DCU Research Students ‘Tell It Straight’ in Annual Communication Final 2026

Now in its thirteenth year, the annual competition has become a vital fixture in the DCU research calendar. It provides a unique platform for doctoral students to present their innovative work and its real-world impact to a non-specialist audience, challenging them to communicate complex ideas without technical jargon. From a highly competitive pool of applicants, 15 exceptional students articulated their discoveries to a broad audience.  The event was opened by Professor Lisa Looney, DCU Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, who welcomed the finalists, judges and attendees.  

The competition was hosted by Professor Sharon O’Brien, Dean of Graduate Studies, who congratulated the finalists and shared her enthusiasm for the event:

“It was inspiring to watch our early career researchers communicate their work so effectively. Their commitment, energy and professionalism were evident throughout. Competitions like Tell It Straight remind us of the talent and dedication within our graduate community.”

Special appreciation is owed to our judging panel members, comprising of Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research & Innovation at the Irish Universities’ Association, Dr Padraig Murphy, Associate Professor in Communications (DCU), and Dr Ecaterina McDonagh, Senior Research Support Lead, Office of the Vice-President for Research (DCU).

Congratulations to this year’s winners and runners-up across the three categories, and a heartfelt thank you is also extended to every finalist who contributed to the event's vibrant diversity. 

Winner from Category 1: Sara Sadr, 'ACCEPT: Antibody Coated extraCellular vEsicles for imProved Therapy', School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science & Health

Runner-Up from Category 1: Dylan Kelly, 'Ultima Rerum: A Reappraisal of the Later Career and Music of Gerard Victory (1921-1995)', School of Theology, Philosophy & Music, Institute of Education

Winner from Category 2: Ciara Tobin, 'Electrospun membranes for water filtration with anti-bacterial and anti-biofouling surfaces', School of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Health

Runner-Up from Category 2: Gráinne McHugh, 'Why do Primary Students struggle with Maths questions on measurement and geometry', School of STEM Education, Innovation & Global Studies, Institute of Education

Winner from Category 3: Gemma Davis, 'Pollen monitoring and Modelling in Ireland: Making the Invisible Visible', School of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Science & Health

Runner-Up from Category 3: Holly O’Grady, 'Historical Sources of children's folk songs in Ireland: a catalogue and case study', School of Theology, Philosophy & Music, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

The other participants in Tell It Straight were: Francesca Mastrosimone, School of Biotechnology; Hai Anh Nguyen, DCU Business School; Sally Owens, School of Biotechnology; Ana Guadalupe Rodrigues Armendariz, DCU Business School; Jane Adkins, School of Computing; Seval Kemal, School of Policy & Practice; Daniel Beveridge, School of  History & Geography; Kate Caffrey, School of Inclusive & Special Education; Lakshika Chandradeva, School of Computing. 

Well done to all who participated, attended and organised this great event.