Nobel Laureate Professor Reinhard Genzel delivers masterclass to top Irish students of astrophysics and high-energy particle physics.
On Wednesday 18 February the Royal Irish Academy hosted thirteen postgraduate students for a masterclass facilitated remotely by Nobel Laureate Professor Reinhard Genzel. Professor Genzel is Director of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, a professor at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and an emeritus professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics ‘for the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy,’ which he shared with Andrea Ghez and Roger Penrose.
18/02/2026 Students participating in the O’Sullivan Masterclass hosted in the Royal Irish Academy. Royal Irish Academy-O’Sullivan Masterclass. Professor Dr Reinhard Genzel Photo: Johnny Bambur; no reproduction fee
The O’Sullivan Masterclass was made possible with an endowment from the late Professor Denis O’Sullivan (1938-2020). Professor O’Sullivan was a high-energy physicist based at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies for much of his later career. He is known for his study of cosmic rays and his NASA-supported research in California in the late 1960s that led to the development of a device for measuring radiation exposure. At the start of the masterclass Denis O’Sullivan was remembered fondly by close colleague, Professor Luke Drury.
Research institutions across the island of Ireland were invited to nominate up to two students to take part in the O’Sullivan Masterclass with the stipulation that the students must be enrolled in a Masters or PhD programme and undertaking research in the field of astrophysics or high energy physics. The students who participated in the masterclass were Nicki Bond, University College Dublin; Emer Coughlan, Technological University of the Shannon; Catherine Cuddy, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies; Aoife Finn-Gallagher, Dublin City University; Ciarán Furey, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium; Alanna Fox, University of Limerick; Herman LeRoux, Dublin Institute of Advanced Studies and Technological University of the Shannon; Daxal Mehta, Maynooth University; Leo Mulholland, Queens University Belfast; Deirdre Ní Chonchubhair, University of Galway; Richard O’Neill, University College Dublin; Iuliia Shebalkova, Dublin City University; Letizia Vincetti, Trinity College Dublin.
The masterclass was chaired by Dr Venus Keus, Senior Research Fellow at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Participants first heard from Professor Genzel about his work and career before having the opportunity to ask questions and explore topics including the challenges and rewards of academic careers, collaboration across theoretical and experimental physics, and possible futures for the research field.
Denis O’Sullivan’s daughter, Tanya O’Sullivan said:
The O’Sullivan Masterclass was a fitting tribute to an Irish space research pioneer who throughout his life endeavoured to sow seeds of curiosity among the young. We are delighted that the RIA has arranged this wonderful opportunity for the next generation of Irish scientists to engage with Nobel Laureate Professor Reinhard Genzel. Dad would have been thrilled with the event!
18/02/2026 Back row, L-R: Herman LeRoux, Leo Mulholland, Ciarán Furey, Richard O’Neill, Daxal Mehta, Aoife Finn-Gallagher, Alanna Fox. Front row, L-R: Iuliia Shebalkova, Nicki Bond, Letizia Vincetti, Venus Keus (masterclass chair), Emer Coughlan, Deirdre Ní Chonchubhair, Catherine Cuddy. Royal Irish Academy-O’Sullivan Masterclass. Professor Dr Reinhard Genzel Photo: Johnny Bambur; no reproduction fee
ENDS
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Fionnuala Parfrey
Programme Manager (Sciences) E: f.parfrey@ria.ie W: http://www.ria.ie
About the Royal Irish Academy
The Royal Irish Academy, founded in 1785, is Ireland’s leading body of experts supporting and promoting the sciences and humanities. As an all-island independent forum of peer-elected experts we recognise world-class researchers and champion Irish academic research.
We make a significant contribution to public debate and policy formation on issues in science, technology and culture. We bring together academia, government and industry to address issues of mutual interest by providing an independent forum.
We lead important national research projects, particularly in areas relating to Ireland and its heritage. We represent the world of Irish learning internationally, have a unique globally recognised library and are a leading academic publisher.
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