In a throwback to the awards programme earlier this year, Maynooth University has been named winner of the Best Research Project award at the Education Awards 2026, recognised for NeoSepsis, a landmark research initiative that has developed a rapid, point-of-care diagnostic test to detect neonatal and maternal sepsis in Uganda and other low-resource environments, demonstrating research excellence with the power to save lives at scale.

The NeoSepsis project represents an outstanding example of educational leadership and international collaboration in action. Led by Maynooth University and delivered through the NeoSepsis Consortium, which includes Makerere University in Uganda, the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance, Mulago National Referral Hospital, the Busoga Health Forum, and Accuplex Diagnostics, the project brought together biomedical science, health systems research, cost modelling, and clinical validation across two continents to address a critical gap in neonatal healthcare in low and middle income countries.

The research's translational impact is what gives it particular significance within Ireland's higher education landscape. Quantified diagnostic accuracy, measurable time savings, and clear mortality implications provide the kind of evidence base that moves research from academic achievement into real-world health systems change, reinforcing the value of Ireland universities and research institutions investing in projects with direct humanitarian application.

The scale of cross-border partnership, particularly between Irish and Ugandan institutions, alongside the direct involvement of health clinicians and patients throughout the research process, reflects a model of collaborative inquiry that sets a high standard for how research excellence in the Irish education sector can be directed toward meaningful global outcomes.

Judges were emphatic in their assessment. "This entrant's approach stood out for its strong translational impact, integrating biomedical science, health systems research, cost modelling, and clinical validation in LMICs. The quantified diagnostic accuracy, time savings, and mortality implications provide clear, measurable evidence of performance. The scale of international collaboration, particularly between Irish and Ugandan institutions, as well as the involvement of health clinicians and patients, is particularly impressive. This research exemplifies excellence across a multidisciplinary team working in challenging environments to deliver meaningful outcomes," the panel stated.

The Education Awards 2026 gala took place on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath. Now firmly established as a cornerstone of Ireland's higher education calendar, the Education Awards celebrate innovation, educational leadership, and outstanding achievement across the full spectrum of the Irish education sector.

For the complete 2026 winners list, category insights, and institution profiles, visit the official Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights about the education sector.