University of Limerick has announced the creation of four new scholarships for students enrolled in UL’s immersive programmes, named in honour of Analog Devices Incorporated (ADI) CEO and distinguished alumnus Vincent Roche.
The Vincent Roche Scholarships will be awarded annually to two students in each of the University’s innovative Immersive Programmes: Immersive Software Engineering (ISE) and Immersive Bioscience and Biotherapeutics (iBIO).
Funded by ADI, each scholarship is valued at €10,000 and may be used to support tuition, books, and other educational costs.
Speaking at the launch of the scholarships, Mr Vincent Roche said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled by University of Limerick’s decision to establish these scholarships.
"To have my name associated with these initiatives is profoundly meaningful. They represent not only a commitment to nurturing future innovators and leaders, but also a reflection of the values that have guided my own journey — from my formative years in Ireland to my time at ADI.
"I am especially moved by the opportunity these students will have to engage directly with ADI through their residencies. It is my hope that this experience will inspire them to think boldly, act collaboratively, and pursue solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
"Thank you for this extraordinary recognition.”
Also speaking at the launch, Professor Kenneth Stanton, Executive Dean of UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, said: "We are deeply grateful to Analog Devices for their generosity and vision in establishing these four new scholarships, named in honour of their CEO and esteemed UL alumnus, Vincent Roche.
"ADI’s investment will have a transformative impact on our students. The ISE and iBIO programmes are designed to challenge and inspire, and these scholarships will empower talented learners to fully embrace the opportunities these innovative pathways offer.
“Vincent’s leadership and long-standing connection to UL exemplify the very best of our university community, and we are proud to see this scholarship programme support the next generation of creators, engineers, scientists, and problem‑solvers."
Mr Roche, originally from Wexford, is internationally recognised as a leader in the semiconductor field. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the then NIHE Limerick in 1982 before joining Analog Devices in the late 1980s. In May 2013, he became the third CEO in the company’s history.
In 2017, the University of Limerick awarded Mr Roche an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering. Throughout his career, he has been driven by a deep awareness of the far‑reaching impact of semiconductor technology across every aspect of modern life.
These scholarships will play a vital role in supporting and inspiring the next wave of immersive education students at UL.