Bursary offers €10,000 boost to Renewable Energy students

Applications are now open for the Niamh Burke Memorial Bursary, which will award a total of €10,000 to students pursuing studies linked to climate action and renewable energy in Ireland.

Candidates can apply here for the bursary until Thursday 2 March 2023 at 5pm.

The bursary was established by leading law firm Arthur Cox, in memory of their former colleague and Arthur Cox partner, Niamh Burke, who played a significant role in the development of the Irish wind energy sector and advised on some of Ireland’s largest, energy, infrastructure and construction projects.

All relevant disciplines are open for consideration including law, economics, engineering, policy, science, planning and others. It is open to students planning to study in these or related fields in Ireland, at postgraduate level in 2023. If more than one person is selected, the bursary monies will be split between the successful applicants.

Aoife Stewart, from Drogheda in Louth, was one of last year’s winners:

“A year on and I still feel honoured to have been given this tremendous opportunity. The bursary provided me with vital financial support to pursue a masters in Environmental and Natural Resources law, which I am currently undertaking at University College Cork.

“I have just completed the first semester of the programme and I am delighted with my decision to pursue a masters in this field. I am excited to continue my studies this year and to see where this degree leads me in the future.”

Alex McLean, Head of the Energy and Natural Resource Group at Arthur Cox said:

“We are very pleased to continue providing this bursary in memory of our colleague Niamh Burke. Ireland has the potential to be at the forefront of the energy transition and we want to support the next generation who are working towards a carbon-neutral future.”

The fund is administered by Wind Energy Ireland.

Dave Linehan, Head of Research, Wind Energy Ireland said: “Anything that supports and encourages academic excellence in this area is very welcome. Today’s renewable energy students will be the people making sure we reduce our CO2 emissions and work to end our dependence on foreign fossil fuels. We are supporting future leaders in Ireland’s fight against climate change.”

The bursary was launched in 2020 and has already helped six people with their studies. It is funded by Arthur Cox and Niamh’s family, to offer opportunities to a new generation of renewable energy experts. 

Previous recipients have used the bursary to study at University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin, NUI Galway, University College Cork, Dublin City University and the Law Society of Ireland.

Could you be our 2023 recipient? Apply now – closing date is Thursday 2 March 2023 at 5pm.