Event celebrates MicroCreds positioning of Ireland as an international leader in flexible, accredited lifelong learning
The MicroCreds Capstone Event on Feb 12th highlighted how the initiative supported the development of high-quality, flexible micro-credentials across Ireland’s higher education sector and strengthened collaboration with enterprise and policymakers.
The event also marked the launch of the MicroCreds Final Report, reflecting on the project’s achievements and its role in positioning Ireland as a leader in the development, delivery and national promotion of micro-credentials.
Speaking at the event, David Corscadden, Acting MicroCreds Project Lead, highlighted the project’s impact: “The true success of MicroCreds is measured in learner impact. Over 20,000 people have engaged with one or more of the over 600 micro-credentials to upskill, reskill or adapt to change often alongside work and other commitments. Behind that headline number is a major shift in how universities design, deliver and promote flexible learning. MicroCreds has shown what is possible when policy, funding and institutional leadership are aligned. The challenge now is to build on this foundation and to ensure the mechanisms are in place that universities can deliver on the upskilling needs of learners and more importantly that they are empowered and supported to engage with it.”
In case you missed it…
‘How a former British ambassador fell in love with Ireland and found a new home in the university sector’
IUA Director General, Paul Johnston, spoke to journalist John Walshe on a range of topics including the negative effects of Brexit on higher education and research partnerships and his hopes for the future of Higher Education in Ireland. Read the full article on the Irish Independent
SMEs + Universities: Ways to engage
On January 13th, IUA hosted an event with Enterprise Ireland to help SMEs access supports across IUA’s seven university members. Peter Cosgrove, Managing Director of Futurewise, moderated sessions featuring a distinguished panel including:
- Addressing critical skills needs to future-proof businesses.
- Connecting with the university system
- Attracting graduate and research talent
- Discovering pathways for upskilling and reskilling staff
Watch the recordings, meet the panel members, and browse the event photo gallery, simply click the button below to start watching.
The DARE & HEAR Impact Report 2025
2025 marked a year of significant reform for HEAR and continued growth for DARE. Bringing together national admissions data, the report provides a strong evidence base on applicant demand, eligibility outcomes and progression trends. It reflects the collaborative work of the IUA Access Team and institutions across the country to strengthen equitable access for disadvantaged students. Read the report.
The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office (IMSCO) transfers into Research Ireland
We’re delighted to see our former colleagues from the IMSCO settle into their new home at Research Ireland. For over 20 years, the IUA has proudly hosted the IMSCO, most recently led by Yvonne Halpin, (MSCA), and Patrick Lansley, (ERC).
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have long been a major source of research and innovation funding in Ireland across all disciplines, with Ireland achieving one of the highest success rates in Europe.
To date, Ireland has secured over €135 million in MSCA funding under Horizon Europe. Irish SSH researchers have secured over €92m in funding from the ERC under Horizon Europe, and approximately €25m has been awarded to Irish partners under Cluster 2. These awards are testament to the dedication, expertise and impact of the teams involved.