President's Research Awards 2014

Dr Andreas Heise, DCU School of Chemical Sciences and Dr Iain McMenamin, DCU School of Law & Government are the recipients of this year's President's Research Awards. The awards are presented annually to DCU researchers who have excelled in their field.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, said,

“As ever, it is a privilege to preside over the President’s Research Awards and to listen to the presentations of our award-winners. This year’s winners come from different disciplines, different skills bases, different objectives but I am always struck by what they share in common - excellence. I congratulate today’s award-winners Dr Andreas Heise and Dr Iain McMenamin and I want to thank you both for your excellent presentations this morning – you are both very worthy winners.”

Dr Andreas Heise, SFI Stokes Senior Lecturer received the 2013 President’s Research Award in Science & Engineering for his outstanding accomplishments in the establishment of a new nationally and internationally recognised polymer and materials research programme at DCU. He established the first research group in Ireland specialising in the design and characterisation of novel polymers - it is almost impossible to imagine an economic sector that does not rely heavily on polymers. Dr Heise has shown the ability to anticipate new research directions and manage large research funding, building and maintaining an exceptional academic output at the highest international level.

Dr Iain McMenamin of DCU’s School of Law & Government has been awarded the 2013 President’s Research Award for the Humanities & Social Sciences for his outstanding international contribution to the development of the field of comparative politics. Dr McMenamin is the leading global authority on firms and political parties, his research emphasising the interaction between business and government, a crucial aspect of politics both at the academic and policy-making level.