Limerick university to showcase pioneering work at 2025 Research Week

THE University of Limerick is gearing up to host a week-long celebration of research that is shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and healthier future. From cutting-edge battery innovation to pioneering work in perinatal wellbeing and the surprising role of serotonin in cancer, UL Research Week 2025 will showcase the breadth and impact of research taking place across its campus.

The university's researchers are working to help make our country, and our world, a more sustainable place, more inclusive and healthier, and all while striving to use smart technology for the betterment of all. 

Research Week provides an insight into the diverse range of excellent fundamental and multidisciplinary research that is being carried out in the university. 

The latest developments in battery research, how serotonin can be a dark influencer of cancer, the role of community-based sheds in the Mid-West region and how music supports perinatal wellbeing are among the 25 events taking place at UL Research Week 2025. 

READ MORE: Limerick university has extended its reach south of the equator

Running from April 28 to May 2, details of all the events are on the Research Week website. 

The week-long series of events highlights the research that impacts our society at a local, national and international level. There is also a focus on the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead in the research space. 

Launching UL Research Week 2025, Vice President Research and Innovation Professor Kevin Ryan said:

“At UL we are constantly pushing the boundaries, creating new discoveries and innovations, and it is all for the greater good. The impact that our research can have on society can never be underestimated. 

“Our researchers are working to help make our country, and our world, a more sustainable place, more inclusive and healthier, and all while striving to use smart technology for the betterment of all. In an everchanging world, we need to ensure that we prioritise research funding to allow Ireland to continue to grow as a home of excellent talent. 

“UL Research Week is a platform that allows researchers to showcase the diverse nature of our world-leading research to the wider community and the public.” 

Among the events are: 

Beyond health and happiness: Serotonin and immunity as influencers of cancers. Serotonin is widely known as the “happiness hormone” of our brain, while the immune system is known to attack the dangerous invaders and protect the body from harm. But did you know that they have a dark side, as they can induce and promote cancers? 

Battery and Energy Materials for a Greener Future Moving to a greener energy landscape based on renewably generated electricity is the key scientific challenge of our age and the importance of multidisciplinary research in tackling global challenges related to energy sustainability. 

Music for perinatal wellbeing, as challenges to perinatal wellbeing represent a persistent global concern, this session will highlight pioneering UL research that supports the use of music for perinatal wellbeing during pregnancy in addition to research on developing the first specialist music therapy programme in perinatal mental health services in Ireland. 

3-Minute Thesis Grand Final, presenting can be fraught for many, but you can marvel at these finalists as they present a summary of their groundbreaking research and its potential impact – all in just three minutes, using one slide, in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. 

XTREME Living Lab Showcase of using AI and Mixed Reality for social good, aims to transform how art and music are experienced through mixed reality by exploring new ways of accessing cultural and artistic experiences beyond physical limitations. The project develops a human-centred and ethically informed MR solution that enables users to experience concerts and performances remotely in their living room with other remote participants. 

Research Week is underpinned by UL’s research strategy Wisdom for Action, whose mission is to build a vibrant community where research excellence is valued, supported and central to all facets of our organisation. 

Information of the full programme of free events, which are open to the public, and how to register is on the UL Research Week website.