Walsh Scholars: The Next Generation
Type Event Proceeding
A public showcase of Teagasc's leading postgraduate agri-food research which took place online on Thursday, 5 November 2020.
The Walsh Scholarships Programme’s mission is to provide the sector with a pipeline of talent, ‘the next generation’ of leaders in agri-food research, advisory and education.
The online event, hosted by Sharon Ní Bheoláin, was a showcase of Teagasc’s leading postgraduate agri-food research. Attendees learnt about the Walsh Scholarships Programme and heard about some of the fascinating studies by final year Scholars.
Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director of Research, announced Meritxell Grau as the Walsh Scholars Gold Medal Winner. This was Teagasc’s 27th time to award the Gold Medal, the Programme’s highest accolade. Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc Director, announced Carol Newman as the Walsh Scholars Alum Award Winner for 2020.
Other Walsh Scholars recognised at the event included:
- Paul Smith, Walsh Scholar of the Year for the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme. Paul’s PhD project is investigating the link between the composition of the rumen microbiome, feed efficiency and methane output in beef cattle.
- Gemma Regan, Walsh Scholar of the Year for the Food Programme and Institute of Food Science and Technology Ireland (IFSTI) medal winner. Gemma’s PhD project analysed nitrofuran residues, antibiotics have been banned from use in food producing animals, and shortened the analysis time from 4 days to 1.5 days.
- Adrienne Attorp, Walsh Scholar of the Year for the Rural Economy and Development Programme. Adrienne’s PhD project considers challenges faced in the continued management of waterways shared by Ireland and Northern Ireland post-Brexit.
- Kevin Maher, Walsh Scholar of the Year for the Knowledge Transfer Programme. Kevin’s Master’s project examined the factors influencing the adoption of nutrient management plans among Nitrates Derogation
View videos from each Walsh Scholar of the Year