TU Dublin Researcher Dr Sajad Alimohammadi Appointed to Young Academy Ireland
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Dr Sajad Alimohammadi, Lecturer in the School of Mechanical Engineering at TU Dublin, has been appointed as a member of Young Academy Ireland (YAI), based at the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), an all-island network that brings together outstanding researchers and innovators from across Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Dr Alimohammadi is internationally recognised for his research in thermal sciences and sustainable digital infrastructure. His work focuses on improving cooling technologies, increasing energy efficiency, and addressing the environmental impacts associated with the rapid expansion of data centres. At TU Dublin, he leads the Thermo Fluids & Energy Systems research group, where his team develops innovations in thermal management across device, system, and facility levels. Several of these technologies are now progressing towards pilot evaluation with industry partners, reflecting the growing relevance of this work for Ireland’s digital and energy sectors.
Ireland’s digital infrastructure continues to expand rapidly as the country hosts a growing share of Europe’s data centre capacity. Improving the energy efficiency and environmental performance of these facilities is therefore a key national priority. Research such as that led by Dr Alimohammadi contributes to developing new technologies that can support more sustainable operation of the digital systems underpinning Ireland’s economy and society.
Young Academy Ireland has welcomed 21 new members this year following a competitive selection process launched by the Royal Irish Academy. Members serve four-year terms and work together across disciplines to address societal challenges through research collaboration, policy engagement, and public dialogue. The first two years of the new members’ term will overlap with the inaugural cohort established in 2024, enabling continuity in projects and shared initiatives.
Welcoming the new cohort, Lynn Scarff said:
“Welcoming the new cohort of members to YAI marks an important step in strengthening Ireland’s research and innovation ecosystem. These exceptional early career researchers and innovators represent the depth and diversity of talent across the island. Through YAI, we are investing not only in their professional development, but in their capacity to shape policy dialogue, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and contribute meaningfully to the societal challenges facing Ireland and beyond.”
Dr Alimohammadi commented:
"I am honoured to represent TU Dublin as a member of Young Academy Ireland and to contribute alongside such a talented group of researchers. This appointment provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the university’s research in sustainable thermal management and energy-efficient digital infrastructure, and to contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives addressing societal and policy challenges across Ireland."
Established to support the next generation of research leaders, Young Academy Ireland aims to expand opportunities for researchers and innovators, strengthen leadership capacity, and advance equality, diversity, and inclusion across the research community. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and international partnerships, members contribute evidence-informed perspectives on pressing societal challenges.
Dr Paul Doyle, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Apprenticeships at TU Dublin, said:
“Dr Sajad Alimohammadi’s appointment to Young Academy Ireland is a significant and well-deserved recognition of his outstanding research and its growing impact in the areas of thermal sciences and sustainable digital infrastructure. His work addresses critical challenges in the energy efficiency and environmental performance of modern data centres, an area of increasing importance to Ireland’s digital economy. This appointment also reflects the strength of research within the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment at TU Dublin, and we congratulate Dr Alimohammadi on this important achievement.”