Marine Institute celebrates student success at Bursary Presentation Day 2026

The 2026 cohort of Marine Institute Bursary Programme students showcased their work at the annual Bursary Presentation Day on July 23rd at the Marine Institute’s Galway headquarters.

The programme enables undergraduate students to learn from experts within the Marine Institute while applying their education to contribute to the practical work of the Marine Institute.

On the day, the bursars presented their achievements this summer, focusing particularly on the impact provided to the Institute and the communities it serves. They also conveyed their activities through posters that were viewed by a judging panel. Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, alongside Aoife O’Sullivan, Scientific and Technical Officer and Sheena Fennell, Senior Marine Offshore Services Technician at P&O Maritime Logistics, analysed each piece of work and awarded prizes for the best presentations and best posters.

Four bursars received awards for their outstanding work on their presentations and posters. They are:
•    Gaurav Patil (Data Management Quality Management Framework Support)
•    Kevita Douglas (Sargassum Valorisation and Policy Frameworks in the Caribbean)
•    Saoirse Moore (Human Resources Project & Systems Supports)
•    Shane King (Oceanographic Data Stewardship)

Kevita Douglas recalled the experience of presenting: ‘I really enjoyed explaining my work to such an enthusiastic audience. It was also interesting to listen to each of the other bursars share their perspectives of this fantastic programme.’

Saoirse Moore detailed the significance of the day: ‘It was wonderful to see the interest that the Marine Institute colleagues took in our work and presentations. The support in the room was felt by all the bursars. I will look back fondly on the memories made during the past summer, and I feel confident about my future.’

Dr Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute, congratulated the bursars on their achievements and thanked them for their contributions throughout the summer; ‘It is always wonderful to see first-hand the impact that our bursars have within the Marine Institute, and this year has been no exception. Having applied their learnings in a practical, real-world setting, the bursars have further developed their skills and are well-equipped to continue contributing to the world of science. Their capability is tremendous and their ambitions are high - I wish them every success!’

Sheena Fennell of P&O Maritime Logistics also acknowledged the bursars’ work; ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to today’s judging panel. This programme is extremely valuable to the successful students who participate in it, exposing them to scenarios they may otherwise not experience. I was very impressed with the level of knowledge conveyed by the bursars; they are sure to lead successful careers.’

Applications for next year’s Marine Institute Bursary Programme will open in early 2027. For any enquiries, please contact bursarapplications@marine.ie.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:
Sinéad Coyne  e: sinead.coyne@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 947 7090
Kathleen Sweeney  e: kathleen.sweeney@marine.ie | m: +353 (0)87 094 5754
Communications Office, Marine Institute  e: communications@marine.ie | t: +353 (0)91 387 200

About the Marine Institute
The Marine Institute is Ireland’s scientific agency responsible for supporting the sustainable development of the State’s maritime area and resources. The Institute conducts applied research and provides scientific knowledge, advice and services to government, industry and other stakeholders and users. www.marine.ie