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Trinity College Dublin Annual Report 2008-2009
Annual Report 2008-2009 members of the board 2
Members of the Board of Trinity Student Representatives College Dublin during the 2008/09 President Graduate Students’ Union, academic year were: Mr Ronan Hodson (2008-2009) President Students’ Union, Ex-Officio Members Mr Cathal Reilly(2008-2009) Provost, Dr John Hegarty (Chair) Education Officer Students’ Union, Mr Hugh Sullivan (2008-2009) Vice-Provost/Chief Academic Officer, Professor Patrick Prendergast Welfare Officer Students’ Union, Ms Orlaith Foley (2008-2009) Senior Lecturer, Dr Aileen Douglas Registrar, Professor Jürgen Barkhoff External members Bursar, Professor Margaret O’Mahony Mr Brian Sweeney, nominated by Trinity College Dublin (2005-2010) Elected Fellows and Fellow Ms Geraldine Clarke, nominated by Professors the Minister for Education and Science Professor Shane Allwright (2008-2012) (2005-2010) Professor John McGilp (2008-2012) Professor Eunan O’Halpin (2008-2012) In Attendance Ex-Officio Dr Amanda Piesse (2005-2010) Acting Secretary, Professor Henry Rice (2007-2010) Ms Anne FitzGerald*** Dr Sinéad Ryan (2007-2010) Acting Treasurer, Mr Ian Mathews*** Professor David Singleton (2008-2012) Professor Jagdish Vij (2006–2010) * Dr Karen Walshe was replaced by Ms Mary Coffey on 22.04.09 Elected Non-Fellow Academic Staff ** Mr Michael Slevin was replaced by Dr Karen Walshe (2008-2012)* Mr Peter Connell on 27.01.09 Mr William Dowling (2008-2012) *** Ms Anne FitzGerald and Mr Ian Dr Eoin Mac Cárthaigh (2005-2010) Mathews were confirmed as Dr Anthony McElligott (2008-2010) Secretary and Treasurer respectively during 2008/09 Professor Des O’Neill (2008-2012)
Elected Non-Academic Staff Mr Michael Slevin (2005-2010)** Dr Kieran J McGinley (2005-2008) Ms Peggy Murphy(2008-2012) college activities contents 3
Introduction by the Provost 4 5. Innovation and Commercialisation 33 College Activities Research Funding and 1: Academic Developments 9 Intellectual Property 33 Times Higher Education-QS Entrepreneurship and World University Rankings 9 Innovation 33 Quality 9 Academic Year Structure 10 6. Human Resources 34 TCD/UCD Innovation Alliance 11 Recruitment 34 Equality 34 2: Educational Matters 12 Student Body 12 7. Capital Development Admissions Statistics/ Programme 36 Entrance Exhibitioners 12 Completed Projects 36 Scholarships 12 Construction Projects 37 The Curriculum – New Energy Conservation 38 Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses 13 8. Fundraising 40 Commencements, Firsts 9. Financial Position 41 and Gold Medal Awards 13 Trinity Access Programmes 14 Appendix I Provost’s Teaching Awards 15 Income and Expenditure Account, 3. The Student Experience 16 year ended 30 September 2009 44 Student Support Services 16 Appendix II Student Achievements 16 Balance Sheet, year ended 30 4. Research Activities 20 September 2009 45 Research Themes 20 Research Funding 20 Trinity College’s New Research Initiatives 21 Research Links with Other Institutions 22 Scholarship and Award Success for TCD’s Researchers 24 Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 Introduction by the Provost 4
and abroad. In 2008 Trinity attracted the second highest proportion of first preference applications in the CAO system. The accessibility of a Trinity education to all students of ability is an important element of our contribution to Ireland’s future. Individuals from non-traditional learning groups, at different stages in their lives, and from disadvantaged sectors, have the opportunity to benefit This Annual Report outlines the from a Trinity education through such College’s position and highlights pioneering programmes as, for example, the Trinity Access Programmes. In May our achievements during the 2009, the University Council approved the academic year 2008/09 which recommendation as set out in the Access was another very successful and Plan 2009-2013, to increase the number of productive year for the College. places reserved on undergraduate courses Key milestones include: for students from under-represented groups from 15% to 22% of CAO new Research & Innovation entrants by 2013. For the first time in its history, Trinity received in excess of €100 million In 2008/09, seven new postgraduate and in research income in 2008/09, thus three new undergraduate courses were achieving one of its institutional goals. initiated and 3,986 students had their Trinity staff members excelled in research degrees conferred. Students continued achievements and received national and to enjoy the ‘Trinity Experience’ which international distinction. Ten new spin extends beyond the curriculum to a rich out companies commercialising research tapestry of student clubs and societies that carried out at Trinity were approved equip students for a life of leadership and as TCD campus companies during the civic participation. calendar year 2009. Twenty-three patent applications were filed and five commercial Staff licenses were issued. The success of a university, and the delivery of its strategic objectives, cannot Students be attained without its key resource – its Trinity is fortunate in attracting staff. To retain and improve the status of intellectually strong students from Ireland the College, Trinity must recruit, develop Introduction by the Provost
5 and maintain people of exceptional calibre. with the requirement to abide by the HEA During 2008/09, 102 new and replacement employment control framework creates an academic appointments were made and environment that is clearly not aligned to the Staff Office provided a training and deliver a ‘smart economy’ for Ireland. development service for all staff. Having no accumulated recurrent Capital Development deficit and a strong balance sheet at 30 The capital development programme September 2009, the College is currently on campus continued to thrive. Key in a position of financial strength. However developments include the ongoing given the state of the public finances and construction of the Biosciences the global economic climate, it faces a Development on Pearse Street and the financial environment that has changed Trinity Long Room Hub. Completed projects markedly over a very short period and in the 2008/09 academic year were The one that is likely to see significant future Arts Technology Research Laboratory, the funding pressures and uncertainty that will Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory, the clearly present greater challenges to the Trinity Genome Sequencing Laboratory and College’s capacity to deliver its strategic the new Health Assessment Centre for the goals. Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. At this time of unprecedented national Financial Position economic crisis, it is vital that new ideas, knowledge and high level graduates Financial stability continues to present a have the greatest possible impact on the significant challenge in the years ahead creation of new sustainable jobs and the as the College finds itself in a position of renewal of existing business and services. having to invest strategically in the quality The strategic partnership with UCD to of its staff, students and infrastructure in form the TCD/UCD Innovation Alliance - a order to deliver on its ambitions. partnership working with the education sector, the State and its agencies Similar to other Irish universities, the alongside the business and venture capital College continues to experience an erosion communities to develop a world-class of its core funding and is financially ecosystem for innovation - is an important constrained in the absence of base funding development in this regard. levels and multi-year funding, both of which are needed particularly in the current climate to provide a platform for International Standing strategic financial planning. The level and Trinity was ranked in the top 50 world uncertainty of future State funding coupled universities (49th) and top 15 European Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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universities (13th) by the Times Higher was strengthened by broadening the Education-QS world university rankings. curriculum, building on high-quality The College was the only university in the initiatives in academic practice and student State to feature in the top 100 universities learning support systems, and supporting worldwide. the existing initiatives to improve access, inclusiveness and diversity. Strategic Plan 2003-2008 The academic year 2008/09 saw the In addition to contributing to society conclusion of the period covered by through core activities in education and the College’s first Strategic Plan 2003- research, Trinity staff and students also 2008. The Strategic Plan focused on contributed through a myriad of initiatives consolidating and growing excellence such as exhibitions, public lectures, in research and graduate education provision of academic expertise on issues to complement the long-standing of national importance, Trinity Access undergraduate programme and positive Programmes, inner city liaison, outreach student experience. programmes, student societies, Pro Bono work, volunteerism etc. Engagement Achievements of the Strategic Plan with Irish culture and language was include research capacity building strengthened with the appointment of and focused development of research an Irish Language Officer. Considerable strengths, namely in the key areas of restructuring of the academic units and European & International Integration, resource allocation mechanism was carried Culture & Creative Arts, Materials & out to prepare for a more challenging and Intelligent Systems, Biosciences & rapid changing environment. Translational Research and Transport, Energy & Environment; the promotion of A number of major capital projects interdisciplinarity and collaboration; the underpinning the university’s objectives increased diversification of the student for internationally competitive research body; and the recruitment of world class and education were delivered under the academic leaders. lifetime of the Strategic Plan such as the School of Nursing and Midwifery on D’Olier Graduate education provision was Street; the Lloyd Institute, accommodating enhanced by increasing postgraduate the Trinity College Institute of numbers while maintaining the high Neuroscience, High Performance quality of degrees and by developing Computing, and the School of Computer integrated PhD programmes. Science and Statistics; the first phase of Undergraduate education provision the Pearse Street Corridor Development Introduction by the Provost
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Plan comprising the Sports Complex and I would also like to thank the Taoiseach, the Naughton Institute, which houses the Minister for Education and Science, the Centre for Research on Adaptive the Minister for Health and Children Nanostructures and Nanodevices and the and the many Government Ministers Science Gallery; the Centre for Advanced whose support is greatly valued. The Medical Imaging in St James’s Hospital; College is also indebted to the Board the Arts Technology Research Laboratory and Executive of the Trinity Foundation, in the Trinity Technology and Enterprise the Higher Education Authority, Science Campus; and the renovation of the Foundation Ireland, the Health Research Provost’s House Stables to accommodate Board, IRCHSS, IRCSET and the many the Trinity Irish Art Research Centre. Plans other agencies and individuals, public and to deliver Phase 2, comprising the Student private, who have supported the College. Centre and the Biosciences Medical Institute, are already underway as are the John Hegarty, plans for a new state of the art facility for Provost. the Long Room Hub Institute of Research in May 2010 the Arts and Humanities.
By all metrics, the Strategic Plan was successful in consolidating the university’s position as a research-led university at the forefront of education and research both nationally and internationally.
The Strategic Plan 2009-14, which is being formulated this year through extensive consultation, will build on the College’s achievements with a balanced approach to education, research and innovation.
Conclusion I wish to thank all the staff of the College, academic, administrative and support, for their part in our achievements during 2008/09 – these could not have been attained without their dedication throughout the year. 8
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES college activities
1: Academic Developments 9 1.1 Times Higher Education-QS 1.2 Quality World University Rankings Recognised globally as a university of high Trinity College Dublin was the only quality in teaching and research, TCD’s Irish university to feature in the top 100 education is distinctive in being research- universities when it was ranked 49th place led, balanced and student-centred. The in the 2008 Times Higher Education-QS College is committed to maintaining the World University Rankings*. This is the exceptional quality of its undergraduate first time an Irish third level institution has and postgraduate degrees and research made it to the landmark world’s top 50. and a major component of Trinity’s It was also ranked 13th place in Europe. strength lies in the commitment of its staff This is the highest ranking the College has to its students. ever achieved, up four places on last year’s ranking of 53. Trinity’s arts and humanities Election to Fellowship is an honour were ranked 32nd in the world and 8th in marking the exceptional quality of the Europe. College’s academic staff. Research achievement or scholarship of a high The Times Higher Education-QS university order is the primary qualification for rankings list the world’s top 200 Fellowship, coupled with evidence of the universities measured on peer review, candidate’s contribution to the academic number of citations per faculty member, life of the College, as shown in particular ratio of students to staff and the number of by participation in the work of his or her international students and staff. Discipline or School and an effective record in teaching. The College’s continuing improvement in these world-wide university rankings Twenty-one Fellows, including three illustrates ongoing international Honorary Fellows: broadcaster, historian recognition from academics and employers and political scientist, Dr John Bowman; as Ireland’s premier university. Such high Consultant Paediatric Haematologist at rankings are excellent accomplishments Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, for a university in a small country, Dublin and TCD Professor of Haematology, competing internationally with much Prof Owen Smith; and Professor of Physics better-resourced and larger universities. at the Université de Perpignan Via Domitia, France, Yuri P. Kalmykov were announced * TCD was ranked 43rd in the world in the 2009 on Trinity Monday 2009. Times Higher Education-QS world university rankings In 2008/09, the Quality Office facilitated the quality reviews of the School of Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Languages, Literatures & Cultural Studies skills training and career options for Ph.D. (postponed from 2007/08), the School of graduates. This has formed the basis for Law, the School of History & Humanities, the ongoing development of the Trinity the School of Dental Science, the School Ph.D. of Social Sciences & Philosophy and the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical The Dublin Region Higher Education Science. The reports arising from these Alliance (DRHEA) project, funded under the reviews were generally positive and Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF2), involves provided constructive feedback to the TCD, UCD, DCU, NUIM, DIT and ITT. In June Schools on their teaching/learning, 2009, the DRHEA Collaborative Agreement, research and strategic planning activities. an inter-institutional agreement related to the development and delivery of advanced The academic year 2008/09 saw the disciplinary modules, was signed by all completion of year four of the second cycle university representatives. of academic reviews (2004-2011). Throughout the year, Trinity continued 1.3 Academic Year Structure to engage with the principal national A new academic structure was approved stakeholders involved in quality to come into effect from the 2009/10 assurance/quality improvement through academic year based on two twelve-week its participation in the activities of the teaching terms with a third term devoted to Irish Higher Education Network, the Irish assessment and end-of-year examinations. Universities Quality Board and the Irish In October 2008, the College’s Board Universities Association. approved a necessary amendment to the College Statues in the run up to the During the academic year 2008/09, a implementation of the new term structure paper was presented to the Graduate commencing in September 2009. Over Studies Committee and the University the course of the 2008/09 academic Council to define the Trinity Ph.D. Issues year, decisions affecting teaching and addressed included: the needs of students examining were taken by the University with disabilities; the division between Council. These included the designation Ph.D. and other types of doctorates; of the seventh week in each teaching term contribution to the development of as a study week, and the requirement Ireland’s economy and the relative that student workload, in the form of opportunities and challenges involved; ECTS credits, should be evenly distributed modes of thesis delivery and assessment; across both Michaelmas and Hilary terms. part-time Ph.D.s and lifelong learning issues; inter-institutional programmes and college activities
11 1.4 TCD/UCD Innovation it develops, it will include new facilities Alliance for pre-competitive research and design, prototyping and process innovation to help harness and commercialise new ideas, knowledge and inventions. It will also prioritise the establishment of a wider support framework of educational, legal, financial, technical, management and marketing capabilities and support needed to set good new business ideas on their way.
The Innovation Academy is the educational The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, Dr Hugh centrepiece of the Innovation Alliance. The Brady, President, UCD, Dr John Hegarty, Academy is a collaborative joint venture Provost, Trinity College and Mary Coughlan, in PhD education that builds on existing Tanáiste at the announcement of the TCD/UCD Innovation Alliance resources and synergies between the two institutions and recognises the need The TCD/UCD Innovation Alliance was for higher education to be a catalyst for announced in March 2009. The Innovation innovation in Ireland. Alliance is a partnership working with the education sector, the State and its The mission of the Academy is to develop agencies alongside the business and a new breed of creative graduate, expert venture capital communities to develop in their discipline, but with a thorough a world-class ecosystem for innovation understanding of how innovation can that will drive enterprise development in rapidly convert knowledge, ideas and Ireland. By forming the Innovation Alliance, inventions into products, services and the universities recognise a need to evolve policies for economic and social benefit. and play a powerful role within such an All of them will be trained to recognise ecosystem. the innovation potential of blue skies research, while some of them will become The Innovation Alliance has two major entrepreneurs. Innovation is regarded in components: its broadest sense of exploiting new ideas in a competitive world; not restricted to The TCD/UCD Joint Venture in Enterprise science, engineering, technology and Development aims to build on the business, but encompassing the creativity, universities’ existing technology transfer leadership, cultural and policy innovation operations and enterprise facilities. As of arts and humanities. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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12 Matters 2.1 Student Body 2.2 Admissions Statistics/ Representing every county in Ireland and Entrance Exhibitioners more than 110 nationalities, the College’s In 2008, Trinity attracted the second student population is also diverse in social highest proportion (11%) of first preference class and age. applications in the CAO system. The College continues to attract the highest In total, there were 16,215 registered number of academically-able students. undergraduate and postgraduate students A total of 55,589 pupils sat the Leaving in 2008/09. Of these, 80% were from Certificate in 2008. Of those that applied the Republic of Ireland, 11% from other to the CAO 1,744 achieved 545 points or EU countries, 4% from North or Central more and 29% of these students accepted America, 4% from other parts of the world a place in Trinity College. and 1% from other European (non-EU) countries. A total of 597 first-year students were awarded special ‘Entrance Exhibition The College is committed to increasing Awards’. The students receiving these the number of non-traditional students awards each achieved 545 points or higher admitted to undergraduate programmes, (more than 6 A2 grades) in their Leaving including those from socio-economically Certificate examination or equivalent disadvantaged backgrounds, and mature second level examination. The students students. In 2008/09 the College made represented 277 schools from all 32 further progress in achieving the goal counties in Ireland as well as from other EU of reserving 15% of CAO quotas for non- schools. traditional students when, in 2008, 14.5% of all CAO places were filled by non- 2.3 Scholarships traditional students. Fifty-three percent of Trinity Foundation and Non-Foundation the non-traditional students registered in Scholarships have long been a measure 2008 were mature students. of academic achievement. Undergraduate students, at the end of their second In May 2009, the University Council year (or third year in the case of medical approved the recommendations as set students), sit a special examination and out in the Access Plan 2009–2013, to only those who achieve first class honors increase the number of places reserved on are awarded a scholarship for a period of undergraduate courses for students from up to five years. In 2008/09, eighty-three under-represented groups from 15% to students were awarded these prestigious 22% of CAO new entrants by 2013. scholarships on Trinity Monday 2009. college activities
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Postgraduate Degree MSc Comparative European Politics MSc Finance MPhil Classics MPhil in Irish Film, Music and Theatre*** MPhil in Musicology and Music Theory *** MSc in Psychology (Applied Behaviour Analysis) MSc in Respiratory Physiotherapy*** School of Medicine students celebrate being awarded Scholarships on Trinity Monday 2009 *** Delivery of this programme was deferred until the academic year 2009/10. Recipients of the scholarships represented all faculties: Engagement with the Bologna process • Faculty of Arts, Humanities and continued. A College-wide project to draft Social Sciences (28); and publish formal statements of student • Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics learning outcomes for all undergraduate and Science (24); and postgraduate programmes got • Faculty of Health Sciences (25); underway in Michaelmas Term 2008 with • and Multi-Faculty (6). a view to being in use from the 2010/11 academic year. A report regarding the 2.4 The Curriculum – New establishment of joint programmes and Undergraduate and degrees was approved by the Academic Postgraduate Courses Council in June 2009. The award of a joint University of Dublin and Dublin Institute The College responded to the development of Technology BSc in Human Nutrition and of new knowledge within disciplines, Dietetics and its revised curriculum was as well as to the changing needs of also approved by the Council. students and emerging opportunities, and the following courses were initiated in 2.5 Commencements, Firsts 2008/09: and Gold Medal Awards Undergraduate A total of 3,986 degrees were conferred Degree (2,572 primary degrees and 1,414 higher BA Philosophy, Political Science, degrees) in 29 separate Commencement Economics and Sociology ceremonies in 2008. Four hundred and six Bachelor in Business Studies and a students received first class honors at the Language (Polish) degree examinations in 2008/09 and, of Bachelor in Business Studies and a these, 85 were awarded Gold Medals. Language (Spanish) Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Sir David Attenborough and Terry Pratchett, Second level students participating in the TAP two of the Honorary Degree recipients at Summer School 2009 the 2008 Winter Commencements with the University Chancellor Mary Robinson TAP owes its continued success to a network of highly productive partnerships Honorary conferring took place at the with schools, further education colleges, Commencement ceremonies on 15 families, students, Trinity staff, businesses, December 2008 and 13 July 2009. At the community groups and other Higher Winter Commencements, David Farrington, Education institutions, nationally and Dame Ann Dowling, Dame Jocelyn Bell internationally. Burnell, Sir David Attenborough and Terry Pratchett were honoured. Recipients TAP receives its funding from the Higher of honorary degrees at the Summer Education Authority through the Strategic Commencements were Janet Browne, Initiatives Fund, the Department of Robert Dunbar, Patrick Scott, Amartya Sen Education and Science and a number of and Fraser Stoddart. individual and corporate donors. These funds support the following initiatives: 2.6 Trinity Access Programmes The Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) are • The School and Community Outreach a range of initiatives aimed at increasing Links the participation rate at third level of • The Pre-University Preparation young adult and mature students from Courses: Young Adults and Mature under-represented socio-economic groups. Students, TCD The programmes were established as • The Partnership Courses in Liberal part of an overall strategy to address low Arts: TCD and City of Dublin progression rates to third level by students Vocational Education Committee in particular socio-economic groups and Colleges (CDVEC) are an illustration of the College’s social mission in action. college activities
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• The Post Entry Progression The Provost’s Teaching Awards are Programme the College’s principal means of • Research and Evaluation. acknowledging those academic staff who have made an outstanding contribution in There were 138 admissions to Trinity the pursuit of teaching excellence in the College through the Trinity Access College and who promote teaching as a Programmes in 2008/09. scholarly activity.
Linking with over 40 primary and Recipients in 2008/09 were Dr Deirdre second-level schools which have little Connolly, lecturer in Occupational Therapy or no tradition of progression to third- in the School of Medicine and Dr Patrick level, TAP, with the assistance of some Geoghegan, lecturer in History in the 30 College departments, enabled over School of Histories and Humanities. 4,000 students, parents and teachers to Dr Gareth Bennett, Mechanical & participate in on-campus activities during Manufacturing Engineering lecturer in 2008/09, such as the Maths and Science the School of Engineering received the Scholars Programme for 6th class pupils, Early Teaching Award and Prof John W. the Med Day for Junior Cycle students, and O’Hagan, lecturer in Economics in the Summer Schools. School of Social Sciences and Philosophy was presented with the Provost’s Teaching 2.7 Provost’s Teaching Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. All recipients were recognised for their dedication and commitment to teaching and learning excellence.
Dr Gareth Bennett, School of Engineering, Prof John W. O’Hagan, School of Social Sciences & Philosophy, Dr Deirdre Connolly, School of Medicine and Dr Patrick Geoghegan, School of Histories and Humanities, recipients of the Provost’s Teaching Awards 2009 Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 3. the Student Experience 16 The ‘Trinity Experience’ extends the Counselling Services; and the College’s beyond the curriculum to a rich first Family Fun Day was hosted by the tapestry of student clubs and Department of Sport and Recreation and supported by the College Equality Fund. societies that equip students for a life of leadership and civic participation. The tutorial service for students also contributes to the personal ethos. Education at Trinity is distinctive in being research-led, balanced and student-centred.
3.1 Student Support Services At the heart of all the College’s activities is the commitment to the 3.2 Student Achievements intellectual and personal development During the academic year 2008/09, of all of its students. To enhance the students and student societies were student experience, Student Support successful in many areas. At the National Services offer a comprehensive range Irish College Awards in May 2009, The of administrative and support services Philosophical Society won the ‘Best including Accommodation and Catering, Event in a Large College Award’ and the Student Health Centre, Counselling Mark Atkinson from Trinity Players was Services, the Chaplaincy, Careers Advisory presented with the ‘Best Fresher in a Large Service, the College Day Nursery and College Award’. Trinity was also strongly the Sports and Recreation Department. represented in a range of other award These services ensure that the welfare categories honouring the students’ effort. of students and their social, cultural and During the year The Philosophical Society emotional development are provided for (The Phil) and The Historical Society (The and managed in a balanced and holistic Hist) included among their guests John manner. Banville, Hon John Negroponte, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, Tommy Hillfiger, Dolores Among the new initiatives in 2008/09 O’Riordan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Salman were the introduction of two major new Rushdie, Patrick Stewart, Bertie Ahern and programmes: Appetite for Life – Prevention Archbishop Desmond Tutu. of Eating Disorders, and Calm Self-Help – for Depression, Anxiety, Stress Insomnia by college activities
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John Gallagher and Andrea Mulligan of The upon Trinity’s reputation as a sporting Historical Society were the winning team university. of the Irish Times Debating competition in February 2009. The competition, The inaugural Trinity College Dublin which is Ireland’s biggest and most Shakespeare Festival, organised by DU prestigious debating contest, had over 300 Players, was held in June 2009 during participants from colleges in the Republic which professional actors from the British and Northern Ireland. Shakespeare Company and amateur actors from the Dublin Shakespeare Company, The Dublin University Ladies Boat Club TCD, UCD, and NUIM came together to won the senior women’s eight boat race perform plays that were either written or at the 111th Trinity College Regatta which influenced by William Shakespeare. Many was held in April 2009. The annual of these performances were in the open air Trinity Regatta, which is one of the main at specially chosen locations around the highlights in the College’s sport calendar, campus. is hosted by TCD and the Dublin University Boat Club and competitors include Three TCD students, Hugh Hackett, intervarsity rowing teams and other Irish Séamus McManus and Ciarán Gallagher, Amateur Rowing Union (IARU) clubs from were selected for the Washington around Ireland. Ireland Programme allowing them an opportunity to immerse themselves in the The first Knights and Heraeans’ sports new administration of President Barack day which was conceived to encourage Obama. The programme is designed to students to try a new sport took place give students a rich insight into America’s during Trinity Week. The event saw twenty professional and social culture through sports clubs come together to raise a two-month internship and an intensive student participation in sport and build training course in leadership and service. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Third year students from the School of TCD Computer Science postgraduate Computer Science and Statistics, Aidan student, Conor Gaffney won the Irish Lynch, Eoin O’Brien, Ross McMahon and Software Association Student Medal in Maria Francesca O’Connor were awarded November 2008 which is awarded for first prize in the Irish Microsoft Imagine the most commercially viable piece of Cup Competition in May 2009. The Trinity research. students were one of twelve teams which made it to the competition final out of a total of 550 entries from third level institutions throughout Ireland. The Imagine Cup competition encourages young people to apply their imagination, their passion and their creativity to technology innovations that can make a difference in the world today.
Trinity Business Economic and Social Studies students, Anne Byrne and Nathalie Ennis, were the winners of the Accenture Leaders of Tomorrow ‘Best Technology Enabled Solution’ Award held in March 2009. college activities
19 Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 4. Research Activities 20 4.1 Research Themes 4.2 Research Funding Trinity’s research strategy encompasses In 2008/09, Trinity was extremely all major academic disciplines and is successful in securing funding for research committed to world-class research activities. Income to support all research activities in key areas across science, activities reached a level of €89.7 million engineering, social sciences, medicine and for the year, representing a 26% increase the arts. The College’s strategic focus is on on the 2007/08 figure of €71.1 million. five key areas – European & International The contribution to indirect costs from Integration, Culture & Creative Arts, research activity, however, continues to Materials & Intelligent Systems, be below the full economic cost of hosting Biosciences & Translational Research the research resulting in the core budget and Transport, Energy & Environment. In cross-subsidising research activity. This each of these areas Trinity has significant position is not sustainable. research activities, linked nationally and internationally, building on a cornerstone Over the last number of years, there of inter-disciplinarity to deliver research of has been a shift in sources of research global consequence. funds away from EU/foreign sources to Irish sources largely driven by Science Engaging with TCD on research matters Foundation Ireland and HEA-funded takes place on many levels: the College PRTLI initiatives. There were 1,755 active has significant research partnerships with research accounts and research activity multinational and indigenous industry; supported 1,804 individuals, including 663 it operates a unique ‘researchers in postgraduate students, in 2008/09. residence’ programme to embed partners at the heart of collaborative research Source of Research Year ended projects; with the Science Gallery, Trinity is Activity (Income) Funding 30 Sept opening a window to the world of research 2009 in its broadest sense, fostering curiosity, Science Foundation Ireland 42% stimulating debate and engaging the Enterprise Ireland/ 4% minds of tomorrow’s investigators; through Bioresearch Ireland/PATS its policy of Creativity in the Community – Higher Education Authority 5% at local, national and global levels - Trinity Commission of the 9% is committed to delivering world class European Communities research for societal benefit. Others 40% college activities
21 4.3 Trinity College’s New Trinity International Development Research Initiatives Initiative The Trinity International Development Trinity spearheads several major national Initiative (TIDI), an initiative promoting longitudinal studies, including children’s research and teaching in international research and ageing, and activities in development at TCD was launched in nanoscience and telecommunications February 2009. As part of the initiative, research supported by Science Foundation a Doctoral Training for Development in Ireland centres of excellence on campus. Africa Programme was also launched. The The Trinity Academic Medical Centre which flagship project within this Programme is is at the planning stage aims to combine the International Doctoral School in Global best practice in patient care with cutting Health (Indigo). International development edge research and teaching in a single is not a separate discipline but one with governance model based on world-leading relevance to numerous schools across all healthcare centres. Similarly, TCD’s major three faculties of the university. TIDI is research institutes and centres in areas thus a College-wide initiative to coordinate such as neuroscience, globalisation, and pool resources and where appropriate immunology, molecular medicine and the exploit synergies. Trinity Long Room Hub for the arts and humanities are firmly established among the international leaders in their fields. Flow Cytometry Facility A €850,000 state-of-the-art Flow Trinity is actively involved in significant Cytometry Facility which will benefit national collaborative research ventures cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and such as the National Digital Research asthma-related research, was launched in Centre (NDRC), Molecular Medicine January 2009 at the Institute of Molecular Ireland (MMI) and the National Institute Medicine (IMM) at St James’s Hospital. The for Bioprocessing Research and Training SFI-funded facility will enable precision (NIBRT). analysis and isolation of cell samples towards the development of treatments In addition to Trinity College’s ongoing and cures for a range of conditions. As interdisciplinary research initiatives in well as being used by clinicians in St. these areas, the following new projects James’s and associated hospitals, the new were among those launched during instruments at this facility will be available 2008/09: for use by external academics, industrial scientists and other researchers involved in analysing disease processes. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
22 4.4 Research Links with Other Alzheimer’s Disease and Institutions neurodegeneration and is supported by IDA Ireland, the new strategic agreement Among the research links with other will enable joint research projects and the institutions formed during the 2008/09 sharing of expertise in new domains. A first academic year were: for both organisations, and the first of its kind in a European context, the agreement INSPIRE – National Nanoscience provides a framework for engagement Consortium wherein the parties can openly explore A €31.6 million national nanoscience collaborative research potential, synergies consortium – INSPIRE (Integrated and partnership strategies of mutual NanoScience Platform for Ireland) – benefit. Importantly, it facilitates the comprising ten third level institutions was exchange of students and staff between launched in October 2008 by the Minister the organisations and allows both for Science, Technology and Innovation, organisations to tap into the strengths Dr Jimmy Devins, at an event hosted of the other to lever expertise into future by consortium partner, TCD’s Centre for collaborations. Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN). This was the Top Irish Universities and NGOs largest funding allocation awarded to a Awarded $900,000 in bid to tackle consortium under HEA PRTLI 4. Challenges in Global Sustainable Development TCD and GlaxoSmithKline Announce TCD and UCD, in partnership with the First European Strategic Framework for University of Rwanda, Trócaire, the Ethical Collaboration Globalisation Initiative, and Kimmage An innovative collaborative framework Development Centre, were awarded between Trinity and the pharmaceutical $900,000 (€640,000) by the MacArthur company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) was Foundation, one of the largest independent put in place by Trinity’s Provost, Dr John foundations in the United States, to Hegarty and Eddie Gray, President of GSK establish Ireland as the European Hub Pharmaceuticals Europe at a signature for the provision of Development Practice ceremony in December 2008 in Trinity in Education and Training. the presence of the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, The award is part of an $8 million Mary Coughlan. worldwide initiative by the MacArthur Foundation to tackle the challenges in Building on a research partnership global sustainable development. The between TCD and GSK which targets college activities
23 joint Irish entry was selected from more Trinity-led Consortium in Global Health than 70 proposals worldwide. The award, Launched announced in July 2009, will be used to EquitAble, a Trinity led international create a joint UCD-TCD Masters Degree in consortium in global health, funded by a Development Practice which will train the grant of €2.7 million from the European next generation of development experts Commission Research Framework and provide them with the knowledge and Programme 7, has started a four-year skills required to tackle the challenges interdisciplinary research programme on of global poverty and environmental ‘Enabling universal and equitable access sustainability. to healthcare for vulnerable people in resource poor settings in Africa’. The TCD & UCD Sign Agreement with consortium, led by Associate Professor of Silicon Valley Irish Technology Psychology, Mac MacLachlan and managed Leadership Group by Dr Hasheem Mannan of the Centre for In June 2009 the TCD/UCD Innovation Global Health and School of Psychology Alliance signed a transatlantic along with Trinity co-investigator Eilish collaboration agreement with the Silicon Mc Auliffe also of the Centre for Global Valley-based Irish Technology Leadership Health and School of Medicine, was Group (ITLG) to drive innovation and create launched by the Minister of Health in new business on the island of Ireland. Khartoum in April 2009.
This unique Ireland-US partnership will TCD and University of Missouri’s see ITLG working with the universities Schools of Education Form Research to advance the Innovation Alliance’s Partnership goals. ITLG will contribute their expertise The Schools of Education in Trinity and the to enhance the training of students University of Missouri (MU) established participating in the TCD/UCD Innovation a new research partnership, which will Academy and help grow the number of enable their respective institutions to new, quality business spin-outs from the build collaborative and complementary Alliance. In addition, Irish Technology strengths. The primary focus of this Capital (ITC), a sister organisation of ITLG, collaboration concerns teaching and will help to drive venture capital funding in research; however the relationship will Ireland. also enable students of TCD and MU an opportunity to study abroad and discover common interests with their international counterparts. The Schools of Education in both institutions are engaged in research Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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in a wide range of areas related to the Professor of Population Genetics at TCD’s study of education and both have common Smurfit Institute of Genetics; Prof Tony interests in areas such as maths and Kavanagh, Professor of Molecular Genetics science education, assessment, inclusive at TCD’s Smurfit Institute of Genetics; education, leadership and management, Prof Marina Lynch, Professor of Cellular and information and technology. Neuroscience and Director of the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience; Prof 4.5 Scholarship and Award Damien McManus, Chair of Early Irish at Success for TCD’s the School of Languages, Literatures and Researchers Cultural Studies; Prof Kevin O’Rourke, Trinity staff members continued to excel Professor of Economics at the School in research achievements and received of Social Sciences and Philosophy; and national and international distinction. Prof David Taylor, Professor of Materials Awards received by Trinity researchers Engineering at the School of Engineering. include: A total of €4.5m in funding was secured by five TCD research projects under the Science Foundation Ireland Principal Investigator Programme in July 2009. The successful groundbreaking research projects were led by Prof Seamus Martin at the School of Genetics and Microbiology; Prof Vincent Wade and Dr Owen Conlan at the School of Computer Science and Statistics; Professor in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Anil Kokaram at the School of Engineering ; Dr Wolfgang New RIA members Prof Daniel Bradley, Prof Schmitt at the School of Chemistry; and Tony Kavanagh, Prof Damien McManus, Prof Prof Jay Hinton, Stokes Professor of Marina Lynch, Prof David Taylor and Prof Kevin O’Rourke with RIA President Prof Nicholas Microbial Pathogenesis at the School of Canny (third from left) Genetics and Microbiology.
The Royal Irish Academy enrolled six TCD Prof Orla Hardiman, HRB Clinician academics as new members in 2009, Scientist, Consultant Neurologist at marking the highest representation of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and Clinical academics from any one university. The Professor of Neurology at Trinity, was new members were: Prof Daniel Bradley, awarded with the prestigious Sheila college activities
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Essey Award by the American Academy of Professor of Psychiatry, Harald Hampel and Neurology in April 2009 in recognition of his research group at the Trinity College her research into Motor Neuron Disease. Institute of Neuroscience and the Adelaide Prof Hardiman and her team made and Meath Hospital, incorporating the significant discoveries into the genes National Children’s Hospital at Tallaght, that cause neurodegeneration thereby were allocated €1 million in funding facilitating the development of new in April 2009 from Science Foundation treatments for the disease. Ireland to research human memory and Alzheimer’s disease. The group Prof Poul Holm, Academic Director of the established a major international research Trinity Long Room Hub and global principal programme to develop innovative imaging investigator of the History of Marine technology for the early detection and Animal Populations project, was granted prediction of Alzheimer’s disease, the $620,000 by the A.P. Sloan Foundation in results of which are expected to pave the June 2009 to support the final 18 months way for neuroimaging based diagnostic work of this 10-year research study, markers for the early diagnosis of culminating in a global release on the Alzheimer’s disease. environmental history of the oceans by the end of 2010 in connection with a final The Irish Economy blog, founded by conference to be held at Trinity. Philip Lane, Professor of International Macroeconomics won the best specialist In December 2008, Prof Holm was blog category at the Irish Blog Awards appointed Knight of the Danish Order 2009. The blog provides economic of Dannebrog by the Danish Queen analysis by Prof Lane and features in recognition of his contributions contributions from members in Economics to universities and scholarship with in the School of Social Sciences and specific reference to research in marine Philosophy and the School of Business, environmental history. in addition to economists from a range of Irish universities and research institutes. In 2009, Mary Keating, School of Business, and her fellow authors of Professor of International Financial ‘Culture and Leadership across the World’, Economics and Development, Patrick were awarded the 2008 Ursula Gielen Honohan, was appointed Governor of the Global Psychology Award given by the Central Bank by the Minister for Finance in American Psychological Association to the September 2009. Prof Honohan is the first research that makes the most significant academic to hold this post. contribution to psychology as a global discipline. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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The Irish Research Council for Humanities Science and Statistics also received and Social Sciences (IRCHSS) awarded funding from the Trinity Long Room Hub Trinity researchers 29 Postgraduate Murphy Innovation Fund to modify cutting- Research Scholarships, nine Postdoctoral edge IBM software, creating a shared Fellowships and two Senior Research editing environment and a customised Fellowship Project Grants. The Irish set of data rules and libraries for the 1641 Research Council for Science, Engineering Depositions. and Technology (IRCSET) awarded Trinity researchers 40 Embark Initiative In January 2009 Dr Sarah O’Donnell along Postgraduate Scholarships, three with her colleagues in clinical medicine, Dr INSPIRE Postdoctoral Fellowships and Orlaith Kelly and Dr Mary Shuhaibar, were ten EMPOWER Government of Ireland awarded first prize at the 10th European Postdoctoral Fellowships. Bridging Meeting in Gastroenterology for their research into the rare disease Prof Marek Radomski, Chair of Eosinophilc Esophagitis. TCD researchers Pharmacology and Head of the School Dr Anthony O’Connor and Dr Chun Seng of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Lee were also awarded third prize at the Sciences, was conferred with an honorary meeting for their work into the infection doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) from Clostridium Difficile. the Complutense University Madrid in Spain in May 2009 in recognition of his Dr Charles Holland, Fellow Emeritus research work on nitric oxide, matrix at the School of Natural Sciences, was metalloproteinases and, more recently, awarded the 2008 Lapworth Medal of the nanopharmacology and nanotoxicology. Palaeontological Association. The medal is awarded to palaeontologists who have Dr Micheál Ó Siochrú, School of Histories made an outstanding contribution to the and Humanities and colleagues in science through research. Nottingham Trent University and Cambridge were awarded IRCHSS funding Prof Sylvia Draper, School of Chemistry, for a programme of network activities, was presented with an Award for involving leading scholars from Ireland, Excellence in Teaching in Higher Britain and the US, to plan the publication Education by the National Academy for of a new and authoritative four-volume the Integration of Research & Teaching collection of Oliver Cromwell’s Letters and & Learning (NAIRTL). The awards Speeches, along with ancillary material, for honour exemplary teachers who are also Oxford University Press. Dr Ó Siochrú and innovative researchers in higher education Prof Vincent Wade, School of Computer in Ireland. college activities
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Dr Prerna Tewari and Dr Martin Barr, Chancellor of the University, Dr Mary Postdoctoral Research Fellows in St Robinson, was presented with the Medal James’s Hospital, were amongst four of Freedom, America’s highest civilian winners chosen by an international honour, by President Barack Obama at a judging panel at the 4th All-Ireland Cancer ceremony in the White House in August Conference in December 2008. 2009. The Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially Prof Yurii Gun’ko, School of Chemistry, was meritorious contribution to the security the winner of one of Enterprise Ireland’s or national interests of the United States, Industrial Technologies Commercialisation world peace, cultural or other significant Awards in November 2008. The awards public or private endeavours. demonstrate how research carried out at Irish third-level institutions is informing Among the peer reviewed papers in and innovating enterprise. scientific journals authored by TCD Researchers were: The Zoological Museum in the School of Natural Sciences won the Highly TCD Scientists Discover Original Commended Award in the category of Human Specific Genes ‘Best Collections Care Project’ in the 2009 Six million years since we shared a Museum of the Year Awards. The museum common ancestor with the chimpanzee, contains a collection of over 20,000 researchers at Trinity have made the first specimens and dates back over 200 years. discovery of original human-specific genes. The DNA of human and chimpanzee is 99% Trinity College’s Science Gallery, in its identical. The small genetic differences opening year, won the category for the between humans and chimpanzees have “best use of technology in education” at profound consequences and a major role the national ICT Excellence Awards in May in determining what it is to be human. TCD 2009. It also took the Irish Times Living scientists, Dr David Gonzalez Knowles Dublin Award in the Culture and Tourism and Dr Aoife McLysaght of the School category in December 2008 for its ground of Genetics and Microbiology and the breaking exhibition TechnoThreads, which Smurfit Institute of Genetics have now explored the connections between science identified for the first time human specific and fashion and examined how fashion genes that originated during the evolution designers are incorporating developments of humans following the separation in science, technology and engineering from chimpanzees. These findings were into their work. published online in Genome Research in September 2009. This research was supported by a SFI President of Ireland Young Researcher Award. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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TCD Scientists Make Vaccine TCD Scientists’ Discovery Improves Breakthrough Understanding of the Development Trinity scientists discovered a brand new of Autoimmune Diseases such as protein in the immune system which if Multiple Sclerosis targeted has the potential of developing Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis more effective vaccines. The research and diabetes patients could benefit from a team, led by Professor of Biochemistry, research discovery at Trinity. Professor of Luke O’Neill in the School of Biochemistry Experimental Immunology, Kingston Mills and Immunology, found a protein which and his research team in the School of they named TAG. TAG limits a key process Biochemistry and Immunology discovered in the body that is needed for vaccines to new information on how autoimmune work. If a way is devised to interfere with diseases such as those mentioned TAG, experimental vaccines may be able above, develop. The research found that to be boosted for diseases such as HIV the source of a particular messenger and malaria. In May 2009 the findings molecule (in technical terms this molecule were published online in the world leading is a cytokine called IL-17) which is the Immunology journal, Nature Immunology. major cause of cellular inflammation was produced by a heretofore unsuspected Trinity Scientists Make Break Through group of cells. These cells called gamma in Eczema delta T cells orchestrate the inflammatory An international collaboration between process. Autoimmune and chronic Trinity scientists and researchers in inflammatory diseases affect 20% of the Scotland and Japan has developed a new population worldwide. The research, animal model that reproduces a major funded by SFI and the Health Research genetic cause of human eczema. The Board, was published in August 2009 in TCD team was led by Prof Padraic Fallon, the Cell press journal, Immunity. SFI Stokes Professor of Translational Immunology at the Institute of Molecular New Findings Shed Light on Cause of Medicine and School of Medicine. This Cerebral Malaria that Kills 1 Million new discovery which has the potential African Children Each Year of assisting the development of new A novel pathway that may contribute therapies in the treatment of the disease to the high mortality associated with was published online in the leading severe malaria in African children has international journal Nature Genetics in been identified by researchers from an April 2009. international collaborative study led by Dr James O’ Donnell, Director of the Haemostasis Research Group at Trinity college activities
29 and St James’s Hospital. The research, Important Breakthrough in published in the prestigious publication Understanding of Human Immune PLoS Pathogen in August 2009, was Response that has Implications for funded by the Wellcome Trust and Science the Treatment of Asthma and other Foundation Ireland. Allergies TCD scientists made an important New Discovery about Salmonella Gene breakthrough in the understanding of a Control Could Help to Develop New protein within the human immune system Ways to Kill Bacteria which has the potential of impacting on Scientists from Ireland, the UK and future therapies for allergies and other Germany discovered a new type of gene immune conditions. The Trinity research regulation in Salmonella that gives group, led by Smurfit Professor of Medical new insight into the causes of bacterial Genetics, Prof Seamus Martin, published infection. The discovery of this new their findings in the internationally mechanism of gene regulation could renowned peer-reviewed Cell Press journal, eventually lead to the development of Immunity in July 2009. Prof Martin’s team, innovative therapies and reduce the along with another Trinity research group levels of disease caused by Salmonella. led by Dr Ed Lavelle, made an important Salmonella causes food poisoning and kills breakthrough in understanding the around 1 million people worldwide every mechanism of action of the protein, IL- year. The research findings by scientists 33, a protein involved in driving immune from TCD led by Prof Jay Hinton, Stokes responses that are frequently associated Professor of Microbial Pathogenesis, the with asthma and allergic reactions. Institute of Food Research in the UK and the Max Planck Institute for Infection Researchers Contribute to New Biology were published in the journal Findings on the Genetics of Nature Structural & Molecular Biology in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder July 2009. New evidence suggests that many common DNA variants contribute to a person’s risk of schizophrenia, a common mental disorder affecting about one in a hundred of the adult Irish population. Surprisingly, many of the same DNA variants also appear to be involved in bipolar disorder. The findings, reported by the International Schizophrenia Consortium were published online in the journal Nature in July 2009. Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Dr Aiden Corvin, Head of the Psychosis Hegner’s research shows a more efficient Research Group at Trinity College was a co- and practical system in detecting the author of the paper. viruses by using micro-sized cantilevers to directly detect viruses binding to Low levels of Vitamin B12 Increase membrane proteins. Risk of Spina Bifida Children born to women who have low Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Benefit blood levels of vitamin B12 shortly before Cancer Patients Undergoing Major and after conception have an increased Operations risk of neural tube defects such as spina New research from Trinity published in bifida. The new findings by researchers at Annals of Surgery in April 2009 points to Trinity, the Health Research Board and the a potentially significant advance in the National Institutes of Health in the USA, treatment of patients undergoing major were published in the March 2009 issue cancer surgery. The study was carried out of Pediatrics. TCD researchers were first by the oesophageal research group at TCD author Dr Anne Molloy, School of Medicine and St James’s Hospital. A randomised and co-author Prof John Scott, School of controlled trial showed omega-3 fatty Biochemistry and Immunology. acids given as part of an oral nutritional supplement resulted in the preservation New Research Identifies Faster of muscle mass in patients undergoing Detection of Viruses surgery for oesophageal cancer, a A more specific and faster detection of procedure normally associated with viruses has been identified in new research significant weight loss and quality of life by Professor of Physics, Martin Hegner issues. The trial was designed by Prof John at TCD’s Centre of Research on Adaptive V Reynolds, Professor of Surgery at TCD Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) and St James’s Hospital and Dr Aoife Ryan, and an international team of researchers. a research dietician at St James’s Hospital. The findings were published online in Nature News in February 2009 and in the New Discovery on Polymer Physics has international peer-reviewed journal Nature Major Significance for Nanotechnology Nanotechnology the following month. Industry A new discovery concerning polymer Viruses can now be detected in fluids and physics by scientists at Trinity College their detection is of major importance in and the University of Illinois may have medical diagnostics. However, despite major implications for manufacturing these recent advances, current assays are processes in nanotechnology. The research time consuming and labour intensive. Prof which was published in Science Express, college activities
31 the online version of the internationally renowned journal Science in October 2009 was led by Dr Graham Cross, School of Physics and CRANN and Prof William King of the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign. The results shed new light on the mechanism of polymer flow at the nanometre scale. 32 college activities
5. Innovation and Commercialisation 33 Trinity Research & Innovation 5.2 Entrepreneurship and (TR&I) actively supports Trinity’s Innovation wider research portfolio. The The Entrepreneurship Section supported unit promotes and manages 45 postgraduates and researchers onto the the interface between TCD Entrepreneurship Programme. researchers, funding agencies and industry. The Trinity Innovation Award was presented to Intel Ireland, led by Jim O’Hara, to celebrate 20 successful years It is also responsible for managing TCD’s in Ireland and to recognise the many Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer successful collaborations with Trinity over and Innovation, Commercialisation and the past 20 years. Entrepreneurship. In line with the Irish National Development Plan and the College’s Strategic Plan, Trinity Research & Innovation seeks to promote the successful exploitation of new ideas incorporating new technologies. Trinity Research & Innovation facilitates the interactions between the university, external agencies and industry, through four divisions: Research Development, Contracts, Technology Transfer and Entrepreneurship.
5.1 Research Funding and Intellectual Property In the course of the 2008/09 academic year, the Research Development Section processed a total of 1,370 research and funding applications while the Contracts Section processed a total of 546 contracts entered into by TCD valued at over €109 million. The Technology Transfer Section was responsible for filing 23 patents, five commercialisation licences and four spin-out companies (10 companies in the calendar year 2009). Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 6. Human Resources 34 Trinity’s Human Resource for improved responsiveness, alignment function, the Staff Office, with College priorities, efficiency and supports the College in achieving effectiveness for all support service areas. its strategic goals through the 6.1 Recruitment recruitment, retention and During the 2008/09 academic year, development of excellent people. 102 new and replacement academic To ensure the efficient delivery appointments were made – seven of whom of these services the Staff Office were to Professorial Chairs, four were to is structured into four main Associate Professorships, one to Senior areas, namely Recruitment, Lectureship, six to Lecturer/Registrars Staff Planning and Payroll, Staff and 84 to Lectureships. Of these, 90 Relations and Staff Development. recruitment competitions were in progress prior to the announcement of the HEA’s 2008/09 marked the beginning of a embargo on recruitment on 1 April 2009. period of significant transformation for the Staff Office. As one of the areas In total 1,625 contracts were issued, the most exposed to changes in the external majority of which were to researchers environment, the Staff Office has been funded from non-exchequer funds not in the frontline of implementing a series covered by the embargo. In addition 68 of significant changes mandated under hosting agreements and 16 work permits the Government’s restructuring efforts to were issued to visiting staff from overseas control the public finances. who contributed to research and teaching.
Under the auspices of the IUA Employment As part of the College’s drive to streamline Control Framework it was agreed that both processes to improve efficiency an academic and administrative, support and eRecruitment solution was implemented technical headcounts would be reduced which will significantly reduce the volume by 3% relative to the HEA December 2008 of paper and improves processing times for figure by the end of 2009. This change has recruitment competitions. impacted all areas of the Staff Office as it has sought to balance the College’s growth 6.2 Equality plans with government directives to reduce Equality monitoring at recruitment stage centrally funded headcounts. was implemented with the collection and analysis of data on the diversity profile In parallel, the College’s new Strategic of applicants gathered through the online Plan has resulted in ambitious objectives Equality Monitoring Form. The Equality college activities
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Officer and Staff Office continued to work the barriers that have been identified proactively with the College’s Equality to retaining, advancing, and returning Committee and other groups to help to these fields. These efforts included ensure a supportive work environment establishing a mentoring programme, necessary for the promotion of the introducing career development employment of people with disabilities programmes, peer-support academic and to providing equal participation writing groups and networking events. In and career development across all nine addition WiSER provided an Irish gender equality grounds. These efforts included expert for the European Commission Group the supply of management information, a on Women and Science. dignity and respect awareness programme for staff and students, and culminated in a number of College-wide events including Celebrating Age Diversity week, Challenging Stereotypes Intervarsity Creative Competition 2009, International Women’s Week, in addition to the activities of the College Parental Group, the IUA Equality Network and the College Equality Fund initiatives.
The Equality Fund programme, established in 2007 by the Equality Committee, selected 13 staff and student projects in 2008 under a variety of themes such as ‘the inclusive college community’, ‘challenging stereotypes’ or ‘family focus’ aimed at promoting diversity in all College areas.
The Centre for Women in Science and Engineering Research (WiSER) aims to increase female representation in science and engineering research in Trinity. The programme for 2008/09 was designed to work with women researchers in science, engineering and technology, addressing Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 7. Capital Development Programme 36 Key capital developments during suites and a seminar room. There are also the 2008/09 academic year workstations for up to 30 postgraduate include the ongoing construction research/ PhD students working on leading edge audio and video workstations of the Biosciences Development using multiple software ‘platforms’. on Pearse Street, the Trinity Long Room Hub, and the acquisition of Sir Patrick Dun Research Laboratory Phoenix House in South Leinster Also funded under the Higher Education Street which is to be refurbished Authority Research Facilities Enhancement for academic use. Scheme, the refurbishment of the Sir Patrick Dun Translational Research 7.1 Completed Projects Laboratory at the Trinity Centre, St James’s Hospital, was completed. The newly The Arts Technology Research refurbished laboratory provides state-of- Laboratory the-art facilities to accommodate research into cancer, infection, immune deficiency A cutting-edge arts and technology and metabolic disorders. research facility was opened by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, The refurbishment will further facilitate Martin Cullen in April 2009. The Arts interdisciplinary research at the highest Technology Research Laboratory (ATRL) level for scientists and clinicians. With will bring together film, video, music, the aid of the facility and its advanced sound production, theatre, dance, live technology it is intended that the art and installation in a state-of-the-art important research carried out by Trinity’s digital environment for the purpose of clinicians and scientists may be translated interdisciplinary postgraduate research. more rapidly into clinically effective The facility, developed by the School of management strategies for patients. Drama, Film and Music, is situated in the Trinity Technology and Enterprise Campus on Pearse Street. Trinity Genome Sequencing Laboratory Ireland’s first Genome Sequencing Laboratory based in Trinity’s Institute The 650 sq.m. facility funded through the of Molecular Medicine was opened by support of the HEA Facilities Enhancement the Minister for Science, Technology & Scheme 2008 houses a multi-purpose Innovation, Conor Lenihan T.D. in June and multi-media auditorium/theatre for 2009. The SFI funded new laboratory will performance, recording, installations, enable research into psychiatric disorders, lectures, symposia, a sound ‘live’ recording infectious diseases and cancer that has studio, two post-production digital editing college activities
37 potential to improve patient care. The new accommodation in New Square; planning Trinity Genome Sequencing Laboratory work for the proposed Students’ Centre houses an Illumina Genome Analyzer II, in Luce Hall and the cobble reduction the first ‘next generation DNA sequencing’ programme in Front Square to enable platform to be set up in Ireland. This new universal access; grounds improvement technology allows scientists to undertake projects; the creation of facilities for studies in molecular biology and genetics SFI researchers; the refurbishment of research that were previously not existing facilities at 15/16 Westland Row, technically or economically feasible. the Moyne Institute, Dunlop Oriel House, and the Trinity Technology and Enterprise The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing Campus. New Health Assessment Centre The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, 7.2 Construction Projects opened The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) Health Assessment Centre The Biosciences Development at Trinity College in May 2009. TILDA is a study of a representative cohort of 8,000 Irish people over the age of 50, charting their health, social and economic circumstances over a 10-year period. The study is being carried out by Trinity in collaboration with an interdisciplinary panel of scientific researchers, with expertise in various fields of ageing, from the Dundalk Institute of Technology, the Economic and Social Research Institute, Biosciences Development the National University of Ireland Galway, the Royal College of Surgeons in The Biosciences Development is the most Ireland, University College Cork, University ambitious construction project in Trinity’s College Dublin and Waterford Institute of history. This site, between Cumberland Technology. Street and Sandwith Street, which was previously used as a surface car park, is In addition, other capital projects being redeveloped to provide a mixed undertaken include the refurbishment of development of academic and commercial the Pavilion to provide universal access, space of over 30,000 sq.m.. a Club Room and modern facilities; the start of a project to refurbish residential Several defined centres - a Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, a Centre for Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Bioengineering and Medical Device around the Trinity Long Room Hub and Technologies, an Immunology Research assist towards a goal of doubling the Centre - and medical teaching facilities number of postgraduate students by will be located in the building. The 2012. The building will provide physical academic space will facilitate the accommodation for a Reading Room, relocation of certain disciplines to Visiting Researchers’ rooms, a Knowledge purpose built accommodation. The Exchange, a Video Conferencing suite and commercial space will include shops, office a Digitisation area. accommodation and laboratory space. The development adjoins Pearse Railway Wellcome Trust-HRB Clinical Research Station and the design incorporates a Facility new entrance to the Station. This project In 2009 the tripartite agreement between started on site early in August 2008 and is TCD, Wellcome Trust and St. James’s due to be completed in early 2011. Hospital allowed for the construction of This development will build on Trinity’s the Clinical Research Facility at St. James’s leadership position in immunology, Hospital. Building Tenders have been neuroscience and cancer to bring Ireland to received and the preferred contractor is the frontiers of research benefiting human expected to start on site in the Summer/ health and society. Autumn of 2010. The 10 bed facility will be some 1,300 sq.m. and will include Trinity Long Room Hub special clinical research areas for exercise Construction of the Trinity Long Room physiology, neurophysiology and gene and Hub commenced in 2009. This initiative molecular therapies. It will be adjacent to will facilitate the College’s strategic the HRB funded three Tesla MRI (Centre for development of research in the Arts, Advanced Medical Imaging) and the TCD Humanities and Social Sciences through Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, which the full exploitation of the College’s is being funded by the Baggot Street Trust outstanding research collections and will be co-located in the same building. the creation of a community of scholars The facility is expected to open in late across a range of disciplines. It will seek 2011. to answer questions about human identity in global contexts, focusing research 7.3 Energy Conservation energies and thereby helping to realise the Trinity consumed over 34.4 million kWh creative potential of Trinity College as a of electricity and over 35.5 million kWh great national and international institution. of natural gas and oil during 2008/09. This modest growth from the previous The new physical space will allow the academic year is a consequence of the full creation of a ‘living community of scholars’ college activities
39 occupancy of the newer buildings located buildings were examined, designs were on the north east corner of the campus. optimised to reduce energy consumption Expenditure for the year for all utility and in-house refurbishments were related costs amounted to €7.2 million. reviewed to improve and reduce energy consumption while the commissioning Savings were achieved through the e3 of buildings aimed to operate energy group, comprising UCD, DIT, DCU and TCD, consumption as economically as possible. as they used their collective purchasing power to get the most advantageous electricity and gas tenders from suppliers. The bulk of Trinity’s electricity is sourced from Energia which provides 50% of the power from renewable wind generated electricity. Using such a ‘green’ energy supplier is an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions substantially.
Another aspect of the e3 programme is the reduction of energy consumption in College. An on-going programme of energy conservation work includes targeted measures in specific buildings and a programme of communication and education of building users. The energy reduction programme set up a monitoring and targeting system for selected buildings and then worked to reduce energy consumption within them. The current phase of this programme commenced in March 2007 and tackles ten buildings targeting a 10% reduction over three years. Savings to date of c.12% in phase 1 and 6.3% in phase 2 when weather corrected have been achieved.
In the course of 2008/09, alternative proposals for energy sources in new Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009 8. Fundraising
40 The future of Trinity College • Completing the funding for the depends primarily on its people Biosciences Institute on Pearse - staff and students - as well Street • Refurbishment of the Long Room as investment in its teaching, with expanded Humanities research research, innovation and facilities outreach. Significant funding • New Business School Building and is required if the College is to new Engineering development confirm its position as one of the • Various projects supporting College’s world’s leading universities. To ‘Engagement with Society’ theme this end, Trinity Foundation raises • Professorships & Lectureships in funds from the College’s alumni College’s academic priorities. and friends. Central to College’s fundraising success is the outstanding contribution of the many Trinity groups its fundraising priorities volunteer groups that support Trinity into five themes, each articulating the including the TCD Association and Trust, relevance, importance and value of a the Business School’s Advisory Board, the university today – with an adopted mission Engineering Advisory Board, the External that Trinity will play a pivotal role in Advisory Board of the Trinity Long Room helping Ireland be the most productive Hub, the Medical School’s Tercentenary place to invent, work and learn and the Board, the Trinity Business Alumni, the most civilised place to live and contribute Science Gallery Governing Board, the USA to local and global society. Fund and the UK Trust. These volunteers give their time, strategic input and The College cannot rely on State funding considerable financial support. The College alone - securing private support is is extremely grateful for the support of essential to Trinity’s future. In the period 1 these groups. Special mention is due to October 2008 to 30 September 2009, €27 the Board of Trinity Foundation, which million was secured in private donations plays a key role in co-ordinating the (€28.5 million in 2007/08). The benefits College’s philanthropic strategy. Trinity’s of this private support can be seen alumni and friends continue to support throughout the College. the College through the Annual Fund, volunteering to help with College Planning for the next phase of fundraising initiatives and in many other ways. is underway, ensuring it will support the College’s emerging Strategic Plan for the period 2009-14. Current priority projects include: college activities
9. Financial Position 41 The Funding Statements for longer required following the enactment of the year ended 30 September specific legislation in 2009 to transfer all 2009 as prepared on the agreed the assets and liabilities of the College’s Master Pension Fund to the State), harmonised basis for the Irish planned expenditure savings to address University sector were approved the real reduction of State recurrent by the Board on 27 January 2010. funding and a transfer to capital to support the purchase of new strategically located The Funding Statements represent Part I property. Total income (excluding research) of the financial reporting requirements of is made up of state grants (49%), student the Universities Act and reflect the core fees (41%) and other income (10%) and teaching/unfunded research and research has increased by 3% over 2008 levels. As grants and contracts activity in the Income a significant proportion of student fees & Expenditure Account. The College’s are funded through the free fees initiative, external auditors KPMG identified no the College remains heavily dependent on material control weaknesses and issued an State funding with 66% of core funding unqualified audit opinion on the Funding (excluding research) derived from State Statements. The Consolidated Financial sources. Statements, which represent Part II of the financial reporting requirements and The Balance Sheet (Appendix II) remains prepared in accordance with generally strong in the current economic climate accepted accounting standards, are with net assets of €676 million at 30 expected to be finalised in 2010. September 2009, an increase of €26 million over 2009 mainly due to fixed asset The College has reported an excess of additions. For the first time in its history income over expenditure of €9.7 million for and having secured financing by way of the year to 30 September 2009 (Appendix a Board approved long-term loan of €75 I). This has resulted in the elimination million on advantageous terms from the of the accumulated recurrent deficit of European Investment Bank (its first direct €9.8 million at 30 September 2008 that investment in an educational institute in arose from setting aside a substantial Ireland), the College proceeded with the provision for the cost of compliance with construction of the Biosciences Facility. the Protection of Employee (Fixed Term The College is aware that the funding of Work) Act 2003 (FTWA), an additional the academic facility is dependent on cost for which no additional Government significant investment of PRTLI V in order funding was received. The performance to avoid a scenario whereby existing for the year reflects the once-off release College resources are reprioritised to repay of the accumulated FTWA provision (no Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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the loan finance over the longer term. strives to improve the delivery of financial The College is also working with Trinity information for decision making; and 6) Foundation to generate funding from evaluates strategic opportunities following philanthropic sources for this project. a formal risk assessment as they arise.
Also for the first time in its history, the College received in excess of €100 million in research income in 2008/09 thus achieving one of its institutional goals. The level of research activity for 2008/09 recorded in the Funding Statements (measured on the basis of expenditure activity during the year and not income received) amounted to €89.7 million (Appendix 1), an increase of 26% over 2008 levels. Given the high proportion of research activity currently funded by the State, similar to its core funding, the College is at risk from any significant future downward adjustment in State investment in research. As in previous years, the continuing situation, where the contribution to indirect costs from research activity continues to be significantly below the full economic cost of hosting the research, is not sustainable.
The College continues to adopt a financial strategy where it 1) manages its activity within budgeted resources over the medium term; 2) constantly adapts to a changing financial environment; 3) promotes and motivates income generation as well as securing diversification of income; 4) prioritises cost management, procurement and efficiency initiatives in our day to day operations; 5) college activities
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Appendices Annual Report 2008 – 2009 Annual Report 2008-2009
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Appendix I: Income and Expenditure Account Year ended 30 September 2009 2009 2008 €’000 €’000 Income State Grants 105,392 103,259 Student Fees 88,636 82,643 Other Income 20,897 23,365 214,925 209,267 Research Grants and Projects 89,715 71,167 Total 304,640 280,434 Expenditure Academic Faculties 109,141 111,149 Academic and Other Services 22,958 25,170 Premises 27,955 27,339 Amount Allocated for Capital Purposes 13,507 9,482 Central Administration and Services 15,350 16,185 General Educational Expenditure 9,127 8,658 Student Services 5,626 6,445 Miscellaneous Expenditure 11,063 8,884 Academic and Related Services 214,727 213,312 Research Grants and Projects 80,165 68,040 Total 294,892 281,352 Surplus/(Deficit) on Activities before Amortisation of Capital Reserves and Grants, Ancillary Services and 9,748 (918) Depreciation of Fixed Assets Surplus on Ancillary Services 2,934 2,789 Depreciation of Fixed Assets (31,005) (27,116) General Reserve Transfer 28,071 24,327 Net Surplus/(Deficit) for year 9,748 (918) Appendices
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Appendix II: Balance Sheet At 30 September 2009 2009 2008 €’000 €’000 Fixed Assets 747,470 707,357 Current Assets Bank and cash balances 163,739 167,969 Debtors and prepayments 39,450 37,155 Stocks 328 372 203,517 205,496 Current Liabilities Creditors and accrued expenditure (195,409) (202,161) Bank balances (99) (3,357) (195,508) (205,518) Net Current Assets/ (Liabilities) 8,009 (22) Long Term Liabilities Creditors due after more than one year (78,904) (57,211) 676,575 650,124 Represented By: General reserve 676,606 659,903 Revenue reserve (31) (9,779) 676,575 650,124 www.tcd.ieAnnual Report 2008-2009
EUROPEAN UNION STRUCTURAL FUNDS