Ireland to invest €28m in research facilities
The Government of Ireland is to invest €28m in research equipment and facilities through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), it was announced today.
A total of 21 research projects will be supported in strategically important sectors, including applied geosciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biobanking, marine renewable energy, the Internet of Things, astronomy, Big Data, and additive manufacturing using nanomaterials.
This infrastructure funding was awarded competitively following rigorous international review to research groups where the research equipment and facilities are required to address major research opportunities and challenges, including partnerships with industry and/or international funders.
The new infrastructure will ensure that Irish researchers continue to be internationally competitive, with access to modern equipment and facilities which will enable them to be successful in securing future funding from leading companies and Europe, including Horizon 2020.
Speaking at the announcement in Birr, Co Offaly, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Burton said: “At the heart of our action plan for jobs is driving employment growth in every region of the country. We have now put in place individual job plans for seven out of the eight regions in the country, and what has repeatedly become clear is that research and innovation must be accelerated right across the country if we are to deliver the jobs growth we need. Today’s announcement by Science Foundation Ireland is an important part of this.
“By investing in world-class R&D infrastructure, both at a regional and national level, this will ensure that we can compete at the highest levels internationally and continue to turn more good ideas into good jobs.”
According to Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills Damien English: “Today’s investment will advance the implementation of the government’s new science strategy – Innovation 2020. The 21 projects will enable globally compelling research to be undertaken across the country, facilitating greater industry and international collaboration, supporting the training of researchers, and demonstrating to an international audience that Ireland, on an all island basis, is business friendly and bullish in its pursuit of, and participation in, excellent research.”
Professor Mark Ferguson, SFI director-general and chief scientific advisor to the Government of Ireland, added: “Ireland is increasingly becoming the location of choice for multinational companies to develop and test tomorrow’s technologies, and this investment demonstrates our commitment and expanded ability to engage, discover and collaborate at all levels.
“Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to support and drive Ireland’s science strategy, Innovation 2020, with the addition of key infrastructure to propel important research projects. Ultimately, this is about providing Irish researchers in strategic areas with the tools to be world leading.”
