Whether it’s through innovative teaching methods, groundbreaking research, or exceptional leadership, these educators are constantly striving to stay ahead and make a positive impact in the lives of their students. The Education Awards served as a platform to celebrate their successes, foster collaboration, and highlight the vital role of education in shaping our future.
Now in their seventh year, The Education Awards recognised an impressive array of institutions, teams and initiatives, all in competition for one of 25 prestigious trophies to be won.
The winners were announced during a live awards ceremony held at The Crowne Plaza, Santry Demesne, Dublin 9, on April 27th, 2023 and hosted by Colm O’Regan.
The Irish Times were communications partner to the Awards, which were supported by Amárach research.
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Notable winners on the night included University College Cork, winners of the Excellence in Sustainability Award, and the University of Limerick, which won the Grand Prix, Overall Excellence Award.
Another winner was the Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education. Conor Rafferty, the deputy principal said: “At Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education, we believe that further education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for all. We are proud to have won Best Erasmus Programme at the Education Awards 2023 and are committed to providing high-quality educational opportunities for our students.”
LIA were also winners at this year’s Awards. Joanne Keane, chief executive officer, said: “LIA is honoured to have won this category. We continuously strive to drive forward the standard of education for finance professionals, so that the consumer gets the best financial advice possible. To have our education programmes recognised is very rewarding.”
Camden Education won the Best Education Outreach Award and commenting on the win, Dr Paul Connolly, chief executive of the Marine Institute said: “We are delighted that the Explorers Education team has been recognised for its excellence in promoting ocean literacy in primary schools and for the quality and innovative work they deliver throughout the country.”
The National College of Ireland also stepped onto the winners’ podium with Professor Jimmy Hill, vice president saying: “The Education Awards provide an opportunity for tertiary education institutes to celebrate and share their work, learn from each other and network; it is at once highly competitive and perfectly collegiate. I’m delighted our international team took home an award.”
Another winner this year was the Drogheda Institute of Further Education. Barbara Cooney, the deputy principal said: “Winning this award for the third time is great recognition of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful teaching staff in Drogheda Institute of Further Education. Our ambition is to be the leading provider of further education in Ireland and our teachers work tirelessly each year to ensure the best educational experience and outcomes for our students.”
Bristol Myers Squibb went home with a trophy. Cian Mallen, graduate programme lead, said: “We are delighted to receive this award for Best Graduate Programme as it acknowledges the dedication and commitment, we have across BMS in Ireland to grow and develop our talent pipeline through a rich learning experience. This accolade bestowed upon us from the education community ensures we are on the right track and that we are providing a best-in-class programme to support graduate entry to the workplace.”
The awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts drawn from all areas of the education community.
Full list of judges:
1. Willie Donnelly (judging co-ordinator), director of research and innovation, the Technical Higher Education Association (THEA)
2. Garry Allen, contracted training officer, Kildare Wicklow Education and Training Board (KWETB)
3. Declan Allen, head of logistics, supply chain and project management, Technological University (TU) Dublin
4. Dr Matt Cotterell, head of school, Munster Technological University (MTU)
5. Dr Jennifer Cowman, lecturer, school of global business, TU Dublin
6. Teresa Hurley, project manager, TU Dublin
7. Bertie Kelly, commercial director, National College of Ireland (NCI)
8. Donal McAlister, international affairs manager, South East Technological University (SETU)
9. Karen McAvinue, Erasmus and Europe manager at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)
10. Danielle McCartan-Quinn, vice dean undergraduate studies, school of business, NCI
11. Denise McMorrow, head of student experience, Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) and co-chair of UNESCO Dublin Learning City
12. Paul Mullally, director, Education Lighthouse
13. Celestine Rowland, managing director, Galway Business School and Galway Cultural Institute
14. Dr. Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin, transformation project manager, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal
Full list of winners:
Best Library Team
Winner: Dublin Business School
Best Student Campus Award
Winner: University of Limerick
Best Masters Programme
Winner: M.Sc. in Translational Oncology - Trinity College Dublin
Student Engagement & Communications Award
Winner: Academic Registry, University of Limerick
Best Erasmus Programme
Winner: Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education
Best Use of Educational Technology/ICT Initiative of the Year
Winner: Academic Registry, University of Limerick
Best Student Experience Award
Winner: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) - Griffith College
Best Internship Programme Award
Winner: Graduate Leadership Programme - Ulster University
Best Industry/Business - Academic Collaboration
Winner: NCAD, Department of Nursing ATU Donegal, HSE and Axia Digital
Best Community Academic Collaboration
Winner: The Open Door - MTU, Cork ETB, Irish Association for the Social Integration of Offenders (IASIO) and Cork Prison (Irish Prison Service)
Career Impact Strategy Award
Winner: The SURE Network - Irish IoT/TU sector
Best Online Learning Experience Award
Winner: Innovative Product Development - MTU
Best Further Education Provider
Winner: Drogheda Institute of Further Education
Best Language School
Winner: Coláiste na hÉireann/Gaelchultúr
Best Education Outreach Award
Winner: Marine Institute’s Explorers Healthy Ocean Project and Ocean Champions Award
Best Research Project
Winner: The Student Psychological Intervention Trial (SPIT) - ATU Donegal and Ulster University
Best International Collaboration Project
Winner: Dundalk Institute of Technology and Heilbronn University Graduate School
Best Collaboration Project
Winner: Cultivating Graduate Attributes to Empower and Sustain Educational Development - Student Affairs Ireland and University College Cork
Best Graduate Training Programme
Winner: Bristol Myers-Squibb
International Engagement Award
Winner: Young Future Leader Programme – NCI
Best Marketing/Communications Team
Winner: University of Limerick
Excellence in Sustainability
Winner: University College Cork
Excellence in Diversity, Inclusivity & Equality
Winner: South East Technology University (SETU)
Excellence in Education by a Professional Body
Winner: LIA, the Centre of Excellence for the Education and Development of Finance Professionals
Overall Excellence Award
Winner: University of Limerick
