Ward & Burke Centre News

Centre Launch, 28th of May 2026

On May 28, 2026, the University of Galway officially launched the Ward & Burke Centre for Infrastructure Research & Innovation at the School of Engineering. The milestone event marks a major philanthropic investment and a new "Signature Partnership" between the university and the leading multinational engineering firm, Ward & Burke.

About the Centre & Strategic Vision

The Centre is a new partnership applying first-principles and data-driven engineering to primary infrastructure. It builds on the University of Galway's existing strengths in civil and mechanical engineering, geotechnics, water and wastewater research, and construction innovation. The facility aims to transform how infrastructure is designed, built, and operated to address modern challenges like climate resilience, digital engineering, and underground construction.

The Centre's research strategy follows three main pillars:

1. First Principles Engineering: Gaining a fundamental understanding of mechanics and dynamics to build models from the physics up, rather than just fitting curves to data.

2. Physical & Numerical Methods: Combining lab-scale physical models with high-fidelity computational methods, validated by real construction measurements to reduce engineering uncertainty.

3. AI & Autonomous Systems: Utilizing sensor networks, real-time monitoring, and generalizable AI at scale to turn field data directly into design guidance and decisions.

Additionally, the partnership includes a new scholarship programme to cultivate the next generation of innovative engineering talent.

Leadership

The strategic investment has enabled the creation of a new civil engineering professorship. Established Professor Brian Sheil, an alumnus of the University of Galway, has been appointed to lead the Centre alongside Professor Eoghan Clifford, Head of Civil Engineering. Ward & Burke itself was originally founded by University of Galway engineering graduates, giving this 25-year collaborative relationship deep alumni roots.

Launch Day Event Programme

The official launch event offered an extensive look at the Centre's upcoming research alongside insights from global infrastructure experts:

• Welcome & Official Opening: The day began with welcoming remarks from University of Galway President Prof. David J. Burn, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Prof. Walter Gear, Head of the School of Engineering Prof. Laoise McNamara, and Padraig Burke, Director of Ward & Burke.

• Keynote Presentations: * Professor Brian Sheil formally introduced his vision for the Centre.

  • International insight was provided by Prof. Mike Mooney (Colorado School of Mines, USA) discussing underground construction and tunneling.

  • Dr. Ronan Royston (Lead Design Engineer & Project Manager at Ward & Burke) delivered a talk titled "Innovation in Action".

  • Further sessions covered research opportunities for infrastructure and Ireland’s National Research Centre for Construction and Technology (Construct Innovate), led by Dr. Magdalena Hajdukiewicz.

• Panel Discussion: A morning panel titled "Innovating tomorrow’s water, wastewater and underground infrastructure" featured prominent industry leaders, including Rachael Fox (Yorkshire Water), Jerry Grant (Chairperson at Uisce Éireann & Dublin Port), and Dr. Laura Burke (President of Engineers Ireland).

• Tours & Poster Sessions: Attendees took part in guided tours of the university’s engineering laboratories and attended an informal afternoon poster session, where W&B-funded PhD students showcased their latest research.