A SETU lecturer has been named STEM Woman of the Year in recognition of more than two decades of work promoting science and mathematics.
Dr. Sheila Donegan, a chemistry lecturer and co-director of SETU’s STEM engagement centre CALMAST, received the top honour at the 2026 Business Post Women in STEM Awards.
The ceremony was held at the Mansion House in Dublin last month, with the award recognising her work to widen participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Dr. Donegan is also a co-founder of Maths Week Ireland, an all-island initiative which now attracts more than half a million participants each year.
She said seeing young people discover that science and maths are for them remains one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
‘Through CALMAST and Maths Week Ireland, we work with wonderful colleagues, teachers and partners who make those moments possible. I’m delighted to receive this award and to share that recognition with everyone involved.’
Dr. Donegan previously received recognition in the mathematics category at the awards in 2025.
Her academic work also includes science and mathematics education and the public understanding of science, while her contribution to science communication has previously received international recognition through the EU Descartes Award, shared with colleague Eoin Gill.
Dr. Laurence Fitzhenry, Head of the Faculty of Science and Computing at SETU Waterford, described the latest award as a source of pride for colleagues across the faculty.
‘Sheila brings the same energy and imagination to working with University colleagues as she does to engaging schoolchildren and the wider community,’ he said.
A number of other SETU representatives were also shortlisted at this year’s awards, including Nollaig Healy, Dr. Deirdre Kilbane, Dr. Frances Hardiman and Dr. Paula Walshe.
