Monday 19 December 2016
INFANT Awards 2016
The inaugural INFANT Awards 2016, held in the main auditorium Cork Maternity Hospital, showcased the incredible talent, teamwork and commitment to innovation which makes the work of the INFANT centre possible.
Dr. Niamh Shaw: “Walking (Slowly) Towards Space”
Engineer, scientist and performer Dr Niamh Shaw gave an opening talk titled “Walking (Slowly) Towards Space”. She discussed the importance of awakening and encouraging curiosity across the fields of science, technology, art, engineering and mathematics (STEAM).
Describing her personal journey and how she is following her dream of reaching space, Dr. Shaw talked about how innovation takes courage, vision and a step-by-step approach. The perception of career goals and success was also a topic for discussion, with many INFANT staff members feeling that working to make pregnancy safer was their dream job.
The talk concluded with a short Q&A where Dr. Shaw spoke about the role she believes communication can play in promoting research and innovation.
Young Researcher of the Year Katie Togher and Head of Operations Jo Studham.
EPE Person of The Year Alison O’Shea and EPE Manager Dr. Ria O’Sullivan-Lago.
Researcher of the Year Dr. John O’Toole and Head of Operations Jo Studham.
Person of the Year Amy Aherne and Head of Operations Jo Studham.
Awards
The inaugural INFANT awards took place after Dr. Niamh Shaw’s talk, with a presentation which highlighted exceptional achievement by INFANT staff members.
The Awardees:
Person of the Year: Amy Aherne
Education and Public Engagement Award: Alison O’Shea
Researcher of the Year: Dr. John O’Toole
Young Researcher of the Year: Katie Togher
Prof. Louise Kenny, co-director of INFANT, said that she was “impossibly proud of these talented people who spend their days and nights delivering innovation for mums and babies.”
