Since its introduction in 2010/11, the DCU Daniel O'Hare Research Scholarship has been awarded to a total of sixteen research students in the faculties of Science & Health, Engineering & Computing, Humanities & Social Sciences and DCU Business School. The successful recipients, known as O'Hare Scholars, were recently honoured in a presentation ceremony hosted by President Prof Brian MacCraith, with guest of honour, former DCU President Dr Daniel O'Hare in whose honour the scholarship scheme is named.

The highly competitive scheme specifically funds research in DCU's key priority areas including innovation, sustainability, social cohesion and internationalisation. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and offer the successful recipient funding toward the completion of a full-time PhD in DCU.

The Dean of Graduate Studies, Dr Lisa Looney said,

'The O'Hare Research Scholarship scheme represents a significant commitment on the part of the DCU to attracting excellent researchers from all over the world and to leading developments in strategic areas. The scholarships offers O'Hare Scholars a life-changing opportunity to pursue their research and build their careers.'

In his remarks at the ceremony, Dr O'Hare said he was hugely honoured to be associated with the scheme, and especially with the high quality research being undertaken by the Scholars to date.

The call for the third year of the scheme (for scholarships commencing 2012/13) is currently open and accepting applications – see www.dcu.ie/danielohare for more information.

Recipients of the Daniel O'Hare Scholarship Awards are as follows:

Kabita Shakya, Grace Sheridan, Nivedita Das, Paulina Piasek, Wesley O'Brien, Alan Harrison, Darren McStravick, Lisa van der Werff, Dung Trinh-Xuan, Bryan Doonan, Richard Lombard-Vance, Sinead Sheridan, Anushree Priyadarshini, Brenda McNally, Ciarán Ó Catháin and Irina Tal.