What does a future powered by sustainability and smart technology look like? At Munster Technological University (MTU), researchers are turning that future vision into today’s reality, delivering solutions for society’s greatest problems.
Decommissioned wind-turbine blades repurposed into public infrastructure (BladeBridge Project, Achill Island, Co. Mayo). Photo: Courtesy of MTU.
MTU is proud to boast the largest scale R&I expenditure in Ireland’s TU sector, totalling more than €3.28m for 2024-2025, alongside the highest direct-funded research income from industry partnerships. MTU has launched its Research to Impact video series to demonstrate how MTU’s pioneering research projects and partnerships are shaping a better future.
Grass press cake fibre produced through MTU Green Biorefineries Research project. Photo: Courtesy of MTU.
Professor Hugh McGlynn, vice president for research and innovation at MTU, said: “Our researchers are tackling the global challenges of our time; climate change, digital transformation, and sustainable development. These videos showcase MTU research innovation and how our researchers connect research excellence with real community and industry needs to ensure long-term impact.”
MTU Green Transition Impact Video: Research for a Sustainable Tomorrow
MTU researchers are tackling some of the biggest challenges in sustainability, championing environmental and economic resilience; providing practical solutions that reduce waste, lower emissions, and create new opportunities for sustainable growth:
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EirBLADE (Dr Vesna Jaksic): Giving new life to wind energy infrastructure by developing sustainable solutions for repurposing wind turbine blades.
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Green BioRefinery Research (Dr James Gaffey): Transforming grass into biobased products, cutting emissions and creating new income streams for farmers.
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Food Circle (Dr Colum Gibson): Driving food waste reduction and circular economy strategies across Ireland, ensuring resources are used efficiently.
MTU Digital Transition Impact Video: Building Smart, Secure Systems
As industries digitise and infrastructure becomes more connected, MTU researchers are leading the way in creating secure, efficient systems. These innovations strengthen Europe’s digital backbone, enabling cleaner air, safer maritime operations and smarter manufacturing.
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PASSEPARTOUT (Dr William Whelan-Curtain): Delivering next-generation photonic gas analysers to monitor air pollution in real-time.
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EUCISE2020 (Kevin Fitzgibbon): Providing a digital platform to monitor and secure Europe’s subsea infrastructure.
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DENiM (Dr Susan Rea): Helping manufacturing industries achieve energy efficiency through advanced digital platforms.
The rubbish never lies – the Food Circle research team analyse food waste which is measured to inform waste management strategies (Dr Colum Gibson, Simon Patterson and Jack O’Driscoll). Photo: Courtesy of MTU.
Dr Niall Smith, head of research, said: “These projects show the strength of collaboration within MTU’s research community on the green and digital transition. Each represents a shared commitment to applying expert knowledge in ways that deliver clear and measurable long-term beneficial impacts in our communities, our industries and our environments.”