An Cosantóir

www.military CHIEF OF STAFF INNOVATION AWARDS 2024 RECOGNISING INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE An Cosantóir March / April 2025 www.military.ie/magazine 10 | I nnovation is the cornerstone of progress, and in an organisation as dynamic as the Irish Defence Forces, the ability to adapt, develop, and implement new ideas is critical to success. The Chief of Staff Innovation Awards serve as a platform to recognise and encourage the exceptional talents within our ranks. These awards provide an opportunity for personnel of all ranks and branches to present ground-breaking solutions that contribute to the evolution and advancement of the Defence Forces. By fostering a culture of innovation, the awards not only highlight the ingenuity present within the organisation but also encourage continuous improvement in operational efficiency, sustainability, and personnel well-being. This year's awards saw an impressive response, with a total of 15 applications – 9 individual and 6 group submissions. Each application demonstrated a strong commitment to developing innovative and practical solutions to challenges faced by the Defence Forces. The projects spanned a wide range of areas, from technological advancements to personnel welfare, reflecting the diverse skill sets and expertise within our organisation. The winners of the 2024 Chief of Staff Innovation Awards are shining examples of this excellence. INDIVIDUAL WINNER: LT PAUL BRISCOE The individual category winner was Lieutenant Paul Briscoe, who presented a pioneering project on analysing hydrogen fuel cells to enhance and develop a defence energy architecture. His research and findings offer a blueprint for ensuring installation self-reliance and resilience by integrating hydrogen fuel technology into Defence Forces infrastructure. Lt Briscoe's project addresses one of the most pressing challenges of modern defence operations—energy sustainability. By exploring the potential of hydrogen fuel cells, he has contributed to an innovative solution that could significantly reduce dependency on conventional energy sources while simultaneously enhancing the Defence Forces ability to maintain operational effectiveness in diverse environments. His work not only benefits the Defence Forces but also aligns with Irelands broader commitments to renewable energy and sustainability. GROUP WINNERS: A NOVEL APPROACH TO PTSD TREATMENT The group award was presented to an exceptional team comprising Dr Philip Brady, Private David Killilea, Ms Eimear Ní Fhalluín, and Dr Fionbarr Lenihan. Their project introduced a novel, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable treatment programme aimed at addressing PTSD within the Defence Forces. Mental health remains a critical focus within military organisations worldwide, and PTSD continues to be a significant challenge for serving and retired personnel. The winning teams approach prioritises accessibility, affordability, and rapid deployment, ensuring that those in need receive timely and effective support. By combining scientific expertise with practical application, this initiative represents a vital step forward in enhancing the psychological resilience of Defence Forces personnel. SHOWCASING IRISH INNOVATION ON THE EUROPEAN STAGE The recognition of these remarkable projects does not end with the awards ceremony. As a testament to the value and potential of their work, Lt Paul Briscoe and members of the winning group will travel with the RTI office to Warsaw, Poland, in May to participate in the European Defence Innovation Days. This event provides a unique All entrants to the DF Innovation Awards pictured at the Award Ceremony which took place in Baldonnel in December 2024 ARTICLE BY SGT ALAN SMYTH Individual Winner Lt Paul Briscoe - Analysing Hydrogen fuel cells to enhance and develop a defence energy architecture. Group Winners: A Novel Approach to PTSD Treatment - Ms Eimear Ní Fhalluín, Dr Philip Brady, Dr Fionbarr Lenihan and Private David Killilea. AB Ryan Cornally, PO Brendan O'Reilly, CIS Gp Naval Service

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