A lecturer from South East Technological University (SETU) has been recognised among the 19 awardees selected for the prestigious 2026–2027 Fulbright Programme.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Embassy of the United States of America in Dublin announced the 2026–2027 Fulbright Irish Awardees at a ceremony in Iveagh House.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Health, Dr Jennifer Carroll MacNeill emphasised the importance of the Fulbright Scholarships.
She said, "Fulbright awardees exemplify the best of academic traditions and cultural exchange. The contribution of Fulbright scholars to public health and medical research has been significant, fostering innovation and collaboration for the benefit of communities on both sides of the Atlantic."
Researching family literacy in the United States
Dr Lána McCarthy, a lecturer in the Literacy Development Centre (LDC) at SETU, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to undertake her research project, Family Literacy, Hugging Books and Parental Engagement: An Ireland–America Comparative Study, at the University of South Florida with Professor Jenifer Schneider.
Dr McCarthy has extensive experience in adult literacy and family literacy education. She has worked as an adult literacy tutor and coordinated family literacy programmes, managing, designing and developing initiatives within community settings. She holds a Teaching Education Qualification (TEQ), a Master's by Research in Family Literacy from SETU, and a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, funded by Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland).
Speaking about the award, Dr McCarthy said, "I am honoured to receive a Fulbright Scholarship and to have the opportunity to further my research in the United States. Family literacy plays a vital role in supporting children's learning and strengthening family engagement in education. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at the University of South Florida, sharing knowledge across borders, and bringing valuable insights back to Ireland to support literacy practice and policy."
I look forward to collaborating with colleagues at the University of South Florida, sharing knowledge across borders, and bringing valuable insights back to Ireland to support literacy practice and policy."
Dr Lána McCarthy
International recognition for impactful research
Congratulating Dr McCarthy on her achievement, SETU Vice President for Research, Innovation and Impact Professor Marie Claire Van Hout said,
"We are delighted to see Dr McCarthy recognised through this prestigious Fulbright Award. Her work in family literacy and parental engagement addresses issues of significant societal importance and reflects SETU's commitment to research that creates meaningful impact for individuals, families and communities. We wish her every success as she represents SETU in the United States and develops new international research collaborations."
About the Fulbright Programme
Managed by the Ireland–United States Commission for Educational Exchange (IUSCEE) since 1957, the Fulbright Programme supports academic, cultural and professional exchange between Ireland and the United States. From August 2026, awardees will undertake research, study, teaching and professional development at leading institutions across the United States.
Continuing a tradition of Fulbright success
Dr McCarthy joins a distinguished group of SETU academics who have previously received Fulbright Awards, including Dr Anne Graham Cagney and Professor John Nolan of the Nutritional Research Centre Ireland (NRCI). Her selection further highlights SETU's growing international research profile and its commitment to research excellence, international collaboration, and creating impact through education and research.
The next Fulbright Irish Awards competition opens on 27 August 2026. Further information is available at fulbright.ie.