# EDI Schools Update
**Source**: https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/edischoolsupdate/
**Parent**: https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/
##### [EDI](#sideMenuCollapsePanel-main)
- [Athena SWAN and Equality in the College of Engineering and Architecture](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/athenaswanandequalityinthecollegeofengineeringandarchitecture/ "Go to 'Athena SWAN and Equality in the College of Engineering and Architecture' page")
- [Aurora Leadership Development Programme](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/auroraleadershipdevelopmentprogramme/ "Go to 'Aurora Leadership Development Programme' page")
- [News and Events](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/newsandevents/ "Go to 'News and Events' page")
- [Inclusive Teaching](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/inclusiveteaching/ "Go to 'Inclusive Teaching' page")
- [EDI Schools Update](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/edischoolsupdate/ "Go to 'EDI Schools Update' page")
- [Equality, Diversity and Inclusion College Committee](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/equalitydiversityandinclusioncollegecommittee/ "Go to 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion College Committee' page")
- [EDI Supports and Resources](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/edisupportsandresources/ "Go to 'EDI Supports and Resources' page")
- [Dignity and Respect](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/dignityandrespect/ "Go to 'Dignity and Respect' page")
- [Breastfeeding and Wellness Room](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/edi/breastfeedingandwellnessroom/ "Go to 'Breastfeeding and Wellness Room' page")
#### School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering EDI Initiatives
**Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering alumni talks**
On Monday, 02/03/2026, 1st year engineering students, as well as all other students in SCBE, postgraduates, staff and students from the other schools within the College of Engineering and Architecture were warmly invited to attend alumni talks organised by the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering (SCBE) EDI committee.
- [Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering alumni talks](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/t4media/Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering alumni talks.pdf "Go to 'Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering alumni talks' page")
**University for All Toolkit Workshop and Practice Share**
Event organised by Assistant Professor Md Salauddin (Widening Participation Lead – Engineering); Associate Professor Jennifer Keenahan (VP, T & L, College of Engineering and Architecture)
- [University for All Toolkit Workshop](https://www.ucd.ie/eacollege/t4media/University for All Toolkit Workshop.pdf "Go to 'University for All Toolkit Workshop' page")
#### School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering EDI Initiatives
**SMME PhD Induction Event Supports New Doctoral Researchers**
On Thursday, 18 September 2025, the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering (SMME) hosted its annual PhD Induction Event for first-year doctoral researchers, providing a structured and welcoming introduction to the School, its supports, and its research culture. This was a continuation of the PhD Induction event held in 2024.
The session, organised by Louise Gaynor, brought together academic, administrative and technical staff to offer new PhD students guidance on research expectations and the life cycle of a PhD, teaching assistant duties, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), workshop orientation and health and safety. The programme included a welcome from the Head of School Prof. Vincent Hargaden, alongside contributions covering aspects of Research (Louise Gaynor, David McKeown), EDI supports and initiatives (Michael Donohue), Health and Safety (Derek Reilly), Workshop Facilities (Michael Donohue), role of TAs (Di Nguyen), followed by a presentation on experiences of doing a PhD in SMME by a recent PhD graduate of the school (Seevani Bali).
Building on the success of this format, SMME plans to follow a similar structure for the 2026 PhD Induction, continuing its commitment to an inclusive, supportive start for doctoral researchers.
**Pictured:** Mary Nolan who presented on the "Ethics of Care in Engineering Education".
**2025 Autumn SMME PhD and Postdoctoral Seminar Series Strengthens Sense of Belongingness for Postgraduates**
The Autumn term of 2025 seminar series featured six research talks delivered between October and November 2025 by doctoral researchers and postdoctoral fellows, covering a broad range of topics and methodologies, showcasing emerging research across mechanical and materials engineering while fostering an inclusive and collegial research environment. The speakers included Karin Vancíková, Simon Rodriguez, Amirhossein Taran, Mary Nolan, Maryam Ghasemzadeh, and Gabriel Dutra.
The series was coordinated by Seevani Bali (EDI Postdoc Representative), with invaluable administrative support from Ksenia Startseva. Coffee and refreshments were provided by the school office. The School also acknowledges the proactive contributions of EDI PhD representatives Ransandage Jayathunga, Meiyazhagan Jaganathan, and Giulia Giuffredi, as well as research staff member representative Caoimhe Byrne, all of whom supported local arrangements and engagement. Together, these seminars played an important role in strengthening peer-to-peer learning, visibility of early-career research, and SMME’s ongoing commitment to EDI-informed research culture.
#### School of Architecture, Planning & Environmental Policy EDI Initiatives
**EDI Governance and Committee Structure**
The ALPEP EDI Committee works to develop and sustain a welcoming, inclusive and respectful School environment in which staff and students are supported to achieve their full potential. The Committee includes academic and administrative staff representatives from each disciplinary unit (Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Planning, Environmental Policy), as well as student representatives, ensuring broad and meaningful representation.
**ALPEP School EDI Committee**
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Caterina Villani (Director) | Paula Russell | Samantha Martin |
| Sophia Meeres | Miguel Trejo Rangel | Adam Trodd |
| Andrea Ortiz Garcia | Toka Fahmy Abdelmutleb | Francisca Morales |
**Key EDI Initiatives and Actions**
**ALPEP Staff Buddy Programme & Parent Buddy Programme**
ALPEP has introduced the UCD [Staff Buddy Programme](https://www.ucd.ie/hr/a-z/staffbuddyprogramme/ "Go to 'Staff Buddy Programme' page") and [Parent Buddy Programme](https://www.ucd.ie/equality/support/supportsforparents/parentbuddyprogramme/ "Go to 'Parent Buddy Programme' page") to support staff induction, inclusion, and wellbeing. These initiatives provide informal peer support, particularly for new staff and staff returning from extended leave.
**ALPEP Buddies:**
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Caterina Villani | Paula Russell | Anna Hofheinz |
| Sophia Meeres | Miguel Trejo Rangel | Antonio Soler |
| Douglas Carson (Parent Buddy) | Angela Hayles | Philip Doran |
| Jon Paul Faulkner | | |
**Student EDI Representation**
ALPEP has strengthened student engagement in EDI through dedicated student representatives. These representatives act as a direct link between the student body and the EDI Committee, ensuring that students’ EDI concerns and initiatives are meaningfully considered in School-level decision-making. EDI points of contact and support pathways have been shared during staff–student meetings to improve visibility and accessibility. The School continues to support student-led EDI initiatives and to encourage open dialogue between staff and students on inclusion-related matters.
**Menstrual Health and Period Products Initiative**
EDI student representatives supported by ALPEP EDI Committee have launched an initiative to improve access to menstrual products through a community-based basket system on the Richview Campus. Recognising that period products are essential rather than optional, the initiative provides discreet, judgement-free access based on the principle:
> **“Take when you need, donate when you can.”**
Community baskets are located in all women’s and non-binary toilets on the Richview campus, with an additional basket on the first floor of the Newstead Main Building to align with and complement existing UCD provided free product provision on the ground floor.
The initiative was launched by the MRUP and MAUCA 2026 EDI representatives. Student feedback was highly supportive of this initiative, highlighting its positive impact on wellbeing, inclusion, and accessibility. Its continuation relies on in-kind community donations and reflects a shared commitment to student wellbeing, dignity, and inclusion.
**Dignity and Respect Training and Awareness**
Dignity and Respect training has been actively promoted across the School. In particular:
- The UCD **Active Bystanders Challenging Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct #NotInOurUCD (online student course)** was highlighted and promoted by the EDI Graduate student representative during the APEP PhD Graduate Symposium (2025).
- Dignity and Respect modules and workshops continue to be communicated and encouraged among all staff groups at the start of each academic term.
**Inclusive Working Practices: Ireland–China**
In recognition of ALPEP’s transnational teaching and research activities, particularly with staff temporarily based at Chang’an Dublin International College (CDIC) in Xi’an, core meeting hours have been agreed. Meetings requiring participation from colleagues in China should be scheduled between **9:30 and 11:00 (Irish Standard Time)** to ensure reasonable and inclusive working hours across time zones.
**Teaching, Representation, and External Engagement**
The School continues to monitor and promote:
- Gender balance and diversity in guest lectures and invited speakers.
- Inclusive engagement with professional bodies, including the Planning Institute, ensuring that students across all programmes benefit from diverse perspectives in lectures and presentations.
**Ongoing and Emerging Issues**
The ALPEP EDI Committee remains attentive to School-specific EDI issues that may require local action, particularly where existing University-level frameworks may not fully address contextual challenges.
---
#### School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering EDI events October
**Monday, 22/09/25, 5-7 pm, SCBE Welcome back evening**
- Organised by Chem. Eng. Programme director
- Talks included HoS welcome, introduction of EDI, talks from alumni and students who went abroad
- Followed by a pizza reception
- Attended by >60 students, >5 academic staff
**Thursday 02/10/25, 2-3 pm, SCBE EDI Stage 2 coffee, room ENG124**
- The event was attended by about 20 stage 2 students, 5 academic staff, 3 technical staff and one postgraduate student (member of EDI committee)
**Friday 03/10/25, 10.30-11.30, SCBE EDI monthly coffee morning, room ENG124**
- Attended by researchers (postgraduate students, stage 5 research students, interns), academic, technical and admin staff
**Monday 06/10/25, 11-12, SCBE EDI stage 3 coffee morning, room ENG124**
#### School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
The PhD and Postdoc representatives of the SMME EDI Committee have organised a PhD and Postdoc Seminar Series in the School. This is aimed at enhancing peer-to-peer interaction among research scholars of different research groups and sharing information on conferences, equipment/facilities or resources available to them. This addresses some of the key concerns raised in the 2024 postdoc experience report. Presentations are scheduled to happen every Tuesday from 13:00-14:00 in the Spring 2025 trimester, with coffee and networking serving as an icebreaker. The recent two sessions were delivered by Zhichao Geng, discussing ultra-precision photocatalysis polishing of silicon carbide ceramics and Seyed Masih Mousavizadeh, exploring high-strength bonding techniques for bioresorbable stents.
Here's the lineup for the upcoming talks:
- 11 Mar: 1–2 pm, Xingyu Fu (Postdoc), Clinton Auditorium – Design and Assembly of the Microneedle Device
- 18 Mar: 1–2 pm, Tianyu Guan (PhD), ENG 321 – Towards defect-free replication of polymeric microstructures using novel Ni-PTFE nanocomposite moulds
- 25 Mar: 1–2 pm, Shreyan Banerjee (PhD), ENG 317 – A Neuromorphic Approach for Monitoring and Control of Features of Interest in Dynamical Systems
- 1 Apr: 1–2 pm, Divyanshu Sood (PhD), TBD – Evaluating the effects of occupancy on energy use and indoor environmental quality in residential building archetypes over spatial and temporal scales
- 8 Apr: 1–2 pm, TBD TBD, TBD – TBD
- 15 Apr: 1–2 pm, Chanikya Valeti (Postdoc), TBD – TBD
- 22 Apr: 1–2 pm, Ankush Gogoi (PhD), TBD – Stochastic Differential Equations on Riemannian Manifolds
In addition to the seminar series, a pinboard was used to capture the concerns of the PhD and postdoctoral scholars. People's discussions on the pinboard included adding more relevant PhD modules, the inclusion of international students, loneliness, teaching opportunities, stipends, lab equipment and software access, and work provisions for PhD spouses. For people in MME interested in participating in the talks, the link is as below:
https://forms.gle/5MwMXGdHwwXeTAMf7 .
Priority will be given to PhDs close to completion and postdocs who have recently joined the school so that they can network and seek collaborative opportunities within the school."
**School EDI Activities: Coffee Mornings**
Student Coffee Mornings offers a valuable platform for undergraduate students to connect with peers, lecturers, and technical staff. These informal gatherings provide a space for discussing future career paths, exploring research interests, and addressing academic challenges—all while sharing a cup of coffee. By facilitating these interactions, Coffee Mornings fosters an inclusive and supportive environment within the school.
Events are organised by academic stage, allowing for candid discussions on common concerns beyond the classroom. They also serve as a forum to address gaps in facilities, services, and support systems. The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering collaborates with the School of Electrical Engineering to host joint coffee events for biomedical engineering students. During one such event, students shared feedback and suggestions through a post-it sticker board, providing valuable insights for the School's Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) committee.
The conversations are intentionally open-ended, allowing for dynamic and organic discussions. From exploring the creation of new student societies to finding ways to balance assignment workloads across modules, these gatherings provide a space for meaningful dialogue. They also serve as a platform to share updates on college-level amenities designed to support students and staff with special needs, such as the wellness room for parents of infants. Additionally, the committee took an active role in organising the CEA UCD Pride Coffee Morning, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity and support for LGBTI+ staff and students. Discussions are underway to integrate the PhD and postdoc seminar series with their respective coffee events in the Spring 2025 trimester.
We are committed to creating a community where every voice is heard and every individual feels included. We look forward to you joining us for brew and laughter at the next School Coffee Morning.
| School EDI Committee | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aasifa Rounak (Chairperson) | Ali Saberi Mehr | Caoimhe Byrne |
| Cian Fitzgerald | Donal Finn | Ehsan Rezvani |
| Jordan O'Donoghue | Lizbeth Goodman | Michael Donohue |
| Nan Zhang | Oran O'Rua | Ramon Varghese |
| Seevani Bali | Vikram Pakrashi | Vincent Hargaden |
Last spring trimester, the EDI committee at the School of MME sought to expand its activities. As part of these efforts, Sosanna Ní Dhúbháin, a 2009 BE Mechanical graduate who has spent the past twelve years working as an engineer in Formula One (F1), joined us for a video podcast.
Currently, Sosanna is the Lead Brake Duct Engineer for the Aston Martin F1 team. She also gave a talk to our Stage 1 Engineering students on Friday, April 5th. The event was organised by Prof. William Smith from MME, and Sosanna was interviewed by Dr. Seevani Bali, our postdoctoral representative at the SMME EDI committee.
[Watch the interview here.](https://youtu.be/hY-rvmCoImc?si=RBtimxG5gfGT7pl7 "Go to 'Watch the interview here.' page")
#### School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
**Sinead Kerins retires**
On Thursday, 20th June, we gathered outside Belfield House to celebrate the retirement of our beloved Chief Technical Officer, Sinead Kerins.
- [Sinead Kerins retires](https://www.ucd.ie/chembioeng/newsandevents/2024newsarchive/sineadkerinsretires/ "Go to 'Sinead Kerins retires' page")
**First EDI Coffee morning of 2024-25**
The School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering kicked off the new academic year with a successful Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) coffee morning. Held on Friday 27th September in room 117, the event brought together around 30 PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff members from the school.
- [First EDI Coffee morning of 2024-25](https://www.ucd.ie/chembioeng/newsandevents/2024newsarchive/firstedicoffeemorningof2024-25/ "Go to 'First EDI Coffee morning of 2024-25' page")
**Stage 2 and 3 Lunch Gathering 2024**
The School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering kicked off the new academic year with a successful lunch session for Stage 2 and 3 students. Held on October 1st and 2nd 2024, in the College Common Room, the event brought together almost 30 students from each of the stages.
- [Stage 2 and 3 lunch gatherings](https://www.ucd.ie/chembioeng/newsandevents/2024newsarchive/stage2and3lunchgatherings/ "Go to 'Stage 2 and 3 lunch gatherings' page")
**Annual SCBE Seminar Day 2024**
The Seminar Day showcased the research projects undertaken at the School and acted as an opportunity for staff, postdoctoral researchers and students to network. The SCBE Research Award was awarded to Sheryl Lim, the Seminar Day Best Presentation Award to Beatriz Pinheiro Lopes and the SCBE Seminar Day Best Poster was awarded to Dibyangshee Singh.
- [Annual SCBE Seminar Day 2024](https://www.ucd.ie/chembioeng/newsandevents/2024newsarchive/annualscbeseminarday2024/ "Go to 'Annual SCBE Seminar Day 2024' page")
**Annual Seminar Day Launch**
We successfully launched our annual Seminar Day, which took place on the 7th of March this year. The Seminar Day gives the opportunity to PhD students and Postdocs to communicate their research and network.
- [The First Annual Seminar Day](https://www.ucd.ie/chembioeng/newsandevents/2022newsarchive/thefirstannualscbeseminarday/ "Go to 'The First Annual Seminar Day' page")
**PhD student, Postdoctoral Researcher and Academic welcome pack.**
A welcome pack is provided to every new member who joins the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. This welcome pack aims to guide the new members as to what they need to tick off before coming to UCD, once they arrive and after their first month of being at UCD. This welcome pack allows a smooth transition of every newcomer to the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.
**Electronic newsletter**
Facilitating the introduction of new members to the School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. Every quarter, an electronic newsletter is sent out to all PhD students, Postdocs, Technicians and Academics introducing the new members that have joined the School. The newsletter includes a picture of the new School member, the Research group that they have joined (if applicable), where they are from and their hobbies.
**Virtually monthly coffee mornings**
Held every first Thursday of the month with running themes. The themes are centred around life in Ireland to promote the smooth transition of international School members. These themes include the best places to visit in Ireland, the best coffee at UCD, etc.
*[Dr Veronica Sofianos](mailto:veronica.sofianos@ucd.ie "Go to 'Dr Veronica Sofianos' page"), Assistant Professor (Ad Astra Fellow) and School EDI Representative, UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering*
---
#### School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy: Visiting Professor and Global Architecture Initiative
Dr Nkatha Gichuyia is visiting through the School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy’s EDI initiative to bring scholars to UCD who are from countries that are not well represented amongst staff in architecture, landscape, planning and environmental policy. It also dovetails with the Global Architecture Initiative in the discipline of architecture. This provides academic support and leadership on materials covering Africa, South-East Asia, South and Latin America and the Middle East. Amongst other events, Dr Gichuyia will be leading a seminar in APEP on informal settlements and urbanism.
*[Dr Samantha Martin-McAuliffe](https://sisweb.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_REPORTING.P_DISPLAY_QUERY?p_query=ID920-2&p_parameters=2DE43CB626A05C20A579F010BB5FF052 "Go to 'Dr Samantha Martin-McAuliffe' page"), Former EDI Rep, School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy*
## UCD College of Engineering and Architecture
Room 122 & Room 126, UCD Engineering and Materials Science Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
T: [+353 1 716 1868](tel:+353 1 716 1868) | E: [eng.arch@ucd.ie | collegeea@ucd.ie | engarch.research@ucd.ie](mailto:eng.arch@ucd.ie | collegeea@ucd.ie | engarch.research@ucd.ie) | [Location Map](https://www.google.com/maps?ll=53.306468,-6.218691&z=17&t=m&hl=en&gl=IE&mapclient=embed&cid=4916955847685828257 "Go to 'Location Map' page")
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