Offaly woman receives prestigious Fulbright Award to the USA

AN Offaly woman has won a prestigious Fulbright Award to the USA 2025-2026

Dr Grace Hoysted from Shannonbridge, is an Assistant Professor in Environmental Biology and Sustainability at Maynooth University. She was presented with her award in the U.S. Embassy this week.

Her research interests include plant ecology, soil biodiversity, the plant and fungal microbiome and interkingdom interactions. Her research expertise includes plant-insect-soil pathogen interactions and plant mycology specifically the physiology, ecology and evolution of plant-rhizosphere interactions.

As part of her Fulbright-Teagasc Scholar Award, Grace will be hosted by Prof. James Bever at the University of Kansas, where she will research at the International Culture Collection of (Vesicular) Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (INVAM).

A statement from Fulbright said, ''Awardees serve as cultural ambassadors during their time in the U.S. and share their knowledge, ideas and experience upon their return, creating lasting impacts for society. Fulbright awardees, inspired by the mission, ethos and legacy of the Fulbright Program of creating a global culture of mutual understanding, continue the important work of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Ireland and advancing much needed empathy in today’s increasingly divided world.''

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