The award recognises the initiative’s outstanding contribution to national strategic objectives, as detailed in the HEA Impact Assessment case study: “Transformative Community Education: Pathways Supporting Disadvantaged Communities to Access Higher Education.”

The DigiAcademy initiative is a nationwide collaborative programme led by Principal Investigator Dr. Esther Murphy (School of Engineering and ADAPT Centre), with the support of Prof. Vincent Wade, Trinity's Senior Lecturer and Dean of Undergraduate Studies; Prof. Michael Shevlin, Chair of Inclusive Education; and multiple Trinity College Dublin Schools. The programme benefits from the guidance of the Citizen Advisory Panel (CAP), which includes 14 individuals with intellectual disability or autism, whose recruitment was supported by the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies, an umbrella organisation representing 57 disability service providers.

Provost Linda Doyle, Dr. Esther Murphy and Ms. Mei Lin Yap - Front Square at Trinity College Dublin, talking and smiling. Esther wears a navy jacket with gold bee details and holds a framed certificate. Mei Lin Yap wears blue and yellow clothing, and the Provost Linda Doyle wears a white blouse. The cobblestone ground and historic stone buildings frame the scene.
Left-right: Provost Linda Doyle; Mei Lin Yap, DigiAcademy Teacher; and Dr Esther Murphy, Principal Investigator of DigiAcademy.

The DigiAcademy Initiative was co-designed with, for, and led by people with lived experience of intellectual disability, built on a train-the-trainer ethos that ensures the voices of our communities are deeply embedded in the programme. The initiative addresses digital access and social inclusion for one of the most digitally disenfranchised groups in Irish society, supporting learners to gain digital skills, access employment, and progress in lifelong learning opportunities.

Provost Linda Doyle said: “We are delighted that Trinity has received this Performance Funding Award from the HEA. This recognition acknowledges our positive impact in supporting one of Ireland’s most digitally disadvantaged communities and celebrates the DigiAcademy initiative as a national exemplar. Congratulations to the PI of this programme, Esther Murphy, for her leadership of this transformative programme and to all involved for this successful outcome.”

As highlighted by Minister James Lawless and Dr. Alan Wall, HEA CEO, during the award ceremony in October, this recognition showcases how higher education can rethink inclusive digital education and tackle disadvantage through equitable access to learning and employment opportunities. It also reflects the strength of collaboration between institutions, communities, and organisations across Ireland.

The HEA Impact Assessment Award certificate highlights the transformative outcomes of the DigiAcademy initiative, while also recognising the outstanding achievements of other universities across the country. The award enables the further development of partnerships and, together with the TCD Campus company DigiAcademy Technology, the expansion of digital inclusion opportunities over the coming years and continued collaborations with the HEA and stakeholders nationwide.

DigiAcademy Principal Investigator, Dr Esther Murphy said:

“We are honoured that the impact of the TCD DigiAcademy initiative has been recognised as a national exemplar by the HEA. Access, employment, and AI skills are crucial lifelines for success and growth — not just for individuals, but for our communities and businesses. This award acknowledges our collective effort to make inclusion everyone’s business.

"A huge thank you to our interdisciplinary team, Digi teachers, their support circles, and collaborator organisations who have gone above and beyond over the last five years, particularly during challenging global times. Heartfelt congratulations to all other HEIs: DCU, Maynooth, UCC, UCD recognised for their commitment to inclusion and innovation. Here’s to the next chapter as we continue to co-create, collaborate, and grow. This award also enables us to scale exciting new partnerships and develop a nationally accredited digital programme to rethink inclusive education across Ireland.”

DigiAcademy Teacher, Mei Lin Yap reflected:

“I’m proud to be part of such an inclusive and innovative team, where I have trained as a DigiAcademy Digital Literacy teacher to help others learn digital skills and use technology to reach their potential. We’re showing what inclusion looks like in action.”

Senior Lecturer and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Prof. Vinny Wade added:

“This award emphasises Trinity's commitment to innovation in tackling inclusion and supporting wider participation in education. We are delighted to progress the DigiAcademy initiative nationwide and deepen our collaborations with educational partners. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovation in education and lifelong  learning as mapped out in Trinity’s strategic plan.”

This HEA Award aligns directly with Trinity’s THRIVE Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which places inclusion and widening participation at the heart of our mission.

Learn more about DigiAcademy on the HEA website.