This is according to a high-level roundtable of international leaders in science, policy and research working towards strengthening cooperation between Ireland and South Africa.
Africa and Europe face a future of profound climate, digital, economic and social change. Meeting these global transitions will require both regions to act together with a shared purpose, shared agency, and stronger cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
“Seeing Dolly so early in my career was genuinely formative. The Nature paper had only just been published, and it was part of my studies in Dublin, so to encounter that science in real life brought it into sharp focus.”
“Agricultural science is about delivering solutions that matter. This recognition also reflects the work of colleagues and collaborators who share that commitment,” said Eileen.
This prestigious honour reflects not only her outstanding contribution to agricultural science but also her commitment to ensuring research delivers meaningful change for food systems, rural communities and the natural environment.
From her early academic days, which include the formative experience of encountering Dolly the Sheep, the world’s first cloned mammal, to her current leadership role at SRUC, her work has consistently combined scientific excellence with real-world impact.
Originally from Dublin, Eileen completed her Undergraduate and Master’s degrees at UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science before going on to build an internationally recognised career in livestock genetics.
Congratulations to Professor Eileen Wall OBE, Head of Research at SRUC and a University College Dublin graduate, on being awarded an honorary OBE for services to Agricultural Science.
The CAO received 88,817 applications for third-level study this September, an increase of approximately 5,400 applicants on last year. Overall, the number of Level 8 CAO applicants has increased by 7.4% in 2026 as compared with 2025. www.ucd.ie/newsandopini...
As this is the first stage in the CAO process, the figures represented may change when the total number of expected 2026 CAO applicants are recorded.
Late applications close in early May, while the CAO change-of-mind facility, which opens in the same month, remains available until 1 July.
"The continuing diversification of UCD's undergraduate entry enriches the student experience and is supported through an inclusive learning environment."
“We see this year not only record first preferences, but also significant growth in demand from applicants from the UK and EU and in mature and DARE entrance routes."
"It is encouraging to see strong demand across UCD's programme offerings,” said Professor Colin Scott, UCD Registrar, Deputy President and Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Applications from Mature candidates increased by 4.5%, while those applying through the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) rose to 11%, representing 33.9% of all DARE applicants through the CAO.
Outside of the increases in the number of 2026 Leaving Cert students applying to UCD, there were also notable increases across a variety of entry routes, including a 15.5% and 16.4%, respectively, for those students undertaking A-Levels and other, mainly EU, exams.
The degree courses that have seen increased CAO first-preference demand include: DN400 Medicine (Undergraduate Entry), DN650 Commerce, DN670 Economics and Finance, DN620 Criminology with Psychology, DN720 Psychology, DN130 City Planning, DN261 Food Science and DN452 Midwifery.
UCD’s share of first-preference choices for Level 8 degrees in 2026 now stands at 13.8%, equivalent to 10,737 applicants - the highest number of first-preference applications to the university.
According to preliminary data, 28,415 students have applied to UCD this year, representing 36.6% of all applicants through the CAO.
First-preference demand for University College Dublin has reached its highest level among CAO applicants. Almost 11,000 students have selected the university as their top CAO choice for September 2026.
The Quavers to Quadratics (Q2Q) programme is a series of workshops for primary school children, primarily from DEIS schools, that highlight the overlap among music, maths and physics.
🎼 Quavers to Quadratics: Music and Science
Project lead: Nigel Flegg, National Concert Hall, Dublin, Ireland
Co-organiser: Dr Shane Bergin, UCD School of Education
Funding: €56,130
Dublin Maker has been the annual independent showcase of the Maker movement in Ireland since 2012. The event brings together an eclectic mix of tech enthusiasts, educators, artists, craftspeople, engineers, backyard inventors, students, and community groups.
🦾 Dublin Maker - Invent, Inspire, Include
Project lead: Dr David McKeown, UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Funding: €330,000
@dublinmaker.bsky.social
Cyber Citizens is a national initiative led by the UCD Centre for Cyber Resilience Education (Cyberwise), in partnership with ADAPT and Webwise.
👩💻 Cyber Citizens: A National Initiative for Digital Resilience & Cyber Literacy
Project lead: Dr Rachel Farrell, UCD School of Education
Funding: €299,867
Behind Walls aims to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to discuss cancer. Street artist ACHES and graphic designer Cian Ryan will collaborate with local youth, patient advocates, and cancer researchers to create physical and digital murals.
The following projects involving UCD received funding:
🇮🇪 Behind Walls: Cross-Community Art-Science Fusion to Increase Cancer Awareness
Project lead: Dr Maria Prencipe, UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science
Funding: €145,065.90
The Research Ireland Discover Programme is a national initiative to widen participation in STEM. This year’s projects will engage with people of all ages through creative, community-embedded and inclusive approaches to STEM engagement.
