South East Technological University (SETU) has formally bestowed the 2026 Michael Cooley Award on former President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins in recognition of his exemplary contributions to enhancing access to, and promoting a deeper understanding of, the scholarly work and enduring legacy of Professor Mike Cooley.

Michael D. Higgins, accompanied by his wife Sabina, graciously accepted the accolade from President of SETU, Professor Veronica Campbell on Tuesday, 26 May, in the presence of special guests, dignitaries, and political representatives. 

The ceremony, held at SETU’s Cork Road Campus in Waterford, celebrated the legacy of Mike Cooley, an internationally respected engineer, philosopher, shop steward, trade unionist and author. His pioneering ideas continue to influence global thinking on technology, artificial intelligence, labour, sustainability and the future of work.

Michael D. Higgins has long championed many of the principles that defined Mike Cooley’s work, including social inclusion, cultural enrichment, ecological responsibility, democratic participation, and the need for economic systems that place human wellbeing at their centre.

Commenting on receiving the award, Michael D. Higgins said: “Mike Cooley offered a profoundly important vision of society in which technology, work, creativity and human dignity existed in harmony rather than conflict. His ideas remain not only relevant, but essential, as we confront the challenges of artificial intelligence, ecological transition and the future of work. It is a great honour to receive an award bearing his name, and to celebrate the enduring influence of his intellectual and ethical legacy.”

Professor Veronica Campbell, President of SETU, said: “SETU is proud to be the home of the Michael Cooley Archive and to support the continued exploration of ideas that are increasingly important in our rapidly changing world. Michael D. Higgins embodies the values that Mike Cooley championed throughout his life, including intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, ethical leadership and a deep belief in the creative potential of humanity. We are honoured to welcome him to SETU to receive this year’s Michael Cooley Award.”

Mike Cooley’s son, Dr Graham Cooley noted: “My father believed that technology should empower people, strengthen society and serve the common good. Michael D. Higgins has spent decades articulating those same values with extraordinary integrity, humanity and intellectual leadership. At a time when societies across the world are debating the implications of AI, automation, energy transition and social cohesion, his voice has become increasingly important in shaping contemporary debate. There could be no more fitting recipient of the Michael Cooley Award.”

Throughout his distinguished public life, Mr Higgins has consistently challenged societies to consider not only what technology and economics can achieve, but what kind of society they should serve.

On a personal level, Higgins and Cooley were friends, united by a shared belief in the importance of creativity, social justice, labour rights, democratic participation, and the ethical application of technology. Their intellectual relationship spanned decades and reflected a common concern for ensuring that technological progress remained rooted in human dignity and social purpose.

In June 2021, Michael D. Higgins delivered the landmark address “The Legacy of Mike Cooley: The Future of Work and the Just Transition”, in which he described Cooley’s ideas as being “more relevant than ever” in the context of automation, artificial intelligence, ecological transition and the changing nature of work. The address is regarded as an important contribution to contemporary discussions around ethical technology and the future of industrial society.

Mr D. Higgins also wrote the foreword to Mike Cooley’s acclaimed book Delinquent Genius, reflecting on Cooley’s enduring influence as a thinker who challenged conventional assumptions about economics, work, technology and human creativity. On this basis he was chosen as worthy recipient of this year’s Mike Cooley award.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.