Irish works on dementia and says she is "interested in how we remember the past and imagine the future". Her career has explored how memory and imagination are changed during neurological conditions including Alzheimer's disease.
Irish has given science communication talks on the importance of day dreaming.
Diversity in science
Irish has advocated for diversity in science on many platforms, and she is committed to the promotion and retention of women in science. She was named as one of the inaugural 30 Superstars of STEM in 2018, as part of a growing movement with the goal of providing positive role models to young girls and minorities to pursue a career in science.
Irish is one of a growing number of academic women in STEM who are committed to retaining women in science.
Awards
Irish has received a number of international awards.
2020 – The Gottschalk Medal is awarded by the Australian Academy of Science
2019 – Young Investigator Award, from the Cognitive Neuroscience Agency
2019 – British Neuropsychological Society – Elizabeth Warrington Prize.
2017 – L’Oréal–UNESCO International Rising Talent Award.
2017 – Superstars of STEMM.
2016–2020 – ARC Future Fellow.
2016 – NSW Premier's Prize – Early Career Researcher of the Year
2015 – L’Oreal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship.
2014 – NSW Young Tall Poppy Science Award.
2013 – Laird Cermak Award for Outstanding Research in Memory presented by the International Neuropsychological Society.