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School of Chemistry congratulates Dr Francis Harrington, STO, on his recent UCC Staff Impact Award

14 Oct 2025

Congratulations to Dr Francis Harrington, Senior Technical Officer in the School of Chemistry for the Impact award received at the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã Staff Recognition Awards on 7^th October 2025.

This award recognised his extraordinary leadership and initiative in relation to embedding an efficient chemical inventory system, LabCup, initially within the School of Chemistry and then across the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã, where it has now been adopted by 11 Schools or research institutes. His constructive approach and willingness to share his insights and experience with others were pivotal to the transformational change effected across many areas of the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã.

UCC is now a safer place to work because of Francis’ vision and dedication in both embedding and managing LabCup for all the areas involved at UCC.

Acknowledging the award Francis said, 'I’m deeply honoured to be recognised by the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã with an impact award for the introduction and rollout of LabCup. The widespread adoption of the application gives me a great sense of achievement and I get great pleasure in hearing how the application has helped make the areas of the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã which have adopted this more efficient and more productive, not to mention safer and more compliant.  I’m very grateful to the School of Chemistry for supporting my endeavour over many years to promote the adoption of this invaluable tool."

Dr Tom O’Mahony, Chief Technical Officer in the School said, ‘Having identified a now obvious gap in chemical inventory management at UCC, Francis’ resolute determination in addressing this, and undertaking the extra workload and responsibility in seeing it through without question, is a remarkable achievement and an inspirational example how one person can drive positive change for the greater UCC community through a focused passion.’

Congratulating Francis on this award, Professor Anita Maguire, Head of School of Chemistry said, ‘It is tremendous to see Francis’ leadership in this important initiative recognised through an Impact award. The successful adoption and roll-out of LabCup in many locations in SEFS and CoMH thanks solely to Francis’ commitment and dedication, working beyond his own School and local environment, and effectively influencing others to see the benefits of this system, is a remarkable example of collegiality in action, raising safety standards and governance of chemical inventories across the ÉîÒ¹ÑÇÖÞ¸£Àû¾Ã¾Ã.’