Teagasc director of research Professor Frank O'Mara announced the Walsh scholars of the year winners at an online inaugural showcase on Thursday.

The programme’s highest accolade, the Walsh scholars gold medal, was awarded to Meritxell Grau Butinyac for her work on the impact of pH on nitrous oxide emissions and the denitrifier community.

The gold medal has been awarded annually since 1993. Other Walsh scholars were recognised for showing excellence within their individual field of studies.

O'Mara said: "These students have been selected in recognition for having done a fantastic job during their PhD. They have displayed their wide array of transferrable and competent skills."

Walsh scholars of the year:

  • Paul Smith: animal grassland research.

  • Meritxell Grau Butinyac: crops, environment and land use programme.
  • Gemma Regan: food programme.
  • Adrienne Attorp: rural economy and development.
  • Kevin Maher: knowledge transfer.

    • Alum award

    Teagasc director professor Gerry Boyle also announced the Walsh scholars alum award winner for 2020.

    The award was presented to Trinity professor in economics Karol Newman for her work in the microeconomics of development along with household and enterprise development.

    Boyle said: “Over 1,200 scholars have passed through the programme and are now working in areas from research to the private sector. Our alumni are scattered all over the world.”

    The Walsh scholarship programme provides the sector with a pipeline of leaders in agri food research, advisory and education.

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