KBS Future Thinking

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin are excited to host David Pollard for an innovative and insightful conversation. David Pollard is a distinguished leader in health innovation and education, with over a decade of experience enriching the healthcare sector through innovative programmes and partnerships. As the current Head of Digital Learning, Education Platforms and Scaling at EIT Health, he plays a pivotal role in shaping healthcare education across Europe. His leadership as the Futurist and Innovation Committee Chairman at the Global Alliance for Medical Education underscores his commitment to fostering lifelong learning and collaboration for global healthcare improvement. Pollard's academic pursuits include his ongoing PhD research in Inclusive Design and Creative Technology Innovation at SMARTlab UCD, emphasising his dedication to inclusive and innovative healthcare solutions. David Pollard's blend of leadership in health innovation, entrepreneurship, community building, and education positions him as an invaluable asset to the Global Alliance for Medical Education board. His proven track record of fostering innovation, driving collaborative initiatives, and enhancing global healthcare education aligns perfectly with the goals of GAME. His vision for a more inclusive, innovative, and well-educated healthcare community is not only inspiring but also essential for addressing the challenges and opportunities in global healthcare education and practice. https://irchumanitarianawards.ie/ https://eithealth.eu/ https://www.luminatemed.com/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin are joined by two innovative and passionate guests, Máirín Murray and Vicky Twomey-Lee. Máirín Murray is a highly creative digital innovator with a passion for creating technical products that produce a positive social impact. She is a TEDx speaker and the Co–Founder of Tech for Good Dublin – an inclusive community of techies, activists and others which has been growing rapidly since it launched in 2017. Máirín has particular expertise in developing digital campaigns, games, apps, animations, videos and e-courses, and has worked across the media, education and not–for–profit sectors. She has an MSC in Multimedia Systems from Trinity College Dublin and is a certified in Data Science, UX Design and project management. As a Senior Digital Content Producer at the BBC, she headed up the digital team for a UK wide youth inclusion service, BLAST. She is an enthusiastic and dynamic leader who is highly collaborative and has founded her own digital innovation studio. Digital Doddle www.digitaldoddle.com Recently, Máirín initiated TechFoundHer.com to build solidarity between women leaders in tech locally and globally. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTYeb6g4ivY Vicky Twomey-Lee is a software engineer but can be found nowadays organising community tech workshops and events with a focus on advocating diversity in the tech community. She has managed the Python Ireland user group since mid-May 2005, and chaired four annual Irish Python Conference, PyCon Ireland. She was nominated and became a member of the Python Software Foundation in 2012, and also became a board member of the EuroPython Society that year. She launched PyLadies Dublin in October 2013 and is the main organiser. She co-founded and is also the main organiser of Coding Grace, which runs language-agnostic, diversity-friendly workshops and events. Games have always been in her interests, so much so, she co-founded GameCraft Foundation to run community game jams so people can “Connect, Create, Collaborate”. Her focus to bring like-minded people together, grow, learn and support each other. You can find her on Twitter: @whykay This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin speak with Dr Eric Clinton, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at DCU Business School and a Visiting Professor at Babson College (USA) and the University of Valencia (Spain). He received his PhD from the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School UCD. Dr Clinton is the Director of the DCU National Centre for Family Business, a leading European family business research centre. Eric’s research interests are primarily concerned with entrepreneurial practices in family firms and the successful nurturing of family firms across generations. In 2022, Eric was awarded a visiting research fellowship at the Family Owned Business Institute USA. In 2021, his work on imprinting processes in family firms was awarded the prestigious Family Firm Institute best-unpublished paper award. Demonstrating the practical relevance of his research Eric has worked with family businesses in over 25 countries globally. Eric teaches in the area of entrepreneurship and innovation at undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education levels. https://www.dcu.ie/national-centre-for-family-business This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr and Erin warmly welcome the Morrissey brothers, Dan and Tom, notable figures hailing from Limerick. As esteemed graduates of the Kemmy Business School, both have achieved acclaim as All Ireland Hurling Champions, serving as exemplary ambassadors for the University of Limerick. Dan Morrissey studied a BA in Law and Accounting at the Kemmy Business School and holds an MSc in Accounting from University College Cork. Dan is now a Senior Tax Manager at C&C Group, he is recognised for his dedication and expertise in the finance sector, particularly within taxation. His career, spanning over seven years, has been marked by a specialisation in corporate and international tax issues, encompassing corporation tax compliance, corporate restructurings, cross-border dealings, and mergers & acquisitions. Dan's professional qualifications include Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA). Tom Morrissey is equally impressive as his brother, an accomplished Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor, and holds a Tax Assistant Manager position at EY. His academic journey at the University of Limerick includes a Masters of Taxation completed in August 2019, following a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies majoring in Accounting and Finance. Since joining the Limerick Senior Hurling team in 2014 and 2015 respectively, Dan and Tom have collectively earned an impressive array of accolades, including 2 Fitzgibbon Cup Medals, 6 League Medals, 10 Munster Championships, 10 All Ireland Championships, and 6 All-Star Awards, making them distinguished representatives of the University of Limerick. This conversation was great fun, as Dan and Tom regaled us with experiences from their student days at Kemmy Business School, their thrilling experiences as elite athletes and the facilities at the University of Limerick.We also gained valuable perspectives on their career paths. And, naturally, we couldn't let them go without a lively chat about Limerick hurling! This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, Finbarr chats with Dr Matthew Daniels, and they exchange views on their common enjoyment and passion for spending time on Irish waterways. Boasting an impressive three-decade career in manufacturing and engineering, Dr Daniels has dedicated fourteen years to fostering industry innovation through partnerships at the University of Limerick and European Union-funded projects. Beyond his industrial contributions, Dr Daniels has a notable record of imparting knowledge, both in practical settings and academic environments. His research endeavours are focused on integrating advanced technology into Product Lifecycle Management, advocating for a Circular Economy, and fostering Sustainable Innovation among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Dr Daniels is committed to continuous learning and ardently supports the cultivation of entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets. The episode will also explore the activities and objectives of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland (IWAI), established in 1954 by a collective of waterway aficionados. The association was initially formed to ensure the navigability of the Shannon for recreational boating, securing its status as a valuable national resource for waterways tourism. Over the years, IWAI's advocacy has expanded to prevent the closure of the Grand Canal in Dublin and to support the enhancement of the Barrow, alongside emphasising the restoration of various other waterways such as the Royal Canal, the Shannon-Erne Waterway, and the River Boyne, to name a few. IWAI represents the interests and perspectives of waterway users and enthusiasts to a range of authorities, including governmental bodies (both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland), the cross-border navigation authority Waterways Ireland, and various statutory and state-sponsored organisations that influence the waterways in diverse ways. Dr Matthew Daniels was honoured with the 2023 Award for Excellence in Service to the Community, in recognition of his significant contributions towards the promotion, enhancement, and restoration of Ireland's waterways and adjacent areas. Through his leadership positions within the IWAI and as a founding member of the Environmental Special Interest Group, Dr Daniels is dedicated to making the extensive network of Ireland's rivers, lakes, and canals accessible, safe, and enjoyable for the public. https://www.iwai.ie This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode of the KBS Future Thinking Podcast, Erin welcomes back two previous guests, Andrea La Touche and Fionán Coughlan. They discuss the involvement of University of Limerick students in this year's St Patrick's Day procession and the subsequent student 'after-party' at the Milk Market. Central to Andrea's strategic vision is fostering positive student interaction with the Limerick City community. This year, she is at the helm of the committee orchestrating the participation of 400 students in the St Patrick's Day march, culminating in an after-party at the city centre's Milk Market, featuring live music, culinary delights, and the unveiling of a significant art installation. Fionán offers an insightful recount of the pivotal role Patrick Sarsfield played in Limerick's history, a narrative deserving of cinematic portrayal. He also sheds light on a distinctive and pioneering art installation to be unveiled for the first time in Patrick Sarsfield's honour at the Milk Market during the St Patrick's Day celebrations. Presently, an archaeological excavation is underway in Belgium under the guidance of Limerick scholar, Dr Luíc Guyon, with the aim of repatriating Patrick Sarsfield's remains to Limerick, thereby reinstating him as a local luminary. Marking the 333rd anniversary of the Treaty's ratification, the Patrick Sarsfield Homecoming Project represents a momentous juncture in Limerick's annals. This initiative signifies the commencement of drawing students into the city centre in a constructive manner. Andrea and Fionán also tease plans to establish a 'Student Market', designed not only to bolster community integration but also to encourage sustainability and entrepreneurial spirit. The episode reaches a poignant conclusion with Fionán reciting an evocative poem that pays homage to Sarsfield's heroic efforts to safeguard the city. https://www.limerick.ie/discover/whats-on/festivals/limerick-st-patricks-festival-2024 https://www.mic.ul.ie/news/2023/ba30-sarsfield-homecoming-project This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

Discover Evan Mansfield's journey through business studies, from his time at University of Texas at Austin to his work placement at PwC. Learn about his extracurricular activities, student accommodation tips, and his inspiring journey with ASD. Gain insights into transitioning to data analytics, extracurricular engagement, university life, and advice for students post-CAO deadline.

Welcome to a blast from the past in our KBS Future Thinking Podcast series, where we're taking a nostalgic leap back to our very first recording. While it might be the start, the content is as timely and intriguing as today's headlines. The hosts, Finbarr and Erin, embarked on this podcasting adventure with this episode. They've been on an upward trajectory ever since (don't you think?), sharpening their skills and bringing more depth to each conversation. And they're just getting started! In this special throwback, we're joined by the insightful Prof Martin Mullins, who's here to peel back the curtain on some truly fascinating projects he's involved with. Prepare to be captivated by tales of a European initiative designed to outwit criminal activities and terrorism by monitoring cryptocurrency transactions and navigating the depths of the Dark Web, all through innovative software. But that's not all. Prof Mullins also dives into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), discussing its various applications, the progress of autonomous vehicles, and the ethical considerations that come with such advancements. Prof Mullins, a key figure in the Emerging Risk Group (ERG) at the University of Limerick and an expert in Risk and Insurance, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His work, especially in the context of AI and its implications for risk and ethics, is at the forefront of academic and practical discourse. He's been involved in numerous research initiatives, many of which are funded by the EU Commission, focusing on the intersection of emerging technologies, privacy, and insurance. The ERG, co-founded by Prof Mullins and Prof Finbarr Murphy in 2007, has been a beacon for cutting-edge research in risk management, particularly in relation to new technologies. Its foundation was built on the idea of blending academic research with real-world applications, and it has since grown into a robust platform for addressing the complex challenges posed by emerging risks. So, tune in as we revisit this groundbreaking episode, where the past and present converge, and the future of technology and risk management is dissected with the wisdom of Prof Martin Mullins. It's the KBS Future Thinking Podcast series, where every episode is a step towards understanding the future a little better. https://www.ul.ie/business/kbs-research/research-clusters/emerging-risk-assessment-and-underwriting https://anti-finter.eu/ https://www.ul.ie/research/prof-martin-mullins This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode of the podcast, Finbarr and Erin are delighted to welcome Dr Eva Devaney, who serves as the Substance Use and Gambling Support Officer at Healthy UL. Dr Devaney sheds light on the challenges university students encounter, her pivotal role within the institution, and the perils associated with substance and gambling use. Dr Devaney is presently engaged in the University of Limerick, dedicating her efforts to providing support around substance use and gambling. As a devoted social researcher, she boasts an impressive track record of work and publications in areas such as alcohol, other drugs, health promotion, and higher education, underpinned by a staunch commitment to social justice. Holding a PhD in sociology with a focus on drug policy, her expertise is both broad and deep. Throughout her career, Dr Devaney has collaborated with a diverse array of stakeholders on various initiatives, encompassing both governmental health and education entities as well as non-governmental organizations. Her research interests are primarily oriented toward policymaking and its enactment, the nexus between drug treatment and prevention and gender, as well as the relationship between drug use and crime. Additionally, Dr Devaney brings valuable experience as a lecturer in sociology and health promotion, further enriching her contributions to the field. This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala

In this episode, our spotlight returns to Limerick as Finbarr and Erin engage in conversation with Fionán Coughlan. Fionán, an alumnus of our International Business Programme, and is a distinguished entrepreneur based in Limerick. Fionán is the founder, owner, and creative director of Re:Story Limerick. In December 2020, the foundation for a unique venture was laid at Limerick's Milk Market, where Fionán's savings were invested to establish a storefront. This establishment not only retails handcrafted goods created by Fionán but also allocates space for fellow artisans from the Mid-West region, thereby fostering a direct link between local makers and consumers. Amidst the pandemic, this period was utilised to meticulously craft a business model that not only seeks sustainability but also emphasises the creation of social value and financial upliftment for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) within both Limerick City and its surrounding county. Limerick, historically, boasts a rich tapestry of retail diversity. Despite the current economic challenges, the retail sector, along with its associated employment opportunities, stands as a beacon for potential growth and development within the city and county at large. https://restory.ie/ https://irishhidedesigns.com/ https://www.milkmarketlimerick.ie/ https://fablab.saulstudio.ie/ This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala