UCD looks set to become a global leader in the study of freak waves.
The unexplained surges, which can happen regardless of weather, kill close to 50 people around the world every year and sink as many ships.
Last year a wave measuring 23 metres was recorded off the coast of County Donegal.
Frederic Dias of UCD, who has been given a grant of 1.9 million euro to study the phenomenon, says understanding killer waves will ultimately help save lives:
