Andrea Bruton
‘Ma Thèse en 180 Secondes’ National Competition, May 13th, 2026
All participants must be doctoral students at an Irish higher education or research institution and present their PhD thesis subject in French in 3 minutes (180 seconds), for a general and non-specialist public. Former participants in the competition have the possibility to join the competition once again. Each candidate must complete and submit the regist...
IUA Bulletin – February 2026
Event celebrates MicroCreds positioning of Ireland as an international leader in flexible, accredited lifelong learning...
Micro Creds Final Report
Micro Creds Final Report Click below to view and download the report. For queries, please contact David Corscadden, Acting MicroCreds Project Lead, Irish Universities Association E: David.corscadden@iua.ie...
20,000 Learners Address Skills Gaps Through MicroCreds Project – press release
Event celebrates MicroCreds positioning of Ireland as an international leader in flexible, accredited lifelong learning Dublin, 12 February 2026 — More than 20,000 learners across Ireland have addressed critical skills gaps through MicroCreds, a national higher education initiative that has transformed how universities support upskilling, reskilling and...
How a former British ambassador fell in love with Ireland and found a new home in the university sector – Irish Independent
In this interview, Paul Johnston, Director General of the IUA, reflects on Brexit, student mobility and his vision for Ireland’s universities....
UK-Ireland mobility a focus of former diplomat’s HE role – IUA DG featured in University World News
‘Improving student and researcher mobility between Ireland and the UK is a priority for the new director general of the Irish Universities Association (IUA), Paul Johnston, who is the former UK ambassador to Ireland.’ – Click the following button to read more…...
DARE and HEAR Impact Report 2025 – accesscollege.ie
This report brings together key information on applications, eligibility, and outcomes across both schemes for the 2025 cycle. It shows how DARE and HEAR continue to support students in accessing higher education....
IUA Bulletin – Christmas message
A Year of Purpose and Progress Paul Johnston, Director General, Irish Universities Association I took up the role of Director General of the Irish Universities Association on 3 November, towards the close of a year that has been both consequential and energising for Ireland’s universities. It has been a privilege to step into this role at a moment when hig...
‘Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025’ – IUA Universities at a glance
We welcome today’s publication of the ‘Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025’ by the HEA, an important national benchmark for graduate pathways, employment, and progression. This year’s results reflect the strength, ambition and impact of university graduates across Ireland, with IUA universities continuing to play a leading role in developing highly skilled...
Watch: UL student wins ‘three minute thesis’ competition – RTE News
EmmaJude Lyons was crowned the winner of the Irish Universities Association’s annual Three Minute Thesis competition held at the Royal Irish Academy. Click the button below to watch RTE’s interview…...
Irish PhD student looking to revolutionise breast implants for cancer patients – Newstalk FM
University of Limerick PhD Researcher Emma Jude Lyons claimed the victory in the Irish Universities Associations 3 minute thesis competition for her presentation of a new methodology to create bespoke breast prosthesis. Listen back to Emma Jude Lyons’ interview on Newstalk Breakfast…...
EmmaJude Lyons named winner of ‘Three Minute Thesis’ National Final 2025
19 November 2025 – Presenting on creating bespoke breast prostheses for women post-mastectomy, EmmaJude Lyons from University of Limerick has been named the winner of the national final of this year’s Three Minute Thesis competition. Áine Gorman from University College Cork was awarded the Audience Choice Award, with Almudena Moreno Borrallo from Trin...
IUA Bulletin – October 2025
Welcome to the October edition of the IUA Bulletin! In this issue we celebrate the outstanding work of Ireland’s PhD students and invite you to register for the IUA National Final of Three Minute Thesis. We consider the outcomes of Budget 2026 and what it means for higher education and we feature the inspiring story of a woman who left Afghanistan for Ir...
Budget 2026 – Welcome signal of Government commitment to higher education and research but investment momentum must continue
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has welcomed the strong signal of Government commitment to higher education and research in Budget 2026, the first under Minister James Lawless, describing it as an important step towards strengthening Ireland’s capacity for talent development, innovation, and long-term competitiveness. The IUA particularly welcomes...
IUA Statement: Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Campuses for All
Irish Universities Association Statement: Commitment to Safe and Inclusive Campuses for All As we begin the new academic year in Ireland, we want to extend the warmest welcome to all our students and staff who are coming to our Universities for the first time or returning to Ireland. We are proud that our Universities are places of shared learning, research,...
Tackling pay funding gap ‘can bring down Irish class sizes’ – Times Higher Education
Tackling pay funding gap ‘can bring down Irish class sizes’ Government urged to address shortfall in funding for Irish universities ‘immediately’ amid high staff-student ratios....
IUA Bulletin – July 2025
Welcome to the July edition of the Irish Universities Association Bulletin! In this issue, we highlight the IUA’s Pre-Budget 2026 Submission – Universities Supporting National Priorities setting out our key priorities for Government. We also hear from Dr Lisa Keating, Acting Director General of the IUA, who outlines the urgent need for strategic inv...
IUA Insights – Why Ireland’s Future Needs Investment in Research Infrastructure
A Nation Under Construction: Why Ireland’s Future Needs Investment in Research Infrastructure Ireland is rich in talent and ambition, with a research and innovation ecosystem that has consistently punched above its weight on the global stage. Yet, without robust, sustained investment in the infrastructure that underpins this success, these strengths risk b...
Changes announced for students seeking admission to undergraduate medicine – RTE Radio 1
Changes announced for students seeking admission to undergraduate medicine – RTE Radio 1 Lewis Purser, Director of Learning and Teaching and Academic Affairs in the IUA, speaks to Rachael English on the changes to CAO entry to undergraduate medicine programmes in 2027. Listen back at 26:05 – https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/news-at-one/2025/0718/...
Universities go back to making Leaving Cert points more important for getting into medicine – The Journal
Universities go back to making Leaving Cert points more important for getting into medicine Points scored in the HPAT will be weighted to a maximum of 150, down from 300 currently....
Universities to halve points needed from HPAT assessment to study medicine – Irish Examiner
Universities to halve points needed from HPAT assessment to study medicine An article in the Irish Examiner looks at the changes to CAO entry to undergraduate medicine programmes in 2027...
Big changes to CAO rules for entry to medicine courses announced – Irish Independent
Big changes to CAO rules for entry to medicine courses announced An article in the Irish Independent looks at the how changes to entry requirements for studying medicine at university will see Leaving Cert results carry more weight....
Changes announced to Hpat system for studying medicine – The Irish Times
Changes announced to Hpat system for studying medicine Modifications to Central Applications Office calculations not to begin until 2027 The Irish Times wrote an article on the changes announced to Hpat system, click the button below to read the full article on irishtimes.com...
Changes to CAO entry to undergraduate medicine programmes in 2027
Changes to CAO entry to undergraduate medicine programmes in 2027 Irish Universities with Medical Schools are modifying the calculation of points applied for admission through the Central Applications office (CAO) to all Undergraduate (Direct Entry from School) Medicine programmes in Ireland. This change will come into effect for students seeking admission ...
IUA Pre-Budget 2026 Submission – Universities Supporting National Priorities
Click the button below to view the IUA Pre-Budget 2026 Submission – Universities Supporting National Priorities...
Drivetime: Prof Luke O’Neill speaks on funding research in Irish Universities (listen in 1:21:23)
Investing in university research “isn’t a cost, it’s a catalyst”… Yesterday on RTÉ Radio 1’s Drive Time, Prof Luke O’Neill made a powerful case for a ‘Research Infrastructure and Talent Development Fund’ as essential to restoring Ireland’s global standing in research and innovation and maintaining Ireland’s competitiveness....
IUA Deans of Graduate Studies Symposium 2025
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) Deans of Graduate Studies Group annual symposium on doctoral supervision will be hosted by Maynooth University in association with Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). Date: 12 June 2025 | Time: 9:30 – 15:45 This year’s conference theme is “Reflecting on Doctoral Supervision: Innovations, Ch...
IUA Bulletin – May 2025
Welcome to the May edition of the Irish Universities Association Bulletin! This month, we’re bringing you exciting updates on our latest projects, including our Future of Ireland event and an Irish Times opinion piece from IUA Chair Prof Eeva Leinonen. Plus, we spotlight a pan European event on the future of the European Universities Alliances....
The future of Ireland depends on the progress of science – The Irish Times
“Research is seeing what everybody else has seen and thinking what nobody else has thought.” The words of Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, the Hungarian biochemist, who is credited with isolating vitamin C through his pioneering scientific research. He was chair of medical chemistry at the University of Szeged in Hungary when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physi...
Higher-ed minister promises to strengthen Irish research – Silicon Republic
‘If research fuels innovation, then skills drive the realisation of that innovation,’ Minister James Lawless told the IUA. Click the link below to read the full article…...
Ireland could be home for ‘brightest minds’ says minister – RTE
Click below to read the full article now RTE…...
State in bid to lure from US top researchers and academics disillusioned by Trump – The Irish Times
‘Initiative is expected to target, among others, academics who have lost financial backing due to Trump administration’ Click the link below to read the full article…...
Minister to invite US scholars to flee US system and come to Ireland – RTE
Ireland has a unique opportunity to capitalise on attacks by the Trump administration on US universities by becoming “a welcoming host for the best and the brightest” fleeing the US university system, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless has said. He told an Irish Universities Association (IUA) seminar that he intended to infor...
Ireland to launch ‘transformative’ research funding scheme – Times Higher Education
Speaking at an event hosted by the Irish Universities Association, James Lawless, the minister for further and higher education, research and science, said he envisaged a programme that “responds to today’s needs while retaining the founding spirit of the original PRTLI”. Click the link below to read the full article...
Fund on way in Republic to attract US academics fleeing Trump pressure – The Irish Times
Speaking at an event in Dublin on Monday hosted by the Irish Universities Association, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless said Irish universities had good working relationships with many US partners, and already there were inquiries about options to work in here. Click the link below to read the full article...
MSCA Ireland Doctoral Networks Webinar
The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office is hosting a webinar on the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Networks call. The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office hosted a webinar on the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Networks call. The call is open to all disciplines and sectors and funds consortia of organisations (universities, research institutions, businesses, SMEs, charities, and ot...
IUA Insights – What we do and why it matters – Quality Assurance
Understanding Quality Assurance and its importance to our universities Quality Assurance in universities is all about making sure that students get the most out of their education. It’s not just about meeting standards; it’s about creating an environment where learning is truly meaningful, and the experience is as enriching as possible. When universiti...
University Research for a Better Ireland: Developing Clean Energy
Developing Clean Energy Ireland’s energy future is at risk. With heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, dwindling domestic gas production, increasing geopolitical instability, we face growing energy anxiety. Our researchers deliver groundbreaking research, with industry and communities, and are key to unlocking Ireland’s vast alternative energy poten...
University Research for a Better Ireland: Putting Patients First
Putting patients first Ireland’s health system is grappling with multiple challenges that affect every household and hospital across Ireland. Our university researchers are putting patients at the very heart of health care solutions. Our researchers are taking care of people across the lifecycle, from birth to later life, enabling them to pursue longer, ha...
University Research for a Better Ireland: Driving Climate Action
Driving Climate Action University-led research plays a crucial role in understanding, mitigating, and adapting to climate change. It provides the evidence needed to shape public policy commitments define the approaches and generate the technologies that safeguard the planet for future generations. Researchers also, critically, educate and engage local co...
University Research for a Better Ireland: Safeguarding Water Quality
Safeguarding Water Quality Water systems infrastructure across Ireland faces significant challenges, particularly in adapting to European environmental, and regulatory demands. Ireland must meet the rigorous requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and Urban WastewaterTreatment Directive or be penalised heavily. Our researchers are addressing these c...
University Research for a Better Ireland IUA campaign launch March 28th
Minister Lawless launches campaign to highlight positive impact of research 28.03.25 The Irish Universities Association (IUA) has said that increased public investment in research is the best way to protect the Irish economy from external threats such as US tariffs, ongoing war in Europe, and escalating climate change. This call to action follows the Pro...
MSCA Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Webinar March 26th
The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office webinar on the 2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship call....
Recruitment: Director General
Recruitment: DIRECTOR GENERAL The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is seeking an exceptional leader to drive advocacy, policy, and strategy for Ireland’s seven research-intensive universities. To make an application for this role, please send a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a personal statement outlining your fit for the role to ie_recruitment_iua...
IUA Bulletin – March 2025
In this edition of the IUA Bulletin we’re bringing you exciting updates on our latest projects, including our productive meeting with the New Global Citizens 2030 Talent & Innovation Attachés. Plus, we spotlight key events such as the Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions webinar promoting the 2025 Postdoctoral Fellowship call....
How IUA Universities are ‘Accelerating Action’
I remember contributing to an analysis about 10 years ago, in preparing Equality Monitoring data for a university governing authority, where we projected that gender balance in the professoriate wouldn’t happen until 2098. This was the reality back then for Irish higher education. Fortunately, steps were underway by 2014/15 to shift gears from monitori...
IUA Insights – What we do and why it matters – Access
Since 2009 the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) and the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) have played a critical role as national pathways to access higher education with nearly 20% of all CAO applicants applying through these schemes each year. Recently, the HEAR scheme has been redeveloped, updating it to reflect the contemporary landscape of...
Investing in Skills: Unlocking the Full Potential of Employees
David Corscadden, MicroCreds Communications Manager, Irish Universities Association For all SMEs in Ireland, keeping up with changing business needs is a key challenge, especially when it comes to workforce skills and driving innovation. As companies must adapt to new technologies, policies and industry trends, critical skill gaps are emerging faster than ev...
IUA Bulletin – December 2024
You can learn more about the finalists, watch their videos or watch the event playback by clicking the link: ‘THREE MINUTE THESIS 2024’ – https://www.iua.ie/events/three-minute-thesis-iua-national-final-2024/...
Aideen McCabe from UCC named as winner of ‘Three Minute Thesis’ IUA National Final 2024
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) today held its annual Three Minute Thesis National Final. Competing for the national prize were eight PhD Researchers, each the winner in their individual university competitions held throughout the year. The Three Minute Thesis concept was originally developed by the University of Queensland and has become an event t...
Three minutes and counting: Eight PhD researchers race to present research in national competition
Morning 13 November 2024 – The Irish Universities Association (IUA) is today holding its annual Three Minute Thesis National Final. Competing for the national prize today are eight PhD Researchers, each the winner in their individual university competitions held throughout the year. The Three Minute Thesis concept was originally developed by the University...
IUA Bulletin – October 2024
Welcome to the October edition of the IUA Bulletin in which we highlight our priorities ahead of the General Election. We are calling on the university community of staff, students and alumni to urge election candidates to #InvestInHigherEd. We also invite you to join us for the final of the national Three Minute Thesis competition on Nov 13th to see talente...
MSCA Ireland Staff Exchanges Promotional Event
MSCA Ireland Staff Exchanges Promotional Event, hosted by Dr Jane Carrigan, MSCA National Contact Point was held on Wednesday, 9th October, 11:00am – 12:00pm. Click below to watch the playback recording:...
The Higher Education Funding Debate – Watch it back
On Wednesday, 25th September, we held ‘The Higher Education Funding Debate’ with Political Party Spokespeople. The debate provided an opportunity to hear from the higher education spokespeople of the main political parties as to how they propose to deal with the funding challenges for higher education and research over the next 5 years. M...
Climate Action Roadmap Delivery Submission
Carbon Emission Reductions – Leading by Example As custodians of large campuses and estates IUA universities are committed to delivering on their carbon emission reduction targets and in taking a leadership role in driving Climate Action. Collectively IUA universities manage over 750 buildings across 1,000 hectares of campus estates producing 102 ktC...
IUA Bulletin – September 2024
In this edition we focus on our upcoming event ‘The Higher Education Funding Debate’ ahead of a General Election announcement. With Budget 2025 around the corner, we focus once again on the IUA Pre-Budget submission. If you find this information useful please share this update with a colleague!...
Times Higher Education – Irish academics ‘optimistic’ about new research funder
Irish academics ‘optimistic’ about new research funder But formation of Research Ireland must be accompanied by funding increase, researchers say, as questions over leadership remain Sector leaders are “broadly in favour” of a new Irish funding agency formed through the merger of two existing agencies, but questions remain over its leadership....
IUA Bulletin – July 2024
In this edition of the IUA Bulletin, we focus on the IUA Pre-Budget submission. This autumn’s Budget is the last opportunity for the current government to deliver on its Funding the Future commitments. In our Pre-Budget Submission published on June 28th we urge Government to accelerate the closure of the funding gap in higher education. The €307m fundi...
DARE HEAR Facts and Figures 2018 – 2022 Executive Summary
This is the DARE HEAR By Numbers 2018 – 2022 research report. This work was researched by Dr Abdellatif Atif and explored the admissions data trends during and leading up to the pandemic era on the DARE and HEAR Schemes. The report illustrated that during this period overall CAO applications increased by 7.3%, from 72,643 in 2018 to 78,012 in 2022. Tre...
MT180 competition, May 30th 2024
All participants must be doctoral students at an Irish higher education or research institution and present their PhD thesis subject in French in 3 minutes (180 seconds), for a general and non-specialist public. Presentations should be clear, concise and convincing. The deadline for sending your completed registration form is Monday 22nd April 2024. The...
IUA Bulletin, First Edition – May 2024
Welcome to the first edition of Irish Universities Association Bulletin – May 2024! In this edition we focus on our sectoral EU Election manifesto. We are asking political parties and candidates to commit their support to three key objectives. We also have updates on cross-sectoral projects including Recognition of Prior Learning, StudentSurveyIE and Micro...
IUA Skills Data Digest – Webinar Series
Nora Trench Bowles, IUA Head of Lifelong Learning, Skills and Quality, leads a series of lunchtime webinars, specifically developed for colleagues in IUA member universities, where authors of key publications and data from the national skills architecture will be invited to present and make themselves available for Q&A. If you have any question or would ...
IUA European Election Manifesto published
The Irish Universities Association (IUA) launched their EU Elections Manifesto and have asked Candidates and Political Parties to support three main priorities at a European level for third-level students and universities, including: Securing more research funding for Ireland in the next EU FP10 Research Programme; Expanding the Erasmus Programme to enable ...
MSCA Ireland Doctoral Networks Promotional Event
The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office is hosting a webinar on the 2024 MSCA Doctoral Networks call. This webinar was held on Wednesday, 8th May, 2024 ...
MSCA Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowships Promotional Event 2024
Postdoctoral Fellowships Promotional Event, hosted by Dr Yvonne Halpin, MSCA National Contact Point. When: Friday, 22 March 2024, 12:15 – 13:30 | Where: Online via Zoom...
StudentSurvey.ie 2023 results published
StudentSurvey.ie Data examining post graduate research student experience shows 3 out of 4 research students responding in a positive way to questions relating to Skills Development and Personal Outlook. StudentSurvey.ie, the major annual survey examining students’ experiences of higher education in Ireland, captures essential data on Student engagement wi...
Three Minute Thesis – IUA National Final 2023
On 15th November 2023 IUA held the first ever National ‘Three Minute Thesis’ Competition and what a thrilling event it was. If you missed it, you can now watch the playback recording below....
MSCA Ireland Staff Exchanges Promotional Event
MSCA Ireland Staff Exchanges Promotional Event, hosted by Dr Yvonne Halpin, MSCA National Contact Point. When: Thursday Oct 26th 11:00-12:00 Where: Online via Zoom The Irish Marie Skłodowska-Curie Office hosted a webinar on the MSCA Staff Exchanges call 2023 (formerly MSCA RISE). This action promotes innovative international, intersectoral and interdiscipli...
Campus Living Labs: Driving the transition to a Circular Economy
IUA & EPA Campus Living Labs: Driving the transition to a Circular Economy When: Wednesday Oct 25th 12:30-13:30 Where: Online via Zoom The EPA-IUA Campus Living Labs project marked the first time IUA universities worked together to embed circular economy principles in campus operations. You can find the insights and resources from Campus Living Labs here...
EI & IUA Ways to Engage – Skills & Talent for the SME Sector – Download Presentations and Playback
On Sept 21st in University of Limerick, Enterprise Ireland partnered with the IUA on an information event which aimed to make engagement with IUA member universities easier for SMEs. ‘Skills and Talent for the SME Sector’ event focused on practical examples of the multiple ways enterprise can: Connect into the university system. Attract graduate and in...
The Irish Times view on future of the university sector: fostering a national asset
The problems which have opened up over the past decade or more in funding and staffing will not be solved overnight
Irish Times – Universities to hire more than 1,500 staff to tackle large class sizes
Lecturers say hiring restrictions have led to worse student-staff ratios, reduced access to tutorials and limited access to supports for vulnerable learners
