(left to right) Director of the Regional Writing Centre (UL) presenting keynote speaker, Leah Shanahan with a hamper.
Centre for Transformative Learning, UL
The 13th annual All Ireland Conference for Undergraduate Research (AICUR) took place on 25th March in the University of Limerick’s new Student Life building.
AICUR provides undergraduate students, from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Ireland, with an opportunity to present their research and showcase their academic achievements. AICUR fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas, offering insight into how different disciplines approach complex research problems. This year’s theme, “Innovating for Impact: Undergraduate Research Shaping Tomorrow,” highlighted the vital role of undergraduate research in addressing emerging societal challenges.
The keynote address was delivered by UL graduate Leah Shanahan, who presented an inspiring talk on her research, design and prototype development of a pregnancy test for blind women—a project she completed as a Product Design & Technology undergraduate student in UL.
Diane Nolan, Head of Global Communications for the Global Undergraduate Awards, delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Self Agency – Degrees Aren’t Worth the Paper They’re Written On.” The talk challenged passivity and encouraged students to take ownership of their learning and future pathways.
Students from UL, ATU, RCSI, MIC, UCD and CCT College Dublin, presented their research in a variety of formats (research paper, lightning talk or poster presentation). The Book of Abstracts showcases the range of disciplines and research fields presented on the day.
