Marine Institute Bursars Shine at Presentation Day

The 2025 cohort of the Marine Institute Bursary Programme showcased their summer research and projects at the annual Bursar Presentation Day held this week at the Marine Institute headquarters in Galway.

Undergraduate bursary recipients presented their work through posters and flash presentations, highlighting the significance and impact of their contributions across diverse marine science fields. Their efforts were assessed by a judging panel featuring Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, Pat Costello, Senior Laboratory Analyst, and Sheena Fennell, Senior Marine Offshore Services Technician at P&O Maritime Logistics.

Eight students received awards recognising excellence in their presentations and posters:

• Best Joint Presentation: Aisling English & Sean McDermott (Fisheries Sampling & Data)
• Best Presentation: Brennan Harkin (Marine Spatial Planning Data Reporting & Communication)
• Best Presentation: Paige Kenny (Ecological Monitoring in the Burrishoole)
• Best Poster: Katherine Hesse (Green Chemistry in the National Biomonitoring Program)
• Best Poster: Kate Regan (Ireland’s Ocean Economy)
• Best Poster: Michelle O’Connor (Ireland’s Ocean Economy)
• Best Poster: Dylan McGovern (Fish Rearing)

Speaking about the event, Best Presentation winner Brennan Harkin said the experience boosted his confidence and left a lasting impression: “Knowing the audience was genuinely interested inspired me and made the day memorable.”

Best Poster winner Kate Regan added, “Presenting my work to colleagues and fellow bursars was rewarding and will support my future career. The day was a valuable opportunity to learn about the wider Marine Institute.”

Dr Rick Officer praised the bursars’ achievements, stating, “Their outstanding work and presentation skills demonstrate a bright future for marine science and the Institute. This programme allows students to apply academic knowledge in real-world contexts.”

Sheena Fennell of P&O Maritime Services also commended the bursars: “The seminar highlighted the exceptional expertise of these students and the valuable opportunities the programme provides.”

The Marine Institute Bursary Programme offers undergraduates practical experience and networking across marine-related disciplines including environmental chemistry, communications, finance, and aquatic surveying.

Applications for the 2026 programme will open early next year. For more information, contact bursarapplications@marine.ie.