Education Insights — Celebrating Excellence in Ireland's Education Sector

Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter, dedicated to champions of the education sector! Here’s a roundup of what’s been making waves in the Irish education landscape.

The 2024 Education Awards Recap

Ireland’s education sector came together on April 25th at the stunning Killashee Hotel, Co. Kildare, for the prestigious Education Awards 2024. This event celebrated over 300 educators, researchers, and leaders from various institutions and organizations—including schools, universities, and the private sector. Here's a glimpse of what made the event memorable:

• University of Limerick took home the coveted Overall Excellence Award, with judges commending its holistic approach to student experiences, sustainability, and community engagement.
• Atlantic Technology University (ATU) and Ulster University were recognized for their groundbreaking I-SWAP Research Project, which sheds light on the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse learners in higher education.
• Munster Technological University (MTU) impressed with its innovative Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland (REEdI) program, winning an award for its exceptional integration of ICT in education.

With such diverse accolades, the awards emphasized the resilience and innovation within Ireland’s education ecosystem.

Why It Matters

Ireland consistently ranks among the top nations for educational attainment. Here are some OECD statistics that highlight this achievement:

• 63.3% of 25-34 year-olds have a tertiary qualification, ranking Ireland 4th globally.
• Only 5.1% of 25-34 year-olds lack an upper-secondary qualification—a testament to Ireland’s robust educational system.

Such excellence sets Ireland apart as a global leader in education, underscoring the importance of collaboration between educational institutes and industry partners.

Exclusive Perspective

Judging coordinator Willie Donnelly captured the spirit of the awards perfectly, stating, "Education is no longer confined to an academic setting but actively contributes to society's economic, social, and cultural progress." The spotlight this year was on collaborative innovation—a testament to the dedication of educators and their ability to adapt to modern demands.

Partnering for Excellence

For organizations and individuals looking to stay ahead in the education sector, events like the Education Awards offer more than just recognition. They provide a platform to network, learn, and celebrate cutting-edge advancements.

Missed this year’s event? Don’t worry—they’ll be back in 2025! But the work starts now. Whether you’re developing groundbreaking research projects or implementing innovative educational technology now is the time to prepare to showcase your contributions.

What's Next?

We’re proud to shine a light on Ireland’s education leaders and innovators—like University of Galway, honored for its sustainability initiatives, and TUS International Student Experience Team, lauded for creating inclusive learning environments for international students.

For more inspiring stories and a detailed breakdown of winners, finalists, and their remarkable achievements, check out the full Irish Times article here.

Together, we celebrate innovation, excellence, and the boundless possibilities for education in Ireland.