Research Week generated strong engagement across South East Technological University (SETU), with high attendance from researchers, academic staff, and postgraduate students throughout the week-long programme which ran from 19 to 26 February 2026.
The events showcased the breadth of research activity across the university, while creating valuable opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary connection. Researchers at all career stages used the week to build new relationships and share ideas.
Flagship Events and Research Showcases
Flagship events included the Research Excellence Awards, recognising outstanding research contributions, and the Open Research Award, highlighting leadership in open research practices. The Poster Presentation Competition and Three Minute Thesis (3MT) contest provided postgraduate researchers with opportunities to present their work and strengthen research communication skills.
Dedicated Interdisciplinary Research sessions further reinforced collaboration, bringing together researchers from diverse disciplines to explore shared themes and emerging opportunities.
Reflections from Leadership
Reflecting on the week, Dr Luke Power, Research Projects Manager, said, “It was fantastic to see such strong engagement across the week. Research Week creates space for colleagues to connect beyond their disciplines, share ideas, skills, and spark collaborations that can grow long after the events finish.”
Building Skills and Research Culture
Research Week 2026 also featured a range of practical training sessions, equipping researchers with actionable insights in areas such as research communication, funding strategy, and impact development.
Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact, added, “Research Week is a key moment for recognising achievement, strengthening skills, and fostering collaboration. The engagement we have seen highlights a research culture that is dynamic, ambitious, and collaborative.”
Research Week 2026 once again demonstrated the vitality and growing confidence of SETU’s research community.