National University of Ireland

16/10/2026

We regret to inform you that the upcoming event, 'A Conversation on European University Alliances' on Wednesday, 21 October, has been cancelled.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. We hope to reschedule and to welcome you to a future event at 49 Merrion Square.

A Conversation on European University Alliances 📢

Join us on 21 October for an engaging discussion of the opportunities and challenges the European University Alliance initiative presents.

Hear from leading voices in higher education, including:

🔹 Professor Michael Murphy – National University of Ireland Chancellor and Chairperson of the Panel

🔹 Professor Manuel Tunon de Lara – Origins and Implementation of the European University Alliance initiative

🔹 Professor Becky Whay – Challenges and Opportunities: The experience of Irish universities engaged in European University Alliances

🔹 Professor Veronica Campbell - Challenges and Opportunities: The experience of Irish technological universities engaged in European University Alliances

The programme will also include a Q&A session with speakers and audience members, followed by lunch (stay and network or take it away with you!).

📅 21 October

📍 49 Merrion Square

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-conversation-on-european-university-alliances-tickets-2002615334374

Don't miss this opportunity to hear first-hand insights into how European University Alliances are shaping collaboration, innovation and the future of higher education.

13/10/2026

The NUI Denis Donoghue Award applications will close on October 23 📢

The NUI Denis Donoghue Award aims to foster success and support excellence by providing financial support to students from underrepresented groups in Irish higher education.

Learn more and apply now: https://www.nui.ie/what-we-do/nui-awards/inclusion-grants/nui-denis-donoghue-award/

The Denis Donoghue Award 2026 is Now Open for Applications 📢

Established in memory of Professor Denis Donoghue and generously funded through a donation from his daughter, the acclaimed author Emma Donoghue, the Denis Donoghue Award supports students from under-represented groups in higher education in Ireland.

🎓 Open to full-time and part-time students registered on an undergraduate degree programme in an NUI Institution, who have completed their first year/first stage
🎓 Value of the award: €2,000-€5,000
🎓 Deadline for applications: 23 October 2026

Further Information: https://www.nui.ie/what-we-do/nui-awards/inclusion-grants/nui-denis-donoghue-award/

University College Cork University College Dublin University of Galway Maynooth University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland National College of Art & Design, Dublin

08/10/2026

A Conversation on European University Alliances 📢

Join us on 21 October for an engaging discussion of the opportunities and challenges the European University Alliance initiative presents.

Hear from leading voices in higher education, including:

🔹 Professor Michael Murphy – National University of Ireland Chancellor and Chairperson of the Panel

🔹 Professor Manuel Tunon de Lara – Origins and Implementation of the European University Alliance initiative

🔹 Professor Becky Whay – Challenges and Opportunities: The experience of Irish universities engaged in European University Alliances

🔹 Professor Veronica Campbell - Challenges and Opportunities: The experience of Irish technological universities engaged in European University Alliances

The programme will also include a Q&A session with speakers and audience members, followed by lunch (stay and network or take it away with you!).

📅 21 October

📍 49 Merrion Square

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-conversation-on-european-university-alliances-tickets-2002615334374

Don't miss this opportunity to hear first-hand insights into how European University Alliances are shaping collaboration, innovation and the future of higher education.

06/10/2026

⚔️ Viking Ireland and the Wider World ⚔️

This event is now sold out but the event will be live-streamed and recorded to watch at a later date.

You can watch the event live here: https://www.youtube.com/live/OemLa2dPnoM

This year we are honoured to welcome four distinguished scholars from Ireland and Norway who will share groundbreaking research on the Viking Age, exploring new archaeological discoveries and the wider connections between Ireland, Scandinavia and the Norman world.

⚔️10:05 am: New Insights into Viking-Age Woodstown, Co. Waterford
Neil Jackman, Susan Curran and Kristin Armstrong-Oma

The opening session will highlight exciting new discoveries from one of Ireland's most significant Viking settlements. Using advanced landscape archaeology techniques, the speakers will re-examine key sites such as Woodstown and present findings from a collaborative excavation undertaken by Irish and Norwegian archaeologists in June 2026.
Focusing on the largest structure identified within the settlement, the research provides important new evidence about the site's construction and development, offering fresh insights into Viking activity in Ireland.

Speakers:
🎤 Neil Jackman is an archaeologist with Abarta Heritage, specialising in early medieval settlements, heritage management and public engagement. He is also project manager of the Woodstown Viking Site on behalf of Waterford City and County Council.
🎤 Susan Curran is an archaeologist with The Discovery Programme, specialising in digital landscape archaeology and remote sensing technologies. She is currently Principal Investigator of the COALESCE-funded project Tara by Name, Tara by Nature?
🎤 Kristin Armstrong Oma is Professor of Archaeology and Director of the Museum of Archaeology at the University of Stavanger. Her research focuses on the interdisciplinary field of Human-Animal Studies.

⚔️11:10 am: Normans before Invasions: Interactions in the Irish and Viking Worlds
Caitlin Ellis

As 2027 marks the 1,000th anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, countries across Europe will commemorate the impact of Norman expansion during the European Year of the Normans.
This paper examines Dublin in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, exploring the city's political, economic and maritime connections with England and the wider Norman world. It considers how these interactions shaped Irish and Viking society before the Norman invasions.

Speaker:
🎤 Caitlin Ellis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Archaeology, Conservation and History at the University of Oslo. Her research specialises in early and central medieval maritime networks and their role in shaping cultural and political connections across northern Europe.

Dublin City Council Norwegian Embassy in Dublin

02/10/2026

The National University of Ireland, in partnership with the International Labour Organization, recently welcomed distinguished guests to Farmleigh House for the 2026 Edward Phelan Lecture. NUI and the ILO have organised this lecture biennially since 2013 to celebrate Edward J Phelan’s contributions to the ILO and the world of work, focusing on a different theme each year.

We were honoured to welcome ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo as keynote speaker, alongside contributions from Professor Michael Murphy, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Secretary-General Declan Hughes, John King of SIPTU, Maeve McElwee of Ibec, DETE Assistant Secretary-General Yvonne White, Dr Aedín Doris of Maynooth University, and panel chair, former Ambassador David Donoghue.

Under the theme 'Decent Work for a Sustainable Future', the lecture brought together leaders from government, business, labour, and higher education to explore how cross-sector collaboration can advance Sustainable Development Goal 8 and create more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable labour markets.

In his keynote address, Gilbert F. Houngbo reflected on the future of work, artificial intelligence and sustainable development, reminding attendees that "the real measure of progress is not technological innovation or economic growth alone, but whether they improve people's lives and prospects" and that "there can be no sustainable future without a sustainable world of work."

The calibre of speakers and the depth of discussion highlighted both the challenges and opportunities shaping the world of work today, while reinforcing the importance of partnership and leadership in building a more equitable future.

A sincere thank you to all our speakers, panellists and guests whose participation made this year's Edward Phelan Lecture such a memorable, engaging and impactful event. Special thanks to the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Office of Public Works for helping to make this event happen.

The 2022 Edward Phelan Lecture, 'The Future of Work in a Post-COVID World' by Leo Varadkar, is now available to download on our website.

The keynote speeches and panel discussion are available to watch here: https://www.nui.ie/what-we-do/publications/lecture-series/phelan-lectures/edward-phelan-lecture-2026/

30/09/2026

NUI is delighted to support the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dublin (Consular Section) in hosting the 'Casimir Markievicz, a Polish Artist in Bohemian Dublin, 1903-1913' exhibition as part of the Dublin Festival of History 2026 🤝

This panel exhibition examines the life and work of Casimir Markievicz (1874-1932), highlighting his contributions as a painter, playwright, and cultural figure, while exploring his place within Dublin's artistic and intellectual communities during a transformative period in Irish history.

Visitors are welcome to view the exhibition at 49 Merrion Square until 9 October. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, from 9.15 am to 4.30 pm.
We look forward to welcoming you.

ℹ️ Learn more: https://dublinfestivalofhistory.ie/event/exhibition-casimir-markievicz-a-polish-artist-in-bohemian-dublin-1903-13/

30/09/2026

A timely, thought-provoking and deeply engaging discussion took place at NUI's latest Higher Education, Today and Tomorrow seminar, "EU Values & the Responsibilities of Irish Universities in a Changing Europe."

Chaired by Dr Mary Canning, the panel brought together perspectives from academia, student leadership, and civil society, creating a rich, nuanced conversation on the role of universities in supporting democratic values, civic engagement, and active citizenship in an increasingly complex European landscape.

We were delighted to hear contributions from Lorna Hayes of European Movement Ireland, Emma Muldoon Ryan, Vice President for Academic Affairs with Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn, and Professor Laurent Pech, Dean of Law at University College Dublin and a leading expert on EU law and the rule of law.

The discussion was particularly valuable because of the breadth of perspectives represented, and extended beyond the panel contributions, with attendees posing insightful questions and sharing their own experiences and viewpoints. This lively audience participation enriched the conversation, demonstrating both the relevance of the topic and the appetite for meaningful dialogue on the future role of higher education in society.

The contribution from European Movement Ireland brought a broader European dimension, examining how shared values can be upheld and strengthened through education and public engagement.

A sincere thank you to our distinguished speakers, Chair, and all those who joined us. Events such as these remind us of the important role universities play not only as centres of learning and research, but as spaces for informed discussion, civic responsibility and democratic engagement.

We look forward to continuing the conversation at our next EU-themed lunchtime seminar on European University Alliances on 21 October.

25/09/2026

Looking forward to this timely discussion on the role of Irish universities in shaping and upholding European values in an increasingly complex landscape.

Hosted in partnership with European Movement Ireland, the discussion will explore Irish universities' evolving role in Europe and the responsibilities that come with it.

A few places remain for those interested in joining the conversation.

🎟️ Register now: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/eu-values-the-responsibilities-of-irish-universities-in-a-changing-europe-tickets-1997575879228

Higher Education Today and Tomorrow Seminar Series: EU Values and the Responsibilities of Irish Universities in a Changing Europe

📅 Tuesday, 29 September 2026 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

📍 NUI, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

The first of our European-themed autumn seminars, presented in partnership with European Movement Ireland. The seminar will explore the role and responsibilities of Irish universities in a changing European landscape.
Light refreshments will be provided following the seminar.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/eu-values-the-responsibilities-of-irish-universities-in-a-changing-europe-tickets-1997575879228

22/09/2026

Higher Education Today and Tomorrow Seminar Series: EU Values and the Responsibilities of Irish Universities in a Changing Europe

📅 Tuesday, 29 September 2026 | 12:30pm to 1:30pm

📍 NUI, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

The first of our European-themed autumn seminars, presented in partnership with European Movement Ireland. The seminar will explore the role and responsibilities of Irish universities in a changing European landscape.
Light refreshments will be provided following the seminar.

Register now: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/eu-values-the-responsibilities-of-irish-universities-in-a-changing-europe-tickets-1997575879228

17/09/2026

The Denis Donoghue Award 2026 is Now Open for Applications 📢

Established in memory of Professor Denis Donoghue and generously funded through a donation from his daughter, the acclaimed author Emma Donoghue, the Denis Donoghue Award supports students from under-represented groups in higher education in Ireland.

🎓 Open to full-time and part-time students registered on an undergraduate degree programme in an NUI Institution, who have completed their first year/first stage
🎓 Value of the award: €2,000-€5,000
🎓 Deadline for applications: 23 October 2026

Further Information: https://www.nui.ie/what-we-do/nui-awards/inclusion-grants/nui-denis-donoghue-award/

University College Cork University College Dublin University of Galway Maynooth University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland National College of Art & Design, Dublin