Research on Walls 2026
DCU GLASNEVIN CAMPUS, 12 May 2026 – The SOLAS room at Dublin City University was transformed into a vibrant gallery of intellectual inquiry today as the Graduate Studies Office hosted the third annual Research on Walls event.
Led by Professor Sharon O’Brien, Dean of Graduate Studies, the competition brought together 56 postgraduate researchers to showcase the breadth, depth, and diversity of the work being pioneered across DCU’s five faculties.
The core challenge of Research on Walls is as much about creativity as it is about complexity. Participants were tasked with distilling years of rigorous academic investigation into a single photographic image that captures the essence of their impact.
The atmosphere in the SOLAS room was described by attendees as "uplifting," as nearly 200 staff members, students, and representatives from the Irish University Association (IUA) engaged in high-energy discussions with the researchers. The event provided a rare opportunity for the campus community to take stock of the real-world impact of DCU’s doctoral candidates.
This initiative aligns with Ireland’s National Framework for Doctoral Education and the IUA Doctoral Skills Statement, reinforcing DCU’s commitment to developing versatile, talented graduates.
Notably, this year’s event serves as a fitting prelude to a major milestone in the academic calendar: the inaugural European Doctoral Day on 13 May 2026. This pan-European celebration highlights the pivotal role of doctoral researchers in driving scientific excellence and societal progress. By hosting Research on Walls on the eve of this celebration, DCU reinforces its position at the heart of the European doctoral education landscape.
The event also served as the launch of DCU Elevate, a new career readiness programme launching in September for all DCU research students
"As we celebrate European Doctoral Day tomorrow, events like this remind us that our researchers are key agents of change," noted Prof. Sharon O’Brien. "The work showcased here today is part of a vital, larger effort to shape the future of Europe."
Evaluating 56 unique perspectives was no small feat. This year’s entries were meticulously reviewed by a panel representing the intersection of artistry, institutional leadership, and academic rigour:
- Prof. Sharon O’Brien: Dean of DCU Graduate Studies Office
- Gareth Yore: Vice President for People, Equality, Diversity and Inclusions, DCU People
- Kyran O’Brien: Photographer/Videographer, DCU Digital Communications
- Marcella Bannon: Cultural Arts Officer, DCU Arts and Culture
And the Winners Are...
While the quality of work across the board was exceptional, a few participants stood out for their ability to translate complex concepts into compelling visual narratives. DCU extends a massive congratulations to this year’s top-placing researchers:
- Róisín O'Connor, School of Policy & Practice: 'A Relationship Fit for the modern day'
- Ciaran Cooling, School of Physical Sciences: 'Let's be clear on conductors'
- Yingru Zhou, School of Chemical Sciences:' From a commonplace beverage to nano materials'
- Rebecca Smith, School of Chemical Sciences: 'Sampling under supervision'
The Graduate Studies Office would like to thank all 56 participants for their courage in "rising to the challenge" and all colleagues who attended to support the next generation of Irish research talent. To read more about this year's Research on Walls event, please go to www.dcu.ie/researchonwalls.
For more news and updates, follow us on LinkedIn: DCU Graduate Studies Office, BlueSky @dcugradstudies.bsky.social or X @DCUGradStudies.
