Celebrating 10 Years of Discovery, Innovation and Impact at the DCU Water Institute
The DCU Water Institute marked a major milestone this December, celebrating ten years of research, collaboration and real-world impact at the heart of Ireland’s water science community. Across a week of events, conversations and reflection, the anniversary celebrations brought together researchers, students, partners and supporters to honour the Institute’s journey since its establishment in 2015 and to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.
From formal discussion to creative expression and scientific exchange, the celebrations reflected the interdisciplinary spirit that has defined the Institute from the beginning.
A Week of Reflection and Connection
The anniversary programme opened with opportunities to reflect on how water research connects science, society and policy. Despite winter conditions, the launch of the celebrations set a positive and engaging tone for the week, combining digital storytelling, community engagement and shared learning.
Throughout the week, the Institute highlighted its people and projects, sharing researcher profiles, legacy stories and examples of impact that demonstrate how water science extends far beyond the laboratory. These moments created space to recognise the collective effort behind ten years of progress.
Anniversary Celebration Day: Conversations that Matter
The centrepiece of the week was the Anniversary Celebration Day, held in the Polaris Building at DCU. The event brought together researchers, students, policymakers, journalists and community partners for an afternoon focused on dialogue, reflection and collaboration.
A Water Café Panel, chaired by Professor Jane Suiter, explored why water matters for society and how research, policy and community engagement intersect. Panel contributors shared perspectives on the future of water innovation, public trust in science and the importance of inclusive conversations around environmental challenges.
The afternoon also featured reflections from Professor Fiona Regan, founding Director of the DCU Water Institute, who looked back on the Institute’s origins and growth while also focusing on the responsibility and opportunity that lie ahead.
Reflecting on the milestone, Professor Regan said:
“What we are celebrating is not just ten years of research, but ten years of people working together across disciplines, sectors and communities to protect and better understand our water environment. The strength of the Institute lies in collaboration and in our shared commitment to making a real difference.”
Contributions from DCU leadership further reaffirmed the University’s commitment to interdisciplinary water research and its role in addressing national and global water challenges.
Science, Culture and Community
One of the defining features of the celebrations was the integration of science with creative and cultural expression. Poetry, music and the sounds of water offered a powerful reminder of the emotional, cultural and environmental significance of water in our lives.
These moments underscored the Institute’s belief that addressing water challenges requires not only technical expertise, but also public engagement, shared understanding and strong connections between people and place.
Recognising Impact and Contribution
The celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise individuals and groups whose work has made a meaningful difference. The announcement of the Water Warrior Award highlighted outstanding contributions to water research and engagement, reflecting the Institute’s commitment to excellence, collaboration and public impact.
Across the week, the achievements of researchers, students, technical staff and partners were acknowledged, reinforcing the idea that the Institute’s success is built on collective effort.
Closing the Week with Scientific Focus: PFAS from Source to Sink
The anniversary week concluded on Friday 12 December with a specialist workshop titled INVESTigating PFAS from Source to Sink, a half-day workshop and knowledge exchange focused on one of the most pressing emerging challenges in water science.
Hosted at DCU, the event brought together researchers, industry experts and practitioners to explore the sources, pathways and risks associated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in water systems. The workshop featured contributions from Professor Fiona Regan and the DCU Water Institute team, alongside national and international partners including Professor Stuart Harrad from the University of Birmingham and representatives from ARUP and Uisce Éireann.
Through presentations, discussion and networking, the seminar highlighted the importance of integrated research, monitoring and policy engagement in developing effective PFAS strategies for Ireland. The event reflected the Institute’s ongoing commitment to addressing complex water quality challenges through evidence-based research and collaboration.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade of Water Research
As the DCU Water Institute enters its second decade, the anniversary celebrations served as both a milestone and a starting point. New research programmes, emerging technologies and strengthened partnerships position the Institute to continue addressing critical challenges such as water quality, climate resilience, environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
The week concluded with a shared sense of purpose and optimism, grounded in ten years of achievement and a clear commitment to shaping the future of water research in Ireland and beyond.
A Decade Worth Celebrating
The 10th Anniversary celebrations were a reminder of what can be achieved through collaboration, curiosity and commitment. They celebrated not only the Institute’s past, but also the people and ideas that will shape its future.
With strong foundations and an engaged community, the DCU Water Institute looks ahead to the next ten years ready to continue advancing knowledge, supporting policy, empowering communities and protecting water for generations to come.
