Professor Abhay Pandit and Dr. Dimitrios Zeugolis based at the Network of Excellence for Functional Biomaterials (NFB), who developed a community based learning programme at NUI Galway, have won 2nd Prize in the Internationally acclaimed MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship.
Their programme entitled ‘Community Awareness Initiatives Responsibly-Directed by Engineers’ (CAIRDE) is a service-learning programme where all third-year Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering students apply academic knowledge and skills to address genuine community needs. The programme was initially established by Professor Pandit in 2003 and is co-directed by Dr. Zeugolis. It still remains the only service learning engineering programme in Ireland.
Dr James J. Browne, President of NUI Galway on the announcement of the prize, said: “Service learning has become a hallmark of the student experience at NUI Galway and offers real learning in a community context. It brings theory to life while improving the lives of those living in often challenging situations. This international recognition for commitment to civic engagement and service learning is a tribute to those involved”.
The MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship recognizes exceptional student civic engagement initiatives in an international network of institutions committed to strengthening the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education named the Talloires Network. The Talloires Network supports and contributes financially to ongoing public service efforts at their member institution. There are 200 universities from around the world in the Talloires Network. NUI Galway has been a member since 2008. This year sixty-six programs from 54 universities in 27 countries were nominated.
The MacJannet Prize is co-sponsored by the Talloires Network and the MacJannet Foundation, and named after the philanthropists and international educators Donald and Charlotte MacJannet. The foundation’s president, Tony Cook said “The MacJannet Prize is an ideal way to spotlight the most worthy and productive student service-learning projects in countries around the world. We salute the winners for their unselfish volunteer efforts and their positive contributions to their societies and the global community.”
Following the announcement, Professor Pandit said “This award signifies to us that student engineers have a role to play in society and this role brings many benefits. Without doubt it has enabled our students to see their role as global engineers from challenging and engaging local experiences. The MacJannet Prize will help us shine a spotlight on this experience”.
Additional information relating to the MacJennet Prize can be found at http://www.macjannet.org/
