Dr Andrew Dickson receives UCD Values in Action award
Dr Andrew Dickson, an early career researcher in I-Form, the SFI Research Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, is being recognised with a 2020 UCD VIA (Values in Action) award, for his efforts to make needed PPE (personal protective equipment) for frontline workers using creative engineering skills in March 2020.
Following a request from Tallaght Hospital for face shields, Andrew sprang into action working all weekend to optimise and 3D print 300 face shields for the hospital. Over the next weeks and months, Andrew worked tirelessly and with the help of other researchers produced over 4,000 face shields. PPE was distributed initially to local hospitals such as St Vincent’s University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, Beacon Hospital, and St Columcille’s Hospital; to HSE Covid-19 test centres; and to community healthcare services. Distribution was then extended to hospitals further afield, to nursing homes, to GPs, and to ambulance services around the country. Face shields were also sent overseas to a mission hospital in Tanzania, and knowledge and expertise were shared with researchers in Namibia. In addition, he worked on designing and printing ventilator parts, in consultation with doctors in hospitals around the country, and exploring options for alternative breathing devices. All of this voluntary work was undertaken outside of and in addition to his normal area of research. Andrew’s application of ingenuity and problem-solving skills to a practical, societal need shows the value of creativity in action.
The adjudication panel was chaired by Professor Joe Carthy. For the 2020 awards, 73 submissions nominating 38 individuals or teams were received. To reflect the huge efforts of colleagues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and elsewhere across the University, the adjudication committee awarded 12 UCD VIAs. The adjudicators said the award brought the values of Collegiality, Creativity, Diversity, Engagement, Excellence and Integrity to life.