🏆 Grace Barnes – First Place & Audience Choice

“Disabled Women’s Sexual Rights in the European Court of Human Rights”

Originally from Devon in England, Grace Barnes is a PhD researcher at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at the University of Galway, under the supervision of Professor Eilionóir Flynn.

A University of Galway Hardiman Scholar funded by Research Ireland, Grace presented on the construction of disabled women’s sexuality within the European Court of Human Rights and how this shapes access to sexual rights and identity.

Her presentation combined compelling storytelling with sharp insight, resonating strongly with both the judges and audience and securing both first place and the Audience Choice Award.

🥈 Adam Collison – Runner Up

“What Happens to the Air Quality when we Retrofit our Schools and Offices?”

Adam Collison, a PhD researcher from Dromineer, Co. Tipperary, explored how improving energy efficiency in buildings can unintentionally impact indoor air quality.

Drawing on extensive monitoring in Irish schools and offices, his work highlighted the importance of balancing sustainability goals with healthy indoor environments.

Adam is based in the School of Natural Sciences at the University of Galway and is funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

🥉 Sienna Stucke – Third Place

“Healing Helminths: Investigating Parasitic Proteins for Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases”

Originally from Minnesota in the United States, Sienna Stucke is a Pharmacology PhD student based in the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences at the University of Galway.

Her research explores the therapeutic potential of parasitic worms, known as helminths, in treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.

Funded through the Parkinson’s Disease Research Award via the Galway University Foundation, her work investigates innovative approaches to tackling neuroinflammatory conditions.

• Hui Mo – The Invisible Shield: How Colorectal Cancer Escapes the Immune System.
• Yash Bhandakkar – Mechanical Characterisation of Blood Clot.
• Ciara Pagden – microRNAs for Breast Cancer Patient Monitoring and Treatment.
• Annemarie Shalloo – What is it about Alternative Education Provision in Ireland which supports working class young people completing their leaving certificate?
• Maria Elena Siegle – The Tumour Orchestra - Developing a Cellular 3D Model of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
• Andrea Fernandes – Childhood Maltreatment and Brain Connectivity.
• Leah Palmer – A Journey North.
• Lara Ressin – The Influence of Brain Architecture and Function on Cognition.