Eliza Murphy
Exploring how assisted reproductive technologies can accelerate genetic gain in dairy and beef systems, improving the value and sustainability of animals produced from dairy herds.
Finalists from the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme (AGRIP)
Helena Walsh
Exploring how integrating white clover into dairy systems can significantly reduce nitrogen fertiliser use, while maintaining pasture productivity and animal performance on challenging soils.
Jake Delaney
Investigating lameness in Irish sheep flocks to improve detection, prevention and control, while enhancing animal welfare and farm productivity.
Izuchukwu Martin Aroh
Investigating ammonia emissions in pig systems to develop effective monitoring and mitigation strategies that reduce environmental impact while maintaining animal performance.
Finalists from the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme (CELUP)
Luke Barnes
Investigating peat-free growing media in kale production to support more sustainable horticulture, while maintaining crop quality, flavour and key nutritional compounds.
Jack Perry
Exploring sustainable approaches to manage Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in Irish cereal systems through improved monitoring, resistant varieties and decision support tools.
Karuna Shrestha
Investigating disease resilience in native trees to support conservation and restoration, through identifying, propagating and understanding tolerant ash and elm populations.
Finalists from the Food Programme
Jack Prendeville
Investigating duckweed as a sustainable protein source by developing efficient extraction and processing methods to support its use in food and feed systems.
Georgios Anagnostou
Investigating advanced sensor technologies and data analytics to predict meat quality, supporting more efficient processing and improved product consistency.
Stergios Melios
Investigating consumer perception and acceptance of cured meat alternatives to support the development of healthier and more sustainable food options.
Zuo Song
Investigating hybrid plant-meat products using Irish-grown proteins to support more sustainable food systems while maintaining quality, nutrition and consumer appeal.
Finalists from the Rural Economy and Development Programme
Saeed Shahabi Ahangarkolaee
Investigating how Irish dairy farmers adopt greenhouse gas mitigation measures to support more effective advisory strategies, reduce emissions and maintain farm viability.
Mozahid Nur
Investigating how Irish dairy farms can improve economic and environmental efficiency, supporting profitable milk production while reducing emissions and nutrient losses.
About the Competition
Teagasc, in partnership with national and international universities, have a long and prestigious history of successful doctoral and master’s training and an ever-expanding network of Walsh Scholar alumni.
Since the early days of the Walsh Scholar Programme, there has been an annual seminar where final year PhD students present their project and a chosen Scholar is awarded a gold medal. Past gold medal winners have gone on to hold leading positions in research, academia and industry, nationally and internationally, and for which they credit the Programme as the launching pad for their careers.
In 2020 the Walsh Scholars Programme changed how it recognises high performing Scholars in their final year. The competition evaluates Scholars on five key competencies, in a three step process, ending with a showcase.
The Competencies
- Discipline-specific scientific and technical expertise
- Industry-relevant transferable skills
- Behavioural competencies
- Interdisciplinary and intersectoral knowledge
- Career development planning
The Steps
- Written applications – Final year, or Scholars nearing final year, invited to submit a written application.
- Review of applications – Applications reviewed by Research Programme. Review panels, formed and chaired by Heads of Programmes, select a shortlist of finalists.
- Finalists interviewed – Shortlisted applicants interviewed by external figures from academia and industry. Winners of the various awards, including the PhD Gold Medal, selected by the interview panel.
The Showcase
High performing Scholars will be invited to present their project as part of the Walsh Scholars of the Year and Gold Medal Awards
The overall winner of the Walsh Scholars of the Year competition will receive the Walsh Scholars Gold medal and €1,000 (including the €500 programme prize).
The Scholars placed first in each of the programmes (AGRIP, CELUP, Food and REDP) will receive a commemorative plaque and €500.
The Scholars placed second in each of the programmes (AGRIP, CELUP, Food and REDP) will receive €300.
The Scholars placed third in each of the programmes (AGRIP, CELUP, Food and REDP) will receive €100.
For more information, email walshscholarships@teagasc.ie