DkIT students join peers from 14 Irish HEIs to present research in the Oireachtas

Students presented solution-orientated research directly to politicians, senators and policy makers, exploring current challenges in the areas of education; environment and sustainability; healthcare, nutrition and medicine; infrastructure; society and integration; technology; social media and artificial intelligence. Each presentation focused on delivering practical recommendations to strengthen public policy in Ireland. Full details of all the research presented including research posters and short videos explaining the research impact can be found on the PsO website here.

DkIT students Conor Barnett and Michéal Keenan were among those presenting at the event. 

Conor, a graduate of the BSc Hons Construction Management, from Portmarnock in Co. Dublin was supervised by Keren Goodman, in DkIT’s Department of the Built Environment. He presented a poster entitled: ‘Ireland’s Infrastructure: From Delays to Deliveries,’ exploring how persistent delays in major infrastructure projects drain resources, weaken competitiveness, and threaten Ireland’s long-term economic sustainability, while also diminishing public trust and disproportionately affecting younger generations. His research also highlighted that stronger policies, improved processes, and real accountability could reverse this trend and generate significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Speaking after the event, Conor said: “It was a privilege to present my final-year research project in Leinster House as part of the inaugural Póstaeir san Oireachtas event. Standing alongside talented student researchers from across Ireland and discussing our work directly with TDs, Senators, and policymakers was an unforgettable experience.”

Michéal Keenan, a graduate of the BA (Hons) in Social Care from Corduff in Co Monaghan was supervised by Dr. Colletta Dalikeni, in DkIT’s Department of Humanities.  His poster entitled ‘Unheard and Underserved: Exploring Support for Male Victims of Partner Abuse,’ focused on professionals’ views of how accessible domestic violence services are for men in Ireland and the barriers faced by male victims. Michéal is hopeful that his research will contribute to real change – encouraging more inclusive support, better funding, and training so that all victims, regardless of gender, can find help without judgement or fear.

Speaking at the event, Minister James Lawless, TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, said: "Events like PsO showcase the quality, creativity, and impact of student research happening every day across Ireland’s world-class academic institutions, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. PsO is helping to bring the depth and excellence of Irish research directly into the policy process, where it matters most, in the Houses of the Oireachtas."

PsO 2025 was sponsored by Deputy Erin McGreehan, Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Speaking at the event Deputy McGreehan reflected on the rising tide of misinformation in today’s modern world and the importance of ensuring the next generation of students are equipped with evidence-based research and critical thinking skills. “In a world where misinformation moves quickly, where the loudest voices are not always the most informed, the ability to communicate research clearly and confidently is a civic act. It strengthens our democracy, and it ensures evidence and expertise are part of all policy decisions.,” she said. 

Denis Naughten, former minister and official PsO parliamentary and  government engagement advisor, said: "Based on the level of engagement between students and politicians, it is clear that there is significant demand for more policy-oriented research in Leinster House," TDs and Senators who participated reported that the engagement was both productive and worthwhile, noting in particular that many of the student research projects aligned closely with policy areas they are actively working on. 

PsO is part of Posters in Brussels (PiB), an Erasmus+, Higher Ed, Cooperation Partnership programme funded project dedicated to the enhancement of undergraduate research, communication and civic engagement across Europe. 

PsO in Ireland has been developed by ATU lecturers Dr Therese Montgomery, Dr Brigid Hooban, Dr Cormac Quigley and Dr Eva Campion in collaboration with members of the Irish Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network, Dr Sinead Loughran from Dundalk IT, Dr AnneMarie O’Brien from TUS, Dr James Walshe from TU Dublin and Dr Edel McNeela from SETU. 

ATU is one of five universities across Europe hosting a national Posters in Parliament event during Winter 2025 and will co-host a multinational Posters in the European parliament event in November 2026.

Each PsO project highlights the incredible potential of undergraduate research to inform policy and shape the future of Irish innovation. Videos, posters, abstracts and SURE-J publications from each project can be found on the SURE Network PsO webpage.

The award-winning SURE Network, established in 2016, is a national partnership that champions undergraduate student research as a key component of higher education, encouraging curiosity, innovation, critical thinking and problem solving.

Higher Education Institutes (HEI’s) participating in PsO 2025 were:  
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Technological University Dublin (TUD), Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), South East Technological University (SETU), Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT), Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University College Cork (UCC), Munster Technological University (MTU), National College of Ireland (NCI), IADT Dún Laoghaire, Queen's University Belfast , University of Limerick (UL), Mary Immaculate College, Ireland.