Robert was recognised as a finalist on 28th of January in University College Dublin’s Images of Research 2025 competition for a microscopy image capturing phytoliths—microscopic silica structures formed in plant tissues. His research image used first order plate to hightlight phytoliths and oxalates in cereals. The shortlisted work was celebrated as part of UCD’s Research Impact Awards programme, highlighting the role of visual communication in showcasing research with real-world relevance. The image reflects Robert’s ongoing research into how microscopic plant remains can be used to reconstruct aspects of the human past
