Laois student awarded University of Galway scholarship

A  Laois Civil Engineering student has been awarded the inaugural University of Galway Cunningham Civil & Marine Engineering Scholarship. 

This award, which supports inclusive participation, equal opportunities and supports the pursuit of engineering excellence, was awarded to Laois student Nicola Latham.

Nicola was selected following an award competition process which included a written submission and interview.  The Rosenallis student is a first year engineering student at the University of Galway.

The Cunningham Civil & Marine Engineering scholarship supports each student through their full honours degree and represents a 10-year collaboration with University of Galway.

Civil engineering plays a vital role in shaping sustainable communities, resilient infrastructure, and economic development. However, our industry struggles with participation and balanced participation. Scholarships such as this aim to address this imbalance by supporting talented students and promoting engineering as an accessible and rewarding career path.

The Cunningham Civil & Marine Scholarship provides financial assistance and industry recognition to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and commitment to the field. Nicola’s achievement reflects both her dedication to her studies and her potential to contribute to the future of the engineering profession.

Danielle Cunningham said “supporting young people and increasing female participation in civil engineering is essential for the future of the industry. We are proud to support students like Nicola as they begin their engineering careers.”

READ ALSO: First ever Laois bat group hold meeting

The award was formally presented to Nicola at the University of Galway Donor Recognition event in December 2025 by Directors Eoghan Cunningham, Danielle Cunningham and Richard Browne.

The University of Galway is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across STEM disciplines and actively encourages young people from all backgrounds to explore opportunities in engineering through education, outreach and industry partnerships.