Nine researchers from five higher education institutes across Ireland were presented with inaugural Lero Director’s Prizes, recognising their achievements and contribution to the centre’s success.

Professor Brian Fitzgerald, director of Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, made the presentations at the annual Lero Summit in Athlone.

A total of nine prizes were awarded across five categories including research excellence, entrepreneurship, education and public engagement, diversity and inclusion and outstanding service to Lero.

“What makes Lero unique is its members and it is a credit to the centre that we had so many strong nominations for the inaugural Director’s Prize awards. I was particularly pleased to see such a geographic spread of nominees and winners across a variety of research areas. Congratulations to the 2019 Lero Director’s Prize winners and I wish them well as they continue striving for, and achieving excellence,” said Professor Brian Fitzgerald, director of Lero.

The Lero Director’s Prize for Entrepreneurship was presented to Fergal McCaffery of Dundalk Institute of Technology. Lero Director’s Prizes for Research Excellence were presented to Gabriel Muntean of Dublin City University and Klaas-Jan Stol of University College Cork. Lero Director’s Prizes for Education and Public Engagement were awarded to Martin Mullins and Bilal Ahmad, both of University of Limerick. Anthony Ventresque, University College Dublin and Regina Connolly, Dublin City University were presented with Lero Director’s Prizes for Diversity and Inclusion. Researcher Sarah Beecham of UL and former general manager of Lero, Brendan O’Malley were recognised for their Outstanding Contributions to Lero. Michelle Norris of UL was awarded a prize for best poster at the Lero Summit.