Major Funding Boosts Ireland’s Research Programme

A new investment by Science Foundation Ireland of €47.4 million in 36 research infrastructure and facilities projects, will provide research groups with necessary equipment and facilities for driving innovative research.

“Today’s investment in infrastructure by Science Foundation Ireland is an investment in the future of research and development in Ireland. It forms a key part of implementing our science and technology strategy – Innovation 2020. Top quality infrastructure combined with our talented workforce further increases Ireland’s appeal in the global market. Industry partners will directly benefit from the enhanced infrastructure through opportunities such as international partnerships and collaborations facilitated by Science Foundation Ireland researchers in our Higher Education Institutions,” said Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, who announced the new funding alongside Minister for Training, Skills and Innovation, John Halligan, TD.

Minister John Halligan, added that the investment would “support the installation of world-class research infrastructure at both a national and regional level. Such top-class facilities and equipment are essential for Ireland to attract investment and talent to our regions, and to train a highly skilled and innovative workforce.”

The SFI Research Infrastructure Programme also ensures that Irish researchers have the capacity to apply for international funding opportunities including the Horizon 2020 funding calls. Additionally, the programme enables Higher Education Institutes to purchase smaller infrastructure through a value-for-money incentive, including auctions and vendor negotiations.

Projects that will be supported include: A National High Performance Computing infrastructure; an additive-manufacturing infrastructure for development of next generation miniature sensory and diagnostic technologies; for use in areas such as energy harvesting, high potency drug delivery systems and smart packaging for food security (WIT); an imaging and sensor pod for drones and light aircraft; and a pre-clinical facility for assessing the safety and efficacy of advanced therapeutic medicinal products and medical devices for the treatment of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, ocular and nervous system diseases (TCD).