Six projects overseen by Science Foundation Ireland to share €25m to support new research
Six projects overseen by Science Foundation Ireland will share a total of €25m to support new research infrastructure, ranging from self-driving vehicles, to ocean observation.
SFI will distribute the funding through its Research Infrastructure Programme as part of the Government’s Future Jobs Ireland initiative and is expected to enhance high-quality research activities and innovation in areas of strategic priority across a range of disciplines.
The announcement of the funding was made by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, who said the quality of research being undertaken in Ireland is testament to our world-class research community.
“This talent combined with the support provided through programmes like this one maintains our reputation as a great place to do business and work,” she said.
“The successful projects are at the cutting edge of innovation and are helping us to achieve our goal of preparing now for tomorrow’s world.”
Commenting on the investment, Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy Director of Science Foundation Ireland said: “The SFI Research Infrastructure Programme was developed to support excellent research in Ireland.
“To allow researchers to meet the evolving challenges both globally and domestically we must ensure that they have the cutting-edge infrastructure required for their research to positively impact our economy, society and environment.”
The six research projects that will be supported are:
- National Autonomous Technologies Data Platform (NATDaP) will provide valuable open Autonomous Technology data (including driverless vehicles, A.I., robotics and drones) from collaborating Higher Education Institutes across Ireland, which can be accessed by a much wider community, including researchers and industry collaborators.
- Next generation flow cytometry and single cell gene analysis – this cutting-edge infrastructure, the only of its kind in a biomedical research Institute or a hospital site in Ireland, will significantly enhance Trinity College Dublin’s cytometry suite capability, enabling rapid analysis for clinical samples.
- Ultra Low Noise Digital 3T MRI which will enable new programmes of research at three SFI Research Centres and permit participation in international consortia including Horizon 2020. This new MRI scanner will allow Ireland to lead in neurodevelopmental research on infants and children, and in the areas of ADHD, depression, psychosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Tyndall 200mm FlexiFab - core (national) infrastructure upgrade which will enhance equipment to enable processing on 200mm (8 inch) wafers, a unique asset needed to drive future innovation in ICT research and industry in Ireland.
- EirOOS Irish Ocean Observing System: A component of the European Ocean Observing System (EOOS) will further scientific and technical research capacity in key areas such as sea level science, ocean circulation and carbon sequestration allowing us to understand the connection between Ireland and the Atlantic. This infrastructure will also increase opportunities to participate in European funded initiatives under Horizon 2020 and more.
- A national platform for comprehensive molecular analysis (CMAP) underpinning chemistry, the bioeconomy, and precision oncology research: from molecules to microorganisms and humans. CMAP will not only enhance Ireland’s competitiveness to participate in and lead international research, it will also support research in five national priority areas, contributing to a more sustainable environment, better healthcare, and the creation of high-quality jobs.
