From a pioneering device that warns of driver fatigue to a unique solution to reliably harness power from ocean waves - this year’s range of short-listed projects underlines how Ireland’s young graduates are leading the way for indigenous R&D. R&D is an area which the government has identified as vital for Ireland to remain competitive in the global economy.

 

Now in its 10th year, the award is one of a number of initiatives aimed at fostering innovation in engineering, while promoting the profession as a whole. It also encourages students to think about the practical and commercial applications of their research.

 

The final will take place next Thursday 19th June 2008 in Engineers Ireland HQ in Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. An overall prize of €2,000 will be awarded to the winner of the most innovative and commercially viable design, while all finalists will receive €250. All entrants are undergraduate students of an engineering degree course accredited by Engineers Ireland.

A short list of the finalists

The short list of one female and six male finalists represent four colleges nationally - Cork IT, NUI Maynooth, NUI Galway and DIT.

 

The short-listed projects and possible applications are as follows:

 

1. The design and development of a swimming aid for the visually impaired – ‘Swimming aid for the visually impaired’ by Kieran O’Callaghan, Cork IT
2. A detection system for fatigued driving - ‘Development of an Automobile Blackbox System for the Detection of Sleep Deprivation in Drivers’ by Gabhan O’Conchubhair, NUI Maynooth
3. To facilitate the extraction of air bubbles from the dripline that administers medication and nutrition to patients, before they reach the patient’s bloodstream – ‘Medical Infusion System Air Bubble Extractor Design & Development’ by Xiao Fang Zhang, Cork IT
4. To aid rehabilitation therapy – ‘An Electroencephalographic Brain Computer Interface Based on Imagined Movement Related Activity in the Supplementary Motor Area of the Cortex’ by Darren Leamy, NUI Maynooth
5. A method to maximise power generating conditions ‘The Optimization of the Bi-Directional Axial Flow Hydro Turbine Duct in a Tidal barrage’ by Cormac Flynn, NUI Galway
6. A practical approach to harness ocean wave energy with an aim to providing stable grid power – ‘A Unique Ocean Wave Energy Converter’ by Conor McNamee, DIT
7. David Madden, NUI Galway

 

About Siemens

Siemens is a global company providing products, systems, services and solutions for the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. The company employs over 1000 highly skilled people in Ireland and has offices in Belfast, Cork and Dublin.

About Engineers Ireland

Engineers Ireland is one of the largest and oldest representative bodies on the island of Ireland, with an ever increasing membership of engineers which now totals over 23,000. The membership incorporates all disciplines of the engineering profession in Ireland across industry, the public service, semi-state organisations and academic institutions.