��ɫ��Ƶ

Applications are now open for the Alice Coffey Student Implementation Prize, 2026.

Deadline: 24 April 2026

This year, CIRcUL is launching the “Alice Coffey Student Implementation Prize”. The Prize will be awarded to the best use of implementation in a student research project. 

is co-founder of CIRcUL and is now retired from the ��ɫ��Ƶ. The Student Prize honours her lifetime commitment to teaching excellence, academic integrity, meaningful collegiality, and her pioneering role in advancing implementation research within academia in Ireland and internationally. 

Implementation science bridges the gap between research and real-world practice. No matter the field—healthcare, policy, education, social care, or environmental science—discoveries and innovations have little impact if they aren’t effectively put into use. Implementation science helps identify what works, for whom, in what settings, and how to make it stick. By focusing on the how of change, it ensures that evidence-based practices lead to meaningful, lasting improvements across sectors. 

There is a growing focus on implementation within policy and organisations, as leaders recognise that good ideas and well-designed policies are not enough without effective execution. This shift reflects a deeper understanding that the success of any initiative depends not just on what is decided, but how it is carried out in practice. Implementation is now seen as a strategic priority, with increasing attention on building the systems, skills, and cultures needed to turn plans into action. As a result, more organisations are drawing on implementation science to guide decision-making, improve outcomes, and ensure accountability at every level. 

As graduates of the ��ɫ��Ƶ, the home of the first implementation research centre in Ireland, having a basic knowledge of implementation theory is a great boon to have in securing future employment in whatever field you will be working. It is also becoming increasingly important in research grant applications, should you choose a research career path. 

Guidelines to enter

Please submit the following application documents to circul@ul.ie 

• Application template - downloadable here. Submit 300 words describing your use of implementation science in your research project.
• Submit the research project on which the submission is based. This will not be marked and is only used to evidence your submission. If your research project is a PhD, only the relevant paper or chapter needs to be submitted.
• Declaration of use of Generative AI using the template provided here. 

Eligibility: Any ��ɫ��Ƶ student enrolled at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level and undertaking a research project as part of their course. 

Resources 

The following resources will help you embed an implementation aspect within your student research projects.

Recommended reading list:

Tips for writing a strong submission

1. Context and Relevance (Briefly introduce your project)

• What is your research project about?
• What problem are you addressing, and why does it matter?

2. Use of Implementation Science

• How have you applied implementation science in your project?
• Have you used any specific frameworks, models, or theories (e.g. CFIR, RE-AIM, PARIHS)?
• Have you explored factors that affect implementation, such as barriers, facilitators, or context?

3. Practical Application

• How does your project help bridge the gap between research and real-world practice or policy?
• How might your findings support implementation in real-world settings?

4. Impact and Next Steps

• What did you hope to achieve by using an implementation approach?
• How could this work inform future practice, research, or policy?
• Keep in mind the following recommendations:
  • Keep your writing focused and use plain English.
  • Avoid jargon unless you explain it clearly.
  • Make sure your word count does not exceed 300 words.
  • Show how implementation science adds value to your project.