Dr Shane Donohue Awarded National Challenge Fund Grow Phase funding

iCRAG Funded Investigator Dr Shane Donohue, from the UCD School of Civil Engineering, has been awarded Grow Phase funding under the National Challenge Fund’s Sustainable Communities Challenge for his project GEOMETRIC: GEOphysics and Machine learning for Evaluating Transportation Infrastructure Condition.

GEOMETRIC proposes a novel approach that uses fibre optic cables already installed along rail tracks as continuous sensors for monitoring the condition of railway-adjacent slopes. This innovative use of existing infrastructure will allow for long-term, non-invasive assessment of ground stability. However, the volume of data generated exceeds the capacity of current processing methods. By integrating advanced machine learning algorithms, GEOMETRIC enables efficient, automated interpretation of these large datasets. The approach has the potential to transform how slope stability is monitored, providing early indicators of subsurface movement and preventative action.

Dr Donohue’s team is one of ten nationally to progress to the Grow Phase. Each team will further develop and demonstrate the societal impact of their solution, with €2 million in final prize funding available to the most competitive projects.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said:

“I am delighted to see such innovative examples of the potential that EU funding can bring as the last cohort of National Challenge Fund teams progress to the finalist stage of this funding programme. These teams’ work will help address some of the most pressing challenges for society and help ensure a just transition for all as Ireland and the European Union continue our journey to a carbon neutral future. I look forward to following their progress in the next phase of funding.”

The €65 million National Challenge Fund is administered by Research Ireland and supported through Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility.

For more visit the National Challenge Fund (opens in a new window)website.