DCU researchers announced as members of prestigious RIA Young Academy
Dr Patrick Burke is an education researcher. His work focuses on literacy, curriculum, and the relationship between research, policy, and classroom practice. Formerly a primary teacher and recipient of the Vere Foster Medal, he later completed a PhD examining historical and contemporary literacy reforms, earning international recognition for his scholarship.
Dr Reihaneh Aghamolaei is a researcher in sustainable energy systems and decarbonisation of the built environment. Her work focuses on building energy performance, renovation strategies, and data-driven approaches to climate and energy challenges. She collaborates extensively with industry partners and professional bodies.
Dr Burke and Dr Aghamolaei join 19 others from across Ireland and Northern Ireland as members of the YIA for a four-year term. They will work across issues of shared interest and concern on the island of Ireland, creating an environment where members can strengthen their leadership potential and develop professional networks while collaborating on initiatives that enrich research and cultural life.
Welcoming the news, DCU President Professor Daire Keogh said, 'I am delighted to see Dr Burke and Dr Aghamolaei recognised by the RIA following this highly competitive process. They are very much representative of the next generation of talented and dynamic researchers at DCU who are embracing the University’s mission to ‘transform lives and societies.’
Dr Burke said, ‘The Royal Irish Academy is a truly interdisciplinary organisation, working to bring new knowledge to bear on public life in Ireland. It is an honour to be elected to the RIA's Young Academy. I look forward to working with other early career academics from across the country during my four-year term. I am particularly thrilled to see that the discipline of education has been recognised in the academy - no other discipline has the same formative influence on children and young people. Those of us working in education have important insights to share.’
Dr Aghamolaei said, ‘I am honoured to be selected as a member of Young Academy Ireland. I see this as an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue and to support the role of research in addressing major societal challenges, particularly in the area of climate action. I look forward to engaging with colleagues across disciplines and helping to strengthen the connection between research, policy, and society.’
The YAI was established to promote greater engagement and opportunities for early career researchers and innovators supporting in leadership roles, contributing to equality, diversity and inclusion, and developing networks and skills.
In addition, Young Academy members are encouraged to utilise their expertise and potential to tackle important issues and challenges in society and promote meaningful change.
The YAI consists of sixty members from Ireland and Northern Ireland, and members were selected after a competitive recruitment process launched by the Royal Irish Academy last year.
The successful candidates include researchers, academics, scientists, innovators, clinicians, economists, and professionals who have each made a significant contribution to their field and beyond their individual disciplines. Members represent a multi-disciplinary platform from the Life Sciences, Physical, Engineering, and Computer Sciences, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Technology.
You can read more about the new members of the YAI on the Royal Irish Academy website.