22 June, 2026

Hincks Centre Research Team Publishes International Innovation Study in the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) Journal.

We are proud to announce the publication of a new research paper in the CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation, highlighting Munster Technological University's growing research contribution to innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital health areas on an international stage.

The paper, titled "Innovation Enhancement through Design Thinking Experiments: Implementing International Collaboration for Digital Health Entrepreneurs," was co-authored by Dr Breda Kenny, Vice Dean at the Faculty of Business, Dr Helen McGuirk, Head of the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence, and Dr Neelofar Aleem, Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Business.

The achievement comes at a particularly significant moment for Ireland's research community, following Ireland's accession as an Associate Member State of CERN in 2025. As the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, CERN is internationally recognised not only for groundbreaking scientific discoveries but also for fostering innovation that extends beyond science into industry, entrepreneurship, and society. Through initiatives such as the IdeaSquare Journal, CERN provides a platform for exploring experimental approaches to innovation and collaborative problem-solving.

The publication explores how design thinking experiments and international collaboration can foster innovation among digital health entrepreneurs, providing valuable insights into how interdisciplinary and cross-border partnerships can help address complex healthcare challenges. The research aligns closely with MTU's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and impactful research that benefits society.

Reflecting on the publication, the research team acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the work. Special recognition was given to Dr Breda Kenny and Dr Helen McGuirk for their mentorship, guidance, and ongoing support throughout the research journey.

The authors also expressed gratitude to the ADVANCE CRT, funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), whose scholarship support played a vital role in enabling the research. Appreciation was also extended to Munster Technological University for providing a supportive and dynamic research environment that encourages academic excellence and innovation.
Research is never a solo endeavour, the authors highlighted the importance of collaboration among colleagues, mentors, funding bodies, and institutions in bringing impactful research to fruition.

This publication marks another important milestone for Hincks Centre’s research community and reinforces the MTU's role in advancing knowledge at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital health. The team looks forward to building on this work and continuing to contribute to research that drives meaningful societal and economic impact.

The paper can be found on the DOI: https://doi.org/10.23726/cij.2026.1758

Dr Neelofar Aleem

Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Business

Hincks Centre Graduate (PhD)