Environmental research grant for Professor Ainhoa González

20 February 2026

(opens in a new window)Professor Ainhoa González from the UCD School of Geography has received an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for a new environmental research project.

She has received the funding for her project ScopeSEA: Artificial Intelligence Supported Expert-Prioritisation of Significant Effects: Streamlining Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping and Improving Effectiveness.

“This project will identify the significant environmental issues to be prioritised in the assessment of development plans and programmes, with the aim to enhance the effectiveness of procedures and resulting recommendations towards sustainability,” explained Professor González.

One key focus of the project is improving the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). The SEA is a process required by the European Union that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of plans or programmes before they are approved.

Using AI, ScopeSEA will create practical guidance and a sector-specific toolkit to make this assessment process more effective and efficient.
 
The goal is to help experts concentrate on the most significant environmental issues, saving time and resources while producing clearer, more meaningful environmental reports.

A total of €6.5 million in EPA funding was announced for 24 new research projects that will address climate and environmental challenges.

In response to a consultation on knowledge gaps for policy development and implementation, the selected projects will answer the emerging research needs of policymakers in Ireland. 

The EPA is partnering with Met Éireann and the Office of Public Works to co-fund several of the initiatives.

By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations

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