Awarded every year since 2020, the bursary was established in memory of former Arthur Cox partner and consultant Niamh Burke, who played a significant role in the development of the Irish wind energy sector and advised on many of Ireland’s largest energy, infrastructure, and construction projects.

The initiative aims to support the next generation of innovators and leaders in the field of sustainable energy.

It provides financial assistance to help cover tuition fees, research costs, and other educational expenses.

All relevant disciplines are open for consideration including economics, engineering, law, planning, policy, science and others.

It is open to students planning to study in these or related fields in Ireland, at postgraduate level in 2025. If more than one person is selected, the bursary monies will be split between the successful applicants.

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

Last year’s recipients, Jarlaith Brady and Thomas Walsh, impressed the judging panel with their commitment to working to tackle the climate emergency and their passion for their chosen fields of Mechanical and Sustainable Engineering and Energy Systems Engineering.

Danielle Conaghan, partner and head of environment and planning at Arthur Cox, said: “We are proud to provide the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary.

“It empowers the next generation of leaders in the renewable sector who are passionate about making a difference; enables them to innovate, create and shape the future of our renewables sector and drives the delivery of a more resilient and sustainable energy landscape in Ireland.

“To us, it represents an important investment in the future of sustainable energy.”

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, added: “We are committed to fostering talent and innovation in the renewable energy sector.

“By working with Arthur Cox on the Niamh Burke Renewable Energy Bursary, we can support students who are passionate about making a positive environmental impact.

“By investing in these bright minds, we are contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for all. And this has never been more important. We have energy targets to hit and thousands of jobs to fill.”

Applicants are required to submit a proposal outlining their research or project focus, demonstrating how their work will contribute to Ireland’s renewable energy goals by the closing date of Friday, 21 March 2025.

A panel of experts from Wind Energy Ireland will review the applications and select the most promising candidate(s).

For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Wind Energy website.