The team who established and organises the START Competition all work in the Health Research Board – Trials Methodology Research Network . Our Network has members across five Irish Universities, including University of Galway, University College Cork, University College Dublin, Trinity College Dublin and University of Limerick.
Get to know us
Our ‘day-job’ is to make clinical trials better. We love scientific method and processes, and we like discovering new ways of doing this when it comes to clinical trials. You would be surprised how impactful small changes can be in science. We love to challenge old concepts and develop new innovative ways to get our work done. We developed the START Competition simply because we love what we do, and we want to share that with everyone. We also know how clever and innovative Irish primary school children can be, and we greatly enjoy learning from what the children do each year.
Our team also lead various projects to help the public better understand healthcare and how science works. Check out some of these projects: https://www.meetthescientist.ie/ and https://www.thekidstrial.ie/
The START Competition has been supported since 2016 by the Health Research Board and we are proud to have received further funding from Reasearch Ireland in 2024. Our steering group includes two primary school principals and several primary school teachers, whose expertise helps shape our initiatives.
To date, Teachers and children have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. The Competition is seen not just as a science learning tool, but as a versatile resource that enhances the curriculum and builds transferable skills, making it a valuable addition to teaching strategies.
International Interest
Bringing the START Competition to schools worldwide
Join us in expanding the START Competition to inspire children globally!
We want to share the START Competition with as many children as possible. We would be delighted to extend the START Competition beyond our borders! If you are interested in bringing this innovative program to primary schools in your country, we would love to support you. Our team is happy to share resources, guidance, and any assistance needed to help you get started. Let’s work together to inspire young minds around the world!
For more information, please contact us at STARTcompetition@universityofgalway.ie
Teacher & Pupil Focus Groups
Help us Improve
We’re always looking for ways to make the START Competition even better — and who better to help us than the teachers and children who take part?
In 2025–2026, we’re running focus groups with schools who’d like to share their experience. We want to learn what worked, what didn’t, and how we can make START even more exciting for everyone.
If you’re interested, just download the documents below and get in touch. Taking part is completely voluntary, and any insights you share will help shape the future of the competition.
How to get involved
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Who can join: Teachers and children taking part in the START Competition
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When: Throughout the 2025–2026 school year
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Format: Friendly and relaxed discussions (30–45 minutes)
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Your choice: Online or in-school sessions, depending on what suits you
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Voluntary: It’s completely optional — take part only if you’re happy to
Meet the team
Linda Biesty
Lead, University of Galway
Declan Devane
Lead, University of Galway
Manon Hubert
Project Manager, University of Galway
Carol Burke
Awards Ceremony Logistics Guru, University of Galway
Mengqi Li
Award Ceremony Workshop Lead, University of Galway
Thomas Conway
Training and Events Support Officer, University of Galway & Steering Group Member
Daniel Hayes
Primary School Teacher, Ballybunion NS, Co Kerry & Steering Group Member
Dara Glynn
Principal, CBS Primary, Ennis & Steering Group Member
Ray Mclnerney
Principal of Ennis National School & Steering Group Member
Iseult Mangan
Primary School teacher, Cloghans Hill, NS, Co. Mayo & Steering Group Member
Fiona Wall
Primary School Teacher, Scoil Mobhi, Dublin & Steering Group Member
Catherine Doolan
Director, Laois Education Support Centre & Steering Group Member
Meet the judges
James Griffin
James is a scientist who uses maths to help doctors find better treatments. He is an Assistant Professor and Medical Statistician at Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, designing fair tests (trials) to improve medicine, especially in surgery, pain relief, and rehabilitation – including an experiment to see if robots can perform operations better than humans!
He also helps medical students and works to support staff at Warwick Medical School.
Away from the office he can usually be found wrestling his three small children at home.
Iseult Mangan
Iseult Mangan is the Regional Projects Coordinator for Teen Turn, an organisation dedicated to providing hands-on STEM experiences for girls.
She is a former principal of Cloghans Hill National School, where she led her students to victory in the 2017 START Competition.
With extensive experience in education and a passion for fostering curiosity and innovation in young learners, Iseult continues to support initiatives that empower children through science and research.
Aisling Murray
Aisling is an experienced teacher at every class level, including SET. She has obtained a Master’s degree in Digital Media Development for Education.
Aisling enjoys keeping up with current trends and watching out for innovative ideas and strategies that have a positive impact on the world of education.
She is the ICT Co-ordinator for her school and has organised many initiatives, such as Girls in Stem, Road to Code, and Tech Week and is currently participating in the pilot edition of the Microsoft Dreamspace Ambassador Programme.
Her class won the START competition in 2018.
Shoba Dawson
Shoba is a researcher whose work looks at how to make research, especially clinical trials more inclusive. She also works in evidence synthesis.
She has involved patients and the public in evidence synthesis work to ensure that it includes their input and reflects their perspectives.
She co-leads an initiative called GPs at the Deep End Bristol which focuses on reducing health inequalities and increasing the representation of groups who are often missing from research.
Eleanor Molloy
Eleanor is a Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health at Trinity College Dublin and a paediatrician working in Children’s Health Ireland and the Coombe Hospital.
She co-leads In4Kids, a network that helps children in Ireland access clinical trials.
Her research focuses on improving treatments for babies and children, especially those with brain injuries or serious illnesses. She has published over 300 research papers, supervised many students, and works with international organisations to advance child health research.
Shaun Treweek
Shaun is a researcher who is really interested in how to design clinical trials.
He wants to make sure researchers don’t waste time doing things they don’t need to.
He also wants to make sure the results help people make better decisions about their health.
He’s been doing this for over 25 years, which is longer than almost everyone in the room has been alive. That means he’s really old!
Need support?
We're here to help! If you have any questions or need assistance with the START competition, don't hesitate to reach out.
startcompetition@universityofgalway.ie
