international reputation as an expert on Middle East politics.
Dr Rivetti’s research on political activism and state intervention in Iran, derived from three years of fieldwork, has since formed the theoretical foundation for other academics to build on, specifically in the context of “politics from below” and civil society in Iran.
Dr Eoin O’Malley was honoured for his extensive work on cabinet government and public policy.
While widely regarded as an expert on these topics, his research is broadly applicable to an array of areas such as citizens’ assemblies, the politics of comparative protest during austerity to the politics of leadership.
The multidisciplinary nature of his output and the vast array of national and international publications reflect a depth and breadth of engagement.
Dr O’Malley’s research contribution is crucial to the modern understanding of Irish politics, public policy and society.
His work addresses the major policy issues of our time and as a result he is sought after both nationally and internationally for his expertise in this area.