Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies

@dias

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) is the world’s second, and Ireland’s only, Institute for Advanced Studies. We perform advanced, fundamental, research across our three Schools - Celtic Studies, Theoretical Physics, and Cosmic Physics.

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Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· 15d

✨️ #49 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS After the Apollo 11 Moon landing, Prof Denis O'Sullivan of DIAS helped develop new techniques to analyse cosmic ray tracks in lunar rocks. The work earned international recognition and led to DIAS experiments on later Apollo missions 🚀 @diasdunsink.bsky.social

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· 20d

✨️#48 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS John Herivel was a mathematician and one of the codebreakers at Bletchley Park during the Second World War In 1956, he joined the DIAS as a visiting scholar, becoming part of the Institute's distinguished tradition of mathematical and scientific research. #DIASdiscovers

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· 25d

✨️#47 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 2023, researchers from DIAS Geophysics installed an induction coil magnetometer in Antarctica. The instrument measures the vertical component of Earth's magnetic field - helping our researchers build a clearer picture of what lies deep beneath the Earth's surface! 🤘

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· 29d

✨#46 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS The 'Grazer' A specialised conservation-grade book cradle which manipulates & focuses on the uneven, contoured parchment of the rare Irish manuscripts being digitised for the Irish Script on Screen - to allow for safe, high-quality digital imaging. @scs-dias.bsky.social

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· 29d

✨#45 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Irish Script on Screen Established by DIAS in 1999, the Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) is the world's largest digital repository of Irish manuscripts, with more than 450 manuscripts digitised. @scs-dias.bsky.social #IrishScriptonScreen #DIASdiscovers

Irish Script on Screen
Established by DIAS in 1999, the Irish Script on Screen (ISOS) is the world's largest digital repository of Irish manuscripts, with more than 450 manuscripts digitised.

These priceless manuscripts are expertly digitised, making centuries of Irish history, literature, law and culture freely accessible online.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jul 10

✨#44 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dunsink Dome & Telescope 🔭 Dunsink Observatory helped shape modern observatory design. The South Dome, built in 1868, houses a 12-inch Grubb refractor telescope Upgrades made in 1909 improved the accuracy of stellar observations & remain part of its historic character

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jul 6

✨#43 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Prof Stephen Hawking visits DIAS In October 1983, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking attended a Symposium held by our School of Theoretical Physics. There he also delivered a lecture exploring quantum mechanics and recent advances in general relativity and supergravity!

Prof Stephen Hawking visits DIAS

In October 1983, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking visited DIAS to attend a Symposium held by our School of Theoretical Physics.

During his visit Prof Hawking delivered a lecture exploring quantum mechanics and recent advances in general relativity and supergravity.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jul 2

✨#42 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS The INSN The Geophysics Section of DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Established in 1980, the network monitors seismic activity across Ireland - with data transmitted in real time to the INSN data centre at DIAS. @dias-geophysics.bsky.social

The Irish National Seismic Network

The Geophysics Section of DIAS operates the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). Established in 1980, the network monitors seismic activity across Ireland - through a series of stations. Seismic data is transmitted in real time to the INSN data centre at 5 Merrion Square and shared internationally.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 19

🎂 Today, 19 June 2026, we celebrate 86 years of #DIAS! Since 1940, DIAS has brought together researchers to advance knowledge across fields from physics and cosmology to Celtic studies and geophysics Here's to 86 years of collaboration and curiosity - and to all the discoveries still to come! 🎉

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 18

✨#41 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Celtica, our leading peer-reviewed journal has been published as a Diamond Open Access journal since 2024 📚 A major milestone for DIAS, ensuring wider access to research for scholars and helping to promoting knowledge without barriers @scs-dias.bsky.social

Celtica is the leading peer-reviewed journal of our School of Celtic Studies and has been published as a Diamond Open Access journal since 2024. 📚

Both new issues and the complete archive are freely available on the DIAS Journals Platform, with no subscription or paywall barriers!

The transition to open access was a major milestone for DIAS, ensuring wider access to research for scholars and the public alike – helping to promoting knowledge without barriers.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 16

✨#40 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dunsink Time In 1880, Dunsink Time (officially known as Dublin Mean Team) became the legal time for all of Ireland. Irish clocks ran 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time. Dunsink Observatory kept Ireland’s official time until 1916. @diasdunsink.bsky.social

Dunsink Time
In 1880, Dunsink Time (officially known as Dublin Mean Team) based on observations at Dunsink became the legal time for all of Ireland. Irish clocks ran about 25 minutes 21 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), reflecting Ireland's position west of London.
Dunsink Observatory kept Ireland’s official time until 1916.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 11

✨#39 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS D.A. Binchy's Corpus Iuris Hibernici First published by DIAS in 1978, this six-volume work offers an in-depth exploration of Brehon Law, Ireland’s indigenous legal system and is an essential resource for studying early Irish society and culture. @scs-dias.bsky.social

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 10

✨#38 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS Dr Sheila Tinney Portrait Unveiling In 2019 DIAS unveiled a portrait of Dr Tinney by artist Judith Henihan. The portrait was acquired with the support of the IWF Ireland and benefactors of the Friends of DIAS initiative and has hung proudly within the Institute ever since

Dr Sheila Tinney Portrait Unveiling

In 2019, DIAS unveiled a portrait of Dr Tinney by artist Judith Henihan. The portrait was acquired with the support of the International Women's Forum (Ireland) and benefactors of the Friends of DIAS initiative, and has hung proudly within the Institute ever since.

Pictured: Mary Mitchell O'Connor, then Minister of State for Higher Education, unveiled the portrait alongside the late Dr Tinney's children, Eithna, Hugh and Deirdre Tinney.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 9

✨#37 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 1941, Dr Sheila Tinney (neé Power) became the first women Fellow of DIAS - and was one of the first three Fellows to be selected by the inaugural Director of the School of Theoretical Physics Dr Tinney was also amongst the first women elected to the Royal Irish Academy

In 1941, Dr Sheila Tinney (neé Power) became the first women Fellow of DIAS - and was one of the first three Fellows to be selected by the inaugural Director of the School of Theoretical Physics.

Dr Tinney later also become an Assistant Lecturer at UCD and was among the first four women elected to the Royal Irish Academy.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Jun 4

✨ #36 of #85ThingsAboutDIAS In 1987, Prof Brian Jacob and international colleagues confirmed that Ireland’s continental shelf extends through the Porcupine and Rockall Basins The shelf being twice as large as previously thought, expanded Ireland’s economic zone & rights under the Law of the Sea 🌊

Ireland's Extended Continental Shelf

Brian Jacob, along with colleagues from the University of Hamburg, and other institutions, conducted a project that confirms the Irish continental shelf extends through the Porcupine and Rockall Basins, increasing Ireland's economic zone tenfold.
This research initiated in the early 1980's revealed the shelf is twice as large as previously thought, significantly expanding Ireland's rights under the Law of the Sea. These findings were subsequently confirmed with more sophisticated equipment by the Marine Institute and Geological Survey Ireland (GSI).

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· May 26

✨#35 of #85 Things About DIAS Ogham in 3D launched in 2013. DIAS's School of Celtic Studies digitizes early medieval inscriptions - some of Ireland's most significant national treasures and our earliest written records, dating back to the 5th century. @scs-dias.bsky.social #85ThingsAboutDIAS

Ogham in 3D

DIAS's School of Celtic Studies digitizes early medieval inscriptions - some of Ireland's most significant national treasures and our earliest written records, dating back to the 5th century.

This project website was launched in 2013 by then Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· May 25

Congratulations to DIAS Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astronomy & Astrophysics and Director of @diasdunsink.bsky.social on being admitted to @ria.ie last Friday!

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· May 25

✨#34 of #85 Things About DIAS Raspberry Shake Seismometers power the QuakeShake programme! 🌍 Supported by Research Ireland’s Discover Programme and GSI, 70+ Raspberry Shake stations are active in classrooms, homes, and heritage sites across Ireland. #85ThingsAboutDIAS #QuakeShake #DIASdiscovers

QuakeShake Raspberry Seismometers.

These Raspberry Shake seismometers power the QuakeShake programme and they are changing the way we engage with earthquakes and Earth science!

Supported by Research Ireland's Discover Programme and GSI, our Raspberry Shake stations are expanding rapidly - with over 70 devices purchased for use in classrooms,homes and heritage sites throughout Ireland.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· May 25

✨#33 of #85 Things About DIAS QuakeShake! An Irish Citizen Science Programme launched by DIAS and GSI in 2023. QuakeShake engages the public in monitoring earthquakes with low-cost, real-time sensors - transforming Ireland into a nation of 'Citizen seismologists. @quakeshake.bsky.social #DIAS85

QuakeShake is an Irish Citizen Science Programme launched by DIAS and GSI (Geological Survey Ireland) in 2023.

QuakeShake engages the public in monitoring earthquakes with low-cost, real-time sensors - transforming Ireland into a nation of 'Citizen seismologists.

The initiative uses real-time data to detect earthquakes at home and across the world, making Earth science accessible to all ages!

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 22

✨#32 of #85 Things About DIAS Naming of Seismometers One of the seismometers was christened "Allód" an ancient name of the Irish God of the sea. Allód was a winning entry in the seismometer naming competition, suggested by Coláiste Phobail Cholmicille in Donegal! #85ThingsAboutDIAS #DIAS85

Naming of Seismometers

One of the seismometers was christened "Allód" an ancient name of the Irish God of the sea. Allód was a winning entry in the seismometer naming competition, suggested by Coláiste Phobail Cholmicille in Donegal.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 22

✨#31 of #85 Things About DIAS SEA-SEIS Deployment In 2018, researchers from DIAS led the SEA-SEIS project which saw state-of-the-art ocean bottom seismometers deployed across the west Irish offshore area, which provide data on a range of activity deep in our coastal waters. #85ThingsAboutDIAS

SEA-SEIS Deployment

In 2018, researchers from the DIAS Geophysics Section led the SEA-SEIS (Structure, Evolution and Seismicity of the Irish offshore) project.

This Project saw state-of-the-art ocean bottom seismometers deployed across the Irish offshore area, to the west of Ireland which provide data on a range of activity deep in Irish coastal waters.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 22

Join us in celebrating Earth Day at DIAS! 🌍 Today we’re highlighting the work of our Geophysics Section. Our researchers are helping us better understand natural hazards, climate systems, and the dynamic forces shaping our planet. @dias-geophysics.bsky.social #EarthDay #DIASdiscovers

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 21

Our annual Reach for the Stars Competition is now open for entries! 📸 In partnership with @irishtimes.com Head to reachforthestars.ie for more info! ✨

The Reach for the Stars Astrophotography Competition returns for another year.
Irish Times Graphic

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 17

✨#30 of #85 Things About DIAS The 2011 International Congress of Celtic Studies Held in Ireland, at MU under the aegis of DIAS. This quadrennial event has grown to be the largest academic conference focused on Celtic Studies, attracting scholars from around the world. @scs-dias.bsky.social #DIAS

2011 International Congress of Celtic Studies

In 2011, the Fourteenth International Congress of Celtic Studies was held in Ireland, at Maynooth University under the aegis of DIAS.
Est.1959, this quadrennial event has grown to be the largest academic conference focused on Celtic Studies, attracting scholars and researchers from around the world.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 16

✨#29 of #85 Things About DIAS The First International Congress of Celtic Studies. The foremost international gathering of scholars researching Celtic languages, literature and cultural traditions, was held at DIAS. Organized by the late DIAS Professor Brian Ó Cúiv. @scs-dias.bsky.social #DIAS

The First International Congress of Celtic Studies.

The foremost international gathering of scholars researching the languages, literature and cultural traditions of the Celtic-speaking people, was held at DIAS. The Congress was organized by the late DIAS Professor Brian Ó Cúiv.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Ó Cúiv, David Greene, Cecile O'Rahilly, Carl Marstrander and Angus Matheson.

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Apr 7

Professor Caitriona Jackman spoke to @Morning Ireland, @news.rte.ie, about NASA’s Artemis II mission and what this tells us about humanity’s return to the Moon and the future of space science. Listen below or click here for the full interview www.rte.ie/radio/radio1... #ArtemisII #DIASDiscovers

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Mar 19

✨ #28 of #85 Things About DIAS In 1950, Prof. Leo W. Pollak (Director of the School of Cosmic Physics) asked: “Is the Earth Getting Warmer?” He pointed to early climate evidence—shifting fish, melting glaciers—and a growing consensus on global warming. #DIAS85 #85ThingsAboutDIAS #DIASdiscovers

In 1950, Prof Leo W. Pollak, Director of the School of Cosmic Physics gave a public lecture in UCD, entitled ‘Is the Earth Getting Warmer?’

He outlined early evidence of a changing climate, from the effects of warming latitudes on fish migration, to glacier decay, and noted the growing scientific consensus that gloabl warming was underway.

Prof.Pollak even suggested that Irish coastal towns such as Glengariff in West Cork, or Skerries in Dublin might one day replace the seaside resorts of Southern France!

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Mar 17

☘️Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh ó Institiúid Ard-Léinn Bhaile Átha Cliath! 🇮🇪 ______________________________________ Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies! ☘️ 🇮🇪 #Lafheilepadraig #stpatricksday #diasdiscovers #DIAS85

Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!
Happy St.Patricks Day to you!

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Mar 8

Happy #InternationalWomensDay from all of us at DIAS. Today we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the women researchers at DIAS. We remain committed to supporting women to thrive, lead, and make groundbreaking discoveries that inspire future generations. #DIAS #DIASDiscovers 🌍🔬✨

Happy International Women’s Day from all of us at DIAS.

A message from our CEO & Registrar, Dr Euchaira Meehan:

“On International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of the women researchers at DIAS. Their work continues to shape discovery research and inspire future generations.

We remain committed to ensuring women are supported to thrive, lead, and make groundbreaking discoveries.”

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies@dias· Feb 18

✨#27 of #85 Things About DIAS The ADH Telescope operated in South Africa until 1980. It made significant contributions to Southern Hemisphere Astronomy. Today original pieces of the telescope, as well as photographic plates are on display at DIAS Dunsink Observatory. #DIASdiscovers #DIAS85