NUI Galway memorial garden. Photo: Aengus McMahon
A new bursary has been launched in memory of NUI Galway researcher Karzan Ahmed.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service along with the Department of Housing and NUI Galway have together announced the Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme.
The bursary is set to offer a summer research programme in the School of Natural Sciences at NUI Galway which will focus on high nature value (HNV) farming and invertebrate biodiversity.
HNV farming allows some natural vegetation to grow on farmland in order to support biodiversity and species of conservation concern.
Karzan’s work as a PhD candidate in the area of Environmental Science, which focused on determining the function of insect ecosystems in farm habitats, will now be reflected in the new research programme.
Karzan tragically died in a road accident along with his wife Shahen Qasm and daughter Lina in August 2021.
NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the new bursary served as a great celebration of Karzan and his commitment to the University community.
“We are extremely grateful to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for their support and partnership in remembering our colleague Karzan Ahmed and his wife Shahen Qasm and their baby daughter Lina.
“Their deaths has a profound impact on our community and, in particular those who worked directly with Karzan,” he said.
“This generous bursary will help to continue his work, celebrating and remembering his excellence and both his and NUI Galway’s commitment to this important areas.”
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan welcomed the new scheme and said it would help ensure Karzan’s research efforts continued on into the future.
“Karzan Ahmed undertook important and impactful research in high nature value farmland during his time at NUI Galway.
“He worked closely with staff of the National Parks and Wildlife service and was exceptionally generous and giving with his time and expertise,” Minister Noonan added.
“The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are confident that this research bursary will continue to build upon Karzan’s research and afford students an opportunity to gain vital experience in the area of farmland biodiversity, in collaboration with NPWS,” he finished.
The Karzan Sabah D Ahmed Memorial Research Bursary Scheme will be open to students across all third level institutions in Ireland.
