Description
The One-to-Watch Award recognises researchers leading promising projects or initiatives that show exceptional potential for societal, environmental, or economic impact—paving the way for real-world outcomes, future collaborations, and commercial opportunities.
Eligibility
Eligible nominees are those working on research or innovation initiatives with strong future potential, even if not fully matured at date of application. Consideration will be given for projects that have early indicators of breakthrough, commercialisation or academic/non-academic engagement.
Nomination & Application Process
Nominations should come from two TU Dublin staff members on a single form.
The person nominated will be asked for additional information after the closing date, to support the evaluation of the application, should they wish to provide it. Self-nomination is not acceptable.
Evaluation Criteria
Nominees will have evaluated across several key dimensions including, but not limited to:
- Innovation - is the research novel and/or disruptive in its field?
- Impact Potential - what is the real-word application for the research? Does it address an existing or future real-world need?
- Commercialisation or Translation Potential - could the research be developed into a future product, process, service or policy?
- Stage of Development - is there a clear growth potential? Has it already attracted support? (funding, collaboration, academic/non-academic engagement
- Collaboration & Engagement - is the innovation being done in collaboration with an external entity? (academic and non-academic [industry, public body, community, etc,])
Evaluation Process
Applications will be evaluated by a panel made up of internal and external innovation experts who will submit their recommendations for the top 5 scoring applications to the Awards Decision Board, which will be chaired by the Vice President for Research & Innovation.
Deadline for Receipt of Nominations 5 pm on July 4th, 2025
Please send any questions or queries to researchandinnovation@tudublin.ie