Research

Open Research for Global Impact event showcases range of active open research processes

17/10/2025

On Wednesday, the DCU Open Research steering group hosted an event featuring a wide range of presentations from across the university’s five faculties. A panel of judges awarded a prize for the most impactful presentation which went to Dr Eddie McGuinness from the School of Health and Human Performance.

The event began with an introduction from Associate Dean for Research and Chair for the DCU Open Research Steering Group Dr Maura Coulter. Dr Coulter spoke about some of the progress the steering group has made to date in promoting open research practices, and its significance in relation to the University’s current strategic plan.

The first group of presenters receive their certificates for participating: (Left to Right)
Dr Johnathan Harris, Dr Úna Breathnach, Joseph Mullaly, Dr Valesca Lima, Dr
James Brunton, Dr Eddie McGuinness. Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Dr Ellen Howley chaired the first of two blocks of presentations. Dr Jonathan Harris spoke about creating open data sets in a research project examining diplomatic training in African nations. Dr Valesca Lima and Joseph Mullaly presented on two separate sides of a project deploying sensors to monitor hazards such as mould in social housing, touching on both the social and technical aspects of implementing such a system amid privacy concerns. Dr James Brunton spoke about his work on the ENGAGED project, which seeks to create Ireland’s first Open Research Roadmap. Dr Úna Bhreathnach spoke about the genuine enjoyment volunteers had for transcribing documents containing local history and folklore as part of the Meitheal Dúchas project. Dr McGuinness gave the winning presentation on the subject of reproducible data and its role in research.

The second group of presenters receive their certificates for participating: (Left to
Right) Aiswarya Radhakrishan (accepting on behalf of Dr Lorraine Boran), Sean
Manley, Dr Margaret Farren, Dr Damien Dupré, Dr Brian Ó Raghallaigh. Credit Kyran O'Brien

In the second block of presentations, chaired by Dr Padraig Murphy, Dr Lorraine Boran spoke about the CO-CREATE2e project, a collaboration between the School of Psychology and CTYI focused on education for students with autism. Dr Margaret Farren and Sean Manley made a presentation on their work creating sustainable citizenship teaching materials for teachers in the SYNAPSES project. Dr Damien Dupré spoke about the range of open research benefits offered by the versatile software QUARTO. Finally, Dr Brian Ó Raghallaigh presented his and colleagues’ work on Terminologue, a cloud-based, open-source terminology management tool developed in Fiontar Scoil na Gaeilge.

The event closed with an address from Vice President for Research Prof John Doyle, followed by the presentation of the award for most impactful presentation to Dr Eddie McGuinness by University Librarian John McDonough.