An investment of €43m in 26 research projects through the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Investigators Programme has been announced today by Minister for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan.
The Science Foundation Ireland investment will support 26 research projects in key areas including mathematical modelling, nanoscience, inflammatory diseases, cancer, materials, cattle breeding, seismology, communications and climate change.
To strengthen and accelerate research in key strategic areas of national interest, Science Foundation Ireland collaborates with several funding agencies and public bodies through the SFI Investigator Programme. Six of the research projects received co-funding worth a total of €3 million from Teagasc, Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), the Marine Institute (MI), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Along with the 26 research projects that will be funded, the international peer review panel recommended a further 33 projects for funding. These projects are on a reserve list to be supported if budgets permit later in the year.
Speaking today, Minister Halligan said, "This funding recognises some of Ireland’s top researchers and enables them to advance vital research areas in Ireland including health, technology, agriculture and energy. I am confident that the teams being supported will generate important new scientific breakthroughs."
He added, "In addition, today’s investment provides 20 companies with access to invaluable expertise and infrastructure across the country. These collaborations between industry and academia are integral to further enhancing Ireland’s reputation for research excellence."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
