Chemical Sciences University of Limerick

Last week, our Chemical Engineering students, along with Professor Orest Shardt, received a very informative tour of the MSD facilities in Ballydine, Tipperary. Many thanks to MSD Ireland for the wonderful opportunity!

Congratulations to postgraduate researcher Niraj Patil, who has been chosen to attend 74th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting this coming June 👏 https://lnkd.in/e-6B26M4 #LINO25 #postgradatUL #staycurious

I'm very proud to be a small part of this. >50 scientists working together to review global data spanning air, water, biota, and emissions & releases is a very special group. Although I've committed to writing a section of the report, I'm looking forward to the challenge! Research Ireland, Chemical Sciences University of Limerick, Science_Engineering UL University of Limerick

Next up to speak at our WHPC Ireland launch is Sarah Guerin! Sarah is an Associate Professor in Sustainable Energy Harvesting in the Department of Chemical Sciences. She runs her group, the Actuate Lab in the Bernal Institute in the University of Limerick. Sarah is funded by Research Ireland and the European Research Council (ERC) to understand, design and engineer next-generation sensing materials and pharmaceutical formulations. She currently chairs the Users Council for Irish Centre for High-End Computing ICHEC, sponsors of our event. Sarah will talk about In-silico design of functional molecular materials. Katie O'Connor Buket Benek GursoyZara BirchNI-HPC University of Limerick European Research Council (ERC) Research Ireland Irish Centre for High-End Computing ICHEC

Celebrating our recent recipients of the Research Ireland industry-focused fellowships. Dr Mei Li from the Department of Chemical Sciences University of Limerick and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, is collaborating with Analog Devices International (ADI), a global semiconductor leader on a project to develop an advanced hybrid deposition technique for semiconductors manufacturing.   Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor materials have emerged as promising candidates in next-generation electronic devices and energy-related applications (such as thermoelectric materials, metal resistors, electrochemical electrodes, environmental monitoring, and the Internet-of-Things). However, 2D semiconductor materials are inevitably hindered by the challenge of sensor fabrication in scalability, uniformity, and reliability. Dr. Mei Li's research tackles this challenge by applying techniques from nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, deposition behaviour analysis, functional surface modification, and electrochemical optimization, within the constraints of cost-effective mass production, and driving innovation in the next-generation sensors.    This efficient wafer-scale hybrid deposition technique will provide more innovative protocols from which functional surface treatments and post-processing modifications can be conducted in a dynamic industrial research environment to determine the commercialization of cutting-edge sensors. #StayCurious UL Research 

Bernal member Soumya Mukherjee wins distinguished Thieme Chemistry Journals Award 👏 The Thieme Chemistry Journals Award, established to encourage young scientists, is granted to prospective chemists who have been recognized as high-potential researchers in the fields of organic chemistry or organic materials by the editorial board members of the Thieme Chemistry journals. Well done on this achievement Soumya as you continue to inspire upcoming researchers in this respective field. Discover more of Soumya's research➡️ https://shorturl.at/NGgOA #ResearchImpact #BernalNeighbourhood #StayCurious

Last week, our outreach team had the pleasure of attending the wonderful event that is STEMtacular. We loved taking part in the Discovery Zone, performing our Science Magic tricks and interacting with so many amazing and inquisitive future scientists. We were also the proud sponsor of the Best School Project award and look forward to hosting the students of St. Paul's BNS at our labs in the coming months!

Celebrating our recent recipients of the Research Ireland industry-focused fellowships. Dr Infanta Diana Michael from the Department of Chemical Sciences University of Limerick and Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, is collaborating with Analog Devices International, a global semiconductor leader on a pioneering project to develop next-generation thermoelectric generators for chip-scale devices. As the electronics industry advances toward more compact, energy-efficient, and autonomous systems, one of its greatest challenges lies in efficiently capturing and converting waste heat into usable energy. The thermoelectric generators offer a promising solution, yet conventional materials are constrained by fundamental trade-offs between thermal and electrical transport properties, limiting their overall efficiency and scalability. Overcoming these barriers demands a paradigm shift in material design, nanoscale integration, and the development of novel fabrication methods. Dr Michael’s research addresses this challenge by employing advanced deposition techniques and nanostructuring strategies to engineer high-performance thermoelectric materials with superior efficiency and sustainability. Through precision synthesis, advanced interface engineering, and innovative fabrication methodologies, this project aims to redefine the limits of thermoelectric energy conversion, enabling ultra-thin, high-efficiency thermoelectric generators optimized for next-generation electronic devices. By integrating these advanced materials into chip-scale architectures using state-of-the-art cleanroom and fabrication technologies, this research has the potential to revolutionize on-chip energy harvesting and accelerate the transition toward sustainable, self-powered electronics. #StayCurious UL Research

Yesterday I brought my Industrial Ecology for the Circular Economy class to Irish Cement Limited Limerick to explore the industry's role in Ireland's circular economy. The cement industry faces a myriad of environmental challenges. 🏭 Production is material and energy-intensive and generates substantial emissions. 🚢 Alternative fuels and raw materials are being brought into the process thereby reducing fossil fuel dependence and reliance on imported and virgin raw materials. ♻️ The process uses materials that would otherwise become waste or need further treatment overseas. Students from Final Year BSc. Environmental Science (#LM066), HDip in Environmental Science, and MSc Sustainable Resource Management are working through the theoretical, policy, and practice based issues in realising a circular economy through industrial ecology principles as part of their course work. A prime example is the intersect between the techno and bio circular economies which is evident on site. The students asked thought provoking and challenging questions which will help them with their group assignments. I can't wait to see what they produce! A huge thanks to Brian Gilmore and Doireann Funnell for facilitating us. Our visit involved a large degree of planning on their part, including a tailor made presentation on the chemistry of the processes involved as well as optimising the site tour to fully show us the material and energy flow issues. University of Limerick Chemical Sciences University of Limerick Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick #IndustrialEcology #CircularEconomy #UL

Three female researchers from the Department of Chemical Sciences are among the five UL recipients of fellowships through the Research Ireland Industry Research, Development, and Innovation Fellowship Programme. Congratulations Infanta Diana, Maria Zubair and Mei Li! https://lnkd.in/eAnFTC9j #chemicalsciences #wistem