Walsh Scholars of the Year & Gold Medal Awards

Finalists from the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme (AGRIP)

Eliza Murphy - Accelerating genetic gain and improving beef output from dairy herds

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen and in-vitro produced (IVP) embryos, are creating new opportunities for cattle breeding. My project examined how these technologies can be used to produce elite dairy sires, while also accelerating genetic progress in beef breeds suited to dairy-beef systems. The research showed that ART can successfully generate high genetic merit dairy and beef animals while maintaining genetic diversity. This research has the potential to improve profitability, sustainability and the overall value of calves produced from Irish dairy herds.

Department: Animal and Bioscience
Teagasc Supervisor: Stephen Butler

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Helena Walsh - Transitioning to low chemical nitrogen dairy systems in the border, midland and western region of Ireland

Reducing chemical nitrogen fertiliser use is a key challenge for Irish dairy farming under evolving environmental regulations. My project evaluated the transition from perennial ryegrass systems to perennial ryegrass-white clover swards on heavier soils in the border, midland and western region of Ireland. White clover can naturally fix nitrogen, reducing the need for fertiliser inputs. Over a four-year systems trial in Ballyhaise, the research assessed animal performance, grass production and purchased nitrogen inputs under different concentrate feeding levels. The findings will help farmers adopt lower nitrogen dairy systems while maintaining productivity and improving environmental sustainability.

Department: Grassland
Teagasc Supervisor: Brendan Horan

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Jake Delaney - Epidemiology and impact of ovine infectious lameness in Irish flocks

Lameness is a significant animal welfare and productivity issue in sheep systems, yet limited information previously existed on its prevalence and impact in Irish flocks. My project examined the occurrence of infectious lameness, the ability of farmers to identify lesions, and the treatment and prevention measures used on farms. Through a national farmer survey and studies on BETTER Farm Sheep Programme flocks, the research also measured the effect of lameness on ewe and lamb performance. This research will support the development of evidence-based control strategies to improve flock health, animal welfare and farm productivity.

Department: Animal and Bioscience Research
Teagasc Supervisor: Frank Campion

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Izuchukwu Martin Aroh - Low Emission (LE) Farms: strategies to monitor and reduce ammonia emissions in Irish finishing pig farms

Ammonia emissions are a major environmental challenge for Ireland, contributing to air pollution and biodiversity loss. My project examined practical strategies to monitor and reduce ammonia emissions from commercial finishing pig farms. The research compared different ammonia measurement technologies, developed real-time monitoring approaches, and identified key environmental factors influencing emissions. Among the mitigation measures assessed, reducing crude protein levels in diets delivered the greatest reduction in ammonia without affecting pig performance. This research provides practical, science-based solutions to help Irish pig farmers improve sustainability and meet national emissions targets.

Department: Pig and Poultry Development Department
Teagasc Supervisor: Louise Clarke

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Finalists from the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme (CELUP)

Luke Barnes - The impact of peat-free compost alternatives on the physical, nutritional and sensory quality of Brassica

With a move towards peat-free horticulture, understanding how alternative growing media affect crop quality is essential. My project investigated how peat-free composts used during the nursery stage influence the growth, yield and quality of Brassica crops such as kale. The research focused on glucosinolates, compounds linked to both health benefits and taste, to determine how growing media impact flavour and nutritional value. Using field and glasshouse trials alongside predictive modelling, the study identified key properties of high-quality peat alternatives. This research supports the development of sustainable growing media that maintain crop quality while meeting environmental targets.

Department: Horticulture Development Department
Teagasc Supervisor: Lael Walsh

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Jack Perry - AIDE: Improving the management of aphids and barley yellow dwarf virus

Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) is a major threat to Irish cereal production, spread by aphids and causing significant yield losses. My project focused on developing more sustainable management strategies as reliance on insecticides becomes less viable. Through a nationwide aphid monitoring programme involving growers across Ireland, the research evaluated different monitoring tools as early-warning systems to predict BYDV risk. The project also assessed tolerant barley varieties, decision support tools and management practices such as delayed sowing. This research supports more effective, sustainable approaches to protect crops and improve food security.

Department: Crop Research
Teagasc Supervisor: Ewen Mullins

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Karuna Shrestha - ElmAsh: Investigating rapid multiplication techniques, the microbiome of ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and genetic conservation of elm (Ulmus spp.) to breed disease-tolerant genotypes

Ireland’s native trees are under increasing pressure from diseases such as ash dieback and Dutch elm disease. My project focuses on identifying and propagating disease-tolerant ash and elm trees to support future restoration and breeding. The research developed reliable micropropagation and cutting techniques to multiply resilient genotypes, alongside a speed breeding approach to accelerate ash reproduction. It also investigates the microbiome of ash trees to better understand disease tolerance. This research supports the conservation of native tree species and provides a foundation for breeding more resilient forests in Ireland.

Department: Forestry Development
Teagasc Supervisor: Dheeraj Rathore

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Finalists from the Food Programme

Jack Prendeville - Valorisation and nutritional analysis of Lemnaceae (duckweed) biomass

Duckweed is a fast-growing, nutrient-rich plant with strong potential as a sustainable protein source for food and feed. My project investigated how to optimise processing methods to support its use at an industrial scale. The research focused on improving postharvest stability, developing efficient protein extraction techniques using novel technologies, and creating approaches to valorise remaining biomass. Duckweed offers several advantages, including high protein content, natural vitamin B12, and the ability to grow without fertiliser or arable land. This research supports the development of cost-effective, circular systems that can contribute to sustainable food production.

Department: Food Chemistry & Technology
Teagasc Supervisor: Brijesh Tiwari

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Georgios Anagnostou - SensSpec: Application of advanced spectroscopic systems and chemometric techniques for predicting the sensory quality of meat

Ensuring consistent meat quality is essential for consumer satisfaction, but traditional sensory testing is time-consuming and costly. My project explores the use of advanced spectroscopic technologies, including hyperspectral imaging, to rapidly and non-invasively predict key sensory traits such as tenderness, juiciness and flavour in red meat. Using beef and lamb samples across a range of production conditions, the research applies chemometric and machine learning techniques to develop accurate predictive models. This research supports real-time quality control, improved product consistency and the wider digitalisation of the meat industry.

Department: Food Quality and Sensory Science
Teagasc Supervisor: Ruth Hamill

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Stergios Melios - Sensory, emotional, and cognitive determinants of food choice: evidence from cured meat alternatives (No-2-Nitrates)

Cured meat products are a staple of the Irish diet, but concerns around health, environmental impact and the use of nitrites are driving demand for alternatives. My research examined the sensory quality and consumer acceptance of meatless and nitrite-free cured meat products, including ham, bacon and sausages. Using a combination of sensory evaluation, consumer trials and behavioural analysis, the study explored how factors such as taste, perception, food neophobia and meat attachment influence food choice. It also assessed how health and sustainability information shapes consumer decisions. This research provides valuable insights to support food innovation, industry reformulation and more sustainable dietary transitions.

Department: Food Quality and Sensory Science
Teagasc Supervisor: Emily Crofton

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Zuo Song - Assessing the potential of sustainably grown Irish plant proteins in meat products and plant-based analogue alternatives

The shift towards more sustainable diets is driving interest in alternative protein sources. My research investigated the use of Irish-grown plant proteins to partially replace meat in hybrid products, offering a balance between traditional meat and fully plant-based alternatives. The study examined how these plant proteins affect texture, structure, digestibility, sensory quality and shelf-life when incorporated into meat products. By optimising formulations using both powdered and extruded plant proteins, the research demonstrated that high-quality, nutritionally balanced hybrid products can be developed without compromising consumer appeal. This research supports sustainable food innovation and the use of locally grown crops within Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Department: Food Quality and Sensory Science
Teagasc Supervisor: Ruth Hamill

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Finalists from the Rural Economy and Development Programme

Saeed Shahabi Ahangarkolaee - Modelling the cost-effectiveness of implementing novel technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Irish farm systems

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture depends not only on available technologies but also on farmer adoption. My research investigated how Irish dairy farmers adopt mitigation measures such as protected urea, liming and clover-based swards, and how this uptake spreads over time. Using farmer survey data and the Teagasc National Farm Survey, the project developed an agent-based model to simulate adoption behaviour, incorporating economic factors, attitudes and peer influence. The study also assessed the cost-effectiveness of these measures using a marginal abatement cost approach. This research supports more targeted policies and advisory strategies to accelerate emissions reductions while maintaining farm viability.

Department: Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department
Teagasc Supervisor: Cathal Buckley

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Mozahid Nur - Economic and environmental efficiency of Irish and EU agriculture

Improving both economic performance and environmental sustainability is a key challenge for modern agriculture. My research evaluates the efficiency of Irish and EU farming systems, with a focus on dairy production, by analysing farm profitability alongside environmental indicators such as nitrogen, phosphorus and greenhouse gas emissions. The study identifies pathways to optimise resource use and reduce environmental pressures while maintaining productivity. This research provides evidence to support more sustainable and efficient agricultural systems at both national and European levels.

Department: Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys
Teagasc Supervisor: Fiona Thorne

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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