Latest news with #DkIT
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Dundalk Institute of Technology signs memorandum of agreement with Japanese university
The agreement with Nagoya City University Graduate Medical School was spearheaded by Dr. Bernard T. Drumm from the Smooth Muscle Research Centre at DkIT and Professor Hikaru Hashitani. Both their departments studiescells and tissues of smooth muscle organs in the urogenital tract (bladder, urethra, reproductive tracts) and gastrointestinal system, with a view to understanding the physiology of how these organs work and how diseases such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and motility disorders can be treated. The MOA was signed in Nagoya City University in March and was followed by an invited seminar from Dr. Drumm to the Japanese research team on ongoing research underway at the DkIT. This was followed by a symposium organised by Professor Hashitani the following week in Makuhari, Japan, during which Dr. Drumm and Professor Hashitani presented recent findings from their research groups along with colleagues from Oxford University, UK and University of Fukui, Japan. 'This significant MOA represents a link between two of the most active smooth muscle physiology research groups in Europe and Asia,' Dr Drumm said. ' Our shared research interests make this a natural evolution of our collaborative efforts, and we seek to expand our activities further in the future. Together, DkIT and NCU seek to extend each institutes international reach, providing research opportunities and knowledge exchange of mutual benefit to DkIT and Nagoya City University.' Professor Hikaru Hashitani of Nagoya City University said he was was delighted to welcome Dr Bernard Drumm to Nagoya City University Medical School. Following the establishment of a MOA between DKIT and our medical school during Dr Drumm's visit, I am sincerely looking forward to extending academic exchange between the two institutes.'
Agriland
06-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
LAWPRO highlights nature-based solutions to protect water quality
The Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) recently held a two-day national conference on nature-based solutions at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT). Over 175 delegates attended the conference titled: Nature-based Solutions Conference- To Protect and Restore Urban, Rural, Coastal, and Riverine Environments. Delegates were welcomed by DKIT president, Dr. Diarmuid O'Callaghan, before the conference was formally opened by Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan. The event was of particular interest to those wanting to understand and incorporate nature-based solutions into urban, rural, and coastal environments. Nature-based solutions use natural systems such as soil, plants and landscape features to manage climate risks and environmental challenges. According to DkIT, these methods reduce flooding and drought impacts, improve water quality and support biodiversity. Minister of State O'Sullivan said: 'Nature-based solutions have a large role to play in protecting water quality by helping to create climate resilience and improving biodiversity. We need more solutions to environmental issues that work with nature rather than trying to control it. 'The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimate that one third of climate mitigation needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, can be provided by nature-based solutions.' 'This conference will bring together experts who can share their experience and ideas for how to integrate and mainstream nature-based solutions into water management practice,' the minister added. LAWPRO The LAWPRO event was the second national nature-based solutions conference, and focused on technologies and strategies suitable to use in Ireland. Day one featured a number of expert presentations and panels, focused on the use and impact of nature-based solutions in a variety of settings including urban, rural, riverine, coastal and the private sector. The second day focused on nature-based solutions in action and offered a series of practical masterclass workshops to attendees covering urban solutions, river restoration and coastal restoration. The regional coordinator with LAWPRO, Dr. Fran Igoe said: 'Although the application of nature-based solutions is something new to many people in Ireland, our ancestors have been using these techniques for centuries. 'This conference allowed participants to explore how we can expand and mainstream such approaches to meet today's environmental challenges,' Igoe added.
Irish Independent
31-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth father of three outlines how life has changed for the better after return to education thanks to Headstart course
After battling personal challenges, Dean Bradley enrolled in Headstart in 2020, which was delivered entirely online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The support and encouragement he received enabled him to pursue further education: 'The Headstart Programme gave me direction. The team taught me how to go with it, how to stay with it, and really just about resilience.' Dean's perseverance led him to complete multiple Level 5 and Level 6 courses, culminating in his current pursuit of a degree in Social Care at DkIT. He advises others considering the programme to 'Take it day by day and week by week. Don't look at the years. For me, life has really changed for the better.' He is one of a number former participants of the Pathways and Headstar community education programmes, delivered by Dundalk Institute of Technology in partnership with Louth Local Development's SICAP Social Inclusion Programme, who have been sharing their experiences of the courses. Likewise Elizabeth Awosanya, a mother of three, embarked on her educational journey through the Pathways programme before transitioning into Headstart. Now nearing the completion of her degree in Social Care, Elizabeth reflects on her experience, saying 'Pathways helped me build confidence, engage with learning at my own pace, and get a real feel for what higher education might be like in a non-intimidating way. Transitioning into Headstart deepened my readiness for third-level education and mentally and practically prepared me for the challenges of college life.' Elizabeth's journey illustrates the programmes' ability to provide a solid foundation for those returning to education, fostering both academic readiness and personal growth. Their views are shared by Laure Nzia Djakou, who has just completed her second year studying International Tourism and Management at DkIT. Having previously struggled to balance third-level education with other life commitments, the mother of three found renewed motivation and support through these programmes: 'The programmes were designed for people like me—mature students who needed a bit of encouragement and guidance. The supportive environment and the opportunity to build my confidence were exactly what I needed.' Laure now envisions a future where she can pursue a Masters degree or contribute to the tourism industry, all while managing her family commitments. The success of the Pathways and Headstart programmes was recognised recently DkIT was awarded €1 million in performance funding. The programmes were launched by DkIT in partnership with Louth Local Development n 2017 and 2018 with the aim of improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups in County Louth, including low-income households, ethnic minorities, refugees, asylum seekers, the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and individuals with disabilities or mental health issues. Pathways offered a 14-week introductory course in local community centres, providing a supportive environment for adults to experience higher education without the pressure of assignments. Headstart, a 10-week follow-up programme delivered on the DkIT campus, focused on building participants' self-confidence and academic skills, such as study techniques, time management, and career guidance. Graduates from these programmes have gone on to pursue degrees in various fields, including Social Care, Nursing, and Creative Media, and many have secured employment opportunities. Since 2017, a total of 325 students have graduated from the programmes. For the individuals taking part, both Pathways and Headstart have literally been life changing. The beneficiaries of the initiative have included people with disabilities, long term unemployed, migrants, one parent and low-income families, people with addiction issues, teenage parents, refugees, Irish Travellers, young people in the care of the State, youth attending Youthreach or similar programmes, student carers, 'second chance' mature learners, those in the criminal justice system, and people who are homeless. The next Headstart course starts on Wednesday September 3, 2025 and runs every Wednesday for ten weeks. Anyone interested in registering should email or call 0877462507.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Irish Independent
DkIT goes purple to raise awareness of Domestic Violence
The event was hosted by the RiVeR Project in DkIT in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Dundalk and DkIT's Students Union. It was fantastic to have representatives from the Dundalk Gardaí on campus to highlight the importance of raising awareness around this issue. DkIT has a strong reputation in supporting awareness around Domestic Abuse. The DkIT RiVeR Project is responding to the impacts of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence through research, education and training. The RiVeR Project Lead Dr. Kathleen Nallen said 'The RiVeR Project is delighted to partner with RESPECT #DkIT, students union DkIT and An Garda Síochána for the annual 'Go Purple Day' to create awareness of Domestic Abuse. It is wonderful to have such support from staff and students across the campus for this really important initiative. In promoting the agenda of zero tolerance of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the RiVeR Project recently launched its 'Insights into Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence' Podcast series. It features conversations with experts, advocates and victim/survivors of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and is available on the RiVeR Project website and LinkedIn page, DkIT YouTube channel and Spotify'. DkIT is committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone in their educational community, they endeavour to do this through ongoing training and support around Gender Based Violence that empowers all their students and staff. In November, DkIT was one of the 16 Higher Education Institutes involved in an annual national campaign for the international UN 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. During last year's 16 Days of activity, DkIT was also pleased to publish their Domestic Violence leave Policy for all employees.
RTÉ News
28-05-2025
- Science
- RTÉ News
Dundalk IT and Maynooth University launch new partnership
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Maynooth University (MU) have launched a new partnership with the aim of advancing higher education in the region. The Regional Graduate Academy (RGA) will see PhD students being taught and supervised in Dundalk but being awarded their PhD by the university. Students will be jointly registered in both DkIT and MU and undertake a structured PhD programme. The PhD programmes currently on offer fall into six disciplinary areas: computer science; biology; environmental science; electronic engineering (renewables); applied social sciences; and media studies. There are 16 post-graduate students enrolled in the first year of the MU-DkIT RGA. This number is expected to grow over the coming years, particularly following recent successful funding applications. The launch of the RGA marks the first milestone in the strategic collaboration between DkIT and MU after both third-level institutes signed a letter of intent in June of last year. Those involved have said the initiative aims to identify new ways the two institutes can collaborate for the benefit of students, academic staff and the wider community. In addition to the establishment of the RGA, DkIT and MU have said they developing collaborations in other areas, including research and innovation, student experience initiatives, and the potential provision of MU awards to DkIT Level 8 and 9 students. 'New kind of partnership' Maynooth University President Professor Eeva Leinonen said the MU-DkIT RGA represents a new kind of partnership between third-level institutes. Prof Leinonen said: "DkIT is a natural partner for Maynooth University, with complementary strengths and a shared commitment to regional impact and research excellence. "Together, we are building a collaborative model of doctoral education that is rooted in place, shaped by purpose, and driven by ambition - delivering real benefits for our students, our communities, and the broader research ecosystem." Meanwhile, Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan, President of Dundalk Institute of Technology, said: "Our first cohort of students are already making their marks on the research landscape. "This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for each institution to showcase its individual strengths and explore together how we can strategically develop to serve our regions. "Through our shared values, unique offerings and collective commitment to regional partnership and collaboration, I have high aspirations for the future opportunities it will bring for our students, enterprise and everyone in the shared region," Dr O'Callaghan added. Dr Alan Wall, the CEO of the Higher Education Authority, said the body is committed to supporting the strategic development of higher education institutions. He said: "Provision was made in the Technological Sector Advancement Fund (TSAF) for institutions to explore strategic collaborations that are aligned with national and regional policies and priorities. "It very encouraging to see the progress made by DkIT and Maynooth University on the Regional Graduate Academy, and this initiative is an important milestone in the strategic engagement of these higher education institutions. "The MU-DkIT Regional Graduate Academy is a tangible example of how collaboration can enhance Ireland's higher education and research system locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally," Dr Wall said. Meanwhile, speaking at the launch event this morning, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless said the RGA marks a new and significant phase of collaboration between two "strong" institutions. He said: "This partnership is to be commended. It reflects a shared commitment to building research capacity, strengthening ties with enterprise, and supporting the development of local communities, while enhancing the national research and innovation ecosystem. "I welcome that this initiative has been supported by my Department through the HEA and the Technological Sector Advancement Fund. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we invest in talent, partnership, and regional development," the minster added.
