Póstaeir san Oireachtas, meaning Posters in Parliament celebrates excellence in undergraduate research across Ireland.  

Following a competitive nomination and detailed selection process, 30 students from 14 Higher Education Institutions across the island of Ireland were chosen to present their research directly to politicians and policymakers within Ireland’s parliamentary buildings. 

The Queen’s finalists are Civil Engineering student Caoimhe O’Hare with her poster on “Wind Loading Effects on the Dynamic Response of Floating Solar Platforms” and Law student Emma McDonagh with her poster on “A doctrinal analysis of the background and creation of The Nature Restoration Law and its future impact on the EU; considering potential issues, benefits and long-term results.” 

From two distinct subject areas, both projects have a clear sustainability focus. Caoimhe is exploring how wind and wave forces impact the performance and stability of offshore floating solar, which is targeted to produce 80% of Ireland’s renewable electricity by 2030, with the view for the findings to inform future energy policy and reduce investment risk.  

Emma’s project is also focused on sustainability, researching the EU Nature Restoration Law introduced in 2024, which she believes: “Has significant potential for change for European habitats and biodiversity, while promising positive economic and social returns for European Member States.” 

  

President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists and we are very proud of Caoimhe and Emma for their achievement in being selected for this national event. It is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the high standard of research and academic excellence at Queen’s. 

“Póstaeir san Oireachtas offers a unique platform for undergraduate researchers to present their work on real-world issues and to engage directly with policymakers. It highlights the vital role research plays in shaping future policy and innovation, and having this recognised and showcased at the Oireachtas reflects Queen’s University’s commitment to excellence and impact.” 

PsO finalists will have their posters displayed in the Oireachtas from Monday 10 November to Friday 14 November, with the main showcase event taking place on Wednesday 12 November. 

The organisers have aligned the event with Dáil votes and committee meetings to ensure maximum engagement from TDs, senators, and government ministers. 

The Póstaeir san Oireachtas initiative is part of Posters in Brussels (PiB), an Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation Partnership project that enhances undergraduate research, dissemination, communication, and civic engagement across Europe.  

The national PsO programme for 2025 is led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), with participation from universities and institutes across Ireland, including Queen’s University Belfast. 

Supported by Erasmus+, this collaborative initiative strengthens the link between research, education, and policy, providing students with a unique platform to influence change and contribute to evidence-informed decision-making. 

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