Microsoft Ireland has awarded funding for two doctoral scholarships in Dublin City University that will advance research on artificial intelligence (AI) in education and on the regulation of new health technologies.
The Microsoft PhD Scholarships include a doctoral scholarship in DCU Centre for Assessment Research Policy and Practice in Education (CARPE) that will advance research on the efficacy of AI in assessment, and a second doctoral scholarship awarded through DCU’s Access Programme to widen participation in postgraduate research.
These scholarships build on the long-standing relationship between the two organisations and existing research collaborations between Microsoft Ireland and CARPE.
The scholarships are awarded to PhD students Seval Kemal and Elizabeth Comiskey.
Seval Kemal is presented with her scholarship by Deirdre Hannigan, Chair of DCU Educational Trust and Prof Dáire Keogh, President of DCU.
The announcement comes as Microsoft marks 40 years in Ireland. The company employs 6,400 people in Ireland across its European headquarters, data centre campus, gaming division Activision Blizzard King, and LinkedIn.
Prof Ernesto Panadero, Director of DCU CARPE said:
“These doctoral scholarships are an important step in strengthening research on artificial intelligence in education. At CARPE, we are particularly interested in understanding not just what AI can do, but how it can be used responsibly and effectively to support students’ learning and assessment. This collaboration with Microsoft Ireland reflects a shared commitment to research that is both innovative and grounded in educational practice.”
Dr Kevin Marshall, Head of Future Skilling with Microsoft Ireland said:
“These doctoral scholarships reflect the shared ambition of DCU Educational Trust and Microsoft Ireland to invest in research that delivers real societal impact. By supporting doctoral researchers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, health, and regulation, we are helping to develop knowledge that will inform policy, practice, and innovation for years to come. We are proud to support these outstanding PhD scholars and to build on the strong partnership between DCU and Microsoft Ireland over the last 20 years.”
Main image (L-R): Prof Ernesto Panadero and Dr Darina Scully, DCU CARPE, Prof John Doyle, DCU Vice President for Research, Dr Emma McEvoy and Elizabeth Comiskey, DCU School of Law and Government, Dr Kevin Marshall, Microsoft Ireland and Jason Sherlock, DCU Educational Trust.
Photo credit: Kyran O’Brien
