What happens when 30 ambitious STEM students spend a summer working alongside world-leading researchers?
For the undergraduate students participating in the Tyndall, Rinn Semiconductors and NanoIC Summer Fellowship Programme, it was a summer of discovery, innovation and opportunity.
Over 12 weeks, students from universities across Ireland stepped beyond the classroom and into Tyndall’s state-of-the-art research environment, gaining hands-on experience in areas ranging from biophotonics, programming and semiconductor technologies. Hosted by Tyndall and supported by Rinn Semiconductors, Research Ireland’s research centre for Research & Innovation in Heterogeneously Integrated Semiconductor Systems, and Europe’s leading semiconductor pilot line, NanoIC, the programme provided a unique opportunity to learn from researchers who are at the cutting edge of semiconductor research and innovation.
Beyond the laboratory, fellows took part in technical workshops, professional development sessions and career-focused training designed to help them navigate their future pathways. From CV and LinkedIn workshops to networking opportunities with researchers and industry professionals, the programme offered valuable insights into the many career options available within Ireland’s technology sector.
The programme concluded with a vibrant ‘Build Your Future in Semiconductors’ networking event, bringing together more than 140 undergraduate STEM students from across Ireland. For many of the Summer Fellows, it was a unique opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals from leading semiconductor companies including AMD, Qualcomm, Infineon Technologies, Chipright and Analog Devices.
More than a networking session, the event provided students with valuable insights into the diverse career opportunities available across Ireland’s semiconductor sector. Through discussions with postdocs, engineers, researchers and industry leaders, attendees gained first-hand advice on building successful careers, developing in-demand skills and navigating pathways into one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
A highlight of the event was the annual Poster Presentation Competition, where each fellow presented the research they had undertaken during the programme.
This year’s competition winner, Asia Dial, reflected on her experience:
“The best part was definitely the people. It’s been absolutely lovely getting to know everybody and we’ve become such a great group. I’ve made so many friends over the summer. While it’s been incredibly rewarding to dive deeply into a research topic, it’s the people and the friendships that have made my time in Cork so special.”
Paula McNamara, Education and Public Engagement Officer at Rinn Semiconductors, and coordinator of the Summer Fellowship Programme, praised this year’s cohort:
“It has been a pleasure to work with these 30 exceptional undergraduate students. They represent some of the brightest of their generation, but what stands out equally is their enthusiasm, creativity, humility, determination and camaraderie. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow and to see all they have achieved throughout the programme.”
As the 2026 fellowship draws to a close, the impact of the programme extends far beyond the summer months. For many participants, it has provided their first experience of research, introduced them to lifelong friends and mentors, and opened new possibilities for careers in STEM.
Applications for the next Tyndall, Rinn Semiconductors and NanoIC Summer Fellowship Programme will open later this year.
*Tyndall is a partnership between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and University College Cork.*
