Also, SETU and ATU are set to launch new veterinary schools. Expected to take students from 2026.
Five researchers from the South East Technological University (SETU) have been included in the Stanford/Elsevier World’s Top 2pc Scientists list.
The annual list by Stanford University identifies the world’s leading researchers based on citations, h-index (where the number of published papers and citations are compared) and bibliometric indicators.
This year, the SETU scientists that made it to the ranks includes Prof Marie Claire Van Hout, the vice president for research, innovation and impact, Dr Sweta Rani from the Department of Computing and Mathematics, and Prof Gillian Gardiner from the Department of Science
The list also includes Dr Wanan Sheng, from the University’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and Dr Marcos Mariano, from the Department of Science, Ocular Therapeutics Research Group.
“To have five of our colleagues included in the Stanford Elsevier list is a wonderful recognition of SETU’s research excellence,” said SETU president, Prof Veronica Campbell.
“Each individual’s work contributes not only to global knowledge but also to SETU’s mission of creating impact for our region and beyond. I congratulate my colleagues on this achievement, which reflects their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing research.”
New veterinary schools
SETU and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) are set to get a new veterinary school each. The schools are a part of the Veterinary Places Activation Programme (VPAP) and are being developed jointly by the university departments. This will be SETU’s first-time offering a veterinary program.
The new schools will facilitate the creation of 80 additional student places annually from 2026. The two schools will adopt distinct models of delivery, with SETU implementing a distributed model using a network of regionally-based clinical training facilities, and ATU developing a full clinical facility for on-campus training.
Approval for further capital allocation under the VPAP came today (3 October) and would provide for a design team to be appointed and to develop building designs up to planning stage, the Government said.
The VPAP forms part of a wider Government investment in healthcare and veterinary education. The programme is being jointly supported by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
“This is an important step forward for our university and for the West and Northwest, expanding opportunities for students to study veterinary medicine closer to home,” said Dr Orla Flynn, the president of ATU.
The investment will allow ATU to build the facilities and expertise required to deliver high-quality veterinary education and research, while also supporting Ireland’s agri-food sector and wider society. We look forward to progressing the design and planning stage and to welcoming our first students in 2026.”
Campbell added, “For the first time, a professional veterinary medicine programme will be available in the South East, positioning SETU to play a pivotal role in retaining regional talent, addressing critical workforce shortages and ensuring a strong pipeline of skilled professionals to serve Ireland’s agriculture, equine and companion animal sectors.”
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