Since 2017, we’ve proudly showcased Ireland’s up-and-coming research talent through our Ones2Watch science communication competition (a key component of our Ones2Watch conference for HRB-funded early and mid-career researchers), which is a great opportunity to tell us why your research matters. Here, HRB Postdoctoral Intern Emma McGrath looks back at some previous winners, and catches up with where they are now.

Aisling Smith, 2019 winner

Talking us through her PhD project, Aisling explained how evaluating heart function in babies born with Down Syndrome using novel techniques would help doctors to monitor and treat these patients and maximise their health as they grow older.

Where is she now?

Aisling is completing her PhD thesis and hopes her work will improve cardiovascular monitoring and clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes for babies and children with Down Syndrome.

Ones2Watch highlight

“My standout memory from Ones2Watch was being very impressed and proud of the quality of research in Ireland. This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase the fantastic accomplishments of our scientific and medical researchers.”

Amirhossein Jalali, 2019 runner up

As a UCD postdoctoral fellow, Amir described his work which focussed on developing a risk calculator to help assess whether a biopsy for suspected prostate cancer was needed.

Where is he now?

Amir now holds a Lectureship in Statistics in University College Cork, where he aims to facilitate the integration of biostatistics into clinical research.

Ones2Watch highlight

“The unique opportunity of presenting in the HRB Ones2Watch competition challenged my presentation skills and enhanced the communication of my scientific work with an audience outside my area of expertise.”

Sunita Panda, 2019 runner up

As a qualified midwife, Sunita described her PhD research, which explored factors that influence the decision to perform Caesarean section in first-time mothers, as well as women’s involvement in the decision-making process.

Where is she now?

Sunita has completed her postdoctoral research fellowship in Trinity College Dublin and is continuing her research in maternity care in Ireland, as well as lecturing in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at University College Cork.

Ones2Watch highlight

“Being shortlisted for this prestigious competition was an achievement on its own. The process of preparing to stand in front of research experts from various disciplines and convincing the value of my research was a beautiful experience. Regardless of the outcome of the competition, I will always be proud that I was part of it.”

Deirdre Daly, 2017 winner

As a postdoctoral researcher working on the Maternal health and Maternal Morbidity in Ireland (MAMMI) study, Deirdre told us about the importance of addressing women’s physical and mental well-being after giving birth.

Where is she now?

Deirdre is Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin, and continues to lead the MAMMI study.

Ones2Watch highlight

“It was a great challenge to think of the best way to help people understand the importance of your research in just a few minutes. The short delivery really helped me focus on the core message of my work and how my method of communicating would relate to a wide audience.”

Margaret Dunne, 2017 runner up

Margaret described her postdoctoral research investigating how harnessing our immune system can help us understand and treat cancer in new and improved ways.

Where is she now?

Margaret is a Senior Research Fellow in the Clinical Microbiology Department at St James’s Hospital, and head of the Outreach pillar for the Trinity St James’s Biobank Network.

Ones2Watch highlight

“I really enjoyed presenting my work at the Ones2Watch conference and would recommend everyone get involved. It was my first time speaking without slides (but not my last!) and while it was daunting, it was a very useful experience to break the work down into simple terms – it really helped to hone my lay presentation skills.”

Are you the next one to watch?

We knew our previous contestants would go far, and as a mix of academics and clinician researchers from wide-ranging areas, it’s clear the common factor in their success is passion.

As an early career researcher there’s still lots to learn, but once you have belief in your work, you don’t need to have it all figured out. After all, it’s not just about what you do, but why you do it. So, look beyond your lab bench or computer screen and tell us how your research can create a lasting impact on people’s health. No matter your background, subject area or career stage, it’s the drive to make a difference that makes you one to watch.

Stage 1 of the Ones2Watch competition opened on 10 June. The Ones2Watch science communication competition is part of the Ones2Watch conference for HRB-funded early and mid-career researchers held on 7 Oct 2021.