New science grants aim to drive Ireland’s economic development

Ireland’s Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock has announced government funding of €15 million over the next four years for 79 research projects, as part of Science Foundation Ireland’s Research Frontiers Programme.

The projects are part of a drive to build the country’s research capacity and promote economic development. Sherlock said, “It is vital that Ireland has a robust and competitive research environment that contributes to economic recovery. Science Foundation Ireland is a key organisation in driving this in terms of indentifying opportunities for top-class research in Ireland.”

Sherlock said the projects have been chosen to be of direct relevance, “to our daily lives” with the potential to create and sustain jobs.  Ireland’s standing in world innovation rankings is improving, with the country moving up from 19th in 2010 to 13th in the 2011 Global Innovation Index, Sherlock noted, adding, “Achieving international recognition for our continued improvement in innovation is a long-term and constant challenge.”

The successful projects include research in optical sensors, energy/solar cells, cyber security, high-speed wireless communication interfaces and an volcanic ash forecasting system. Health projects include research in cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, schizophrenia, Type-2 diabetes and cystic fibrosis.

Graham Love, Director of Policy at SFI, said a significant number of the awards will support researchers early on in their careers, thus “Helping our most promising minds to build their research careers here in Ireland and contribute their ideas and talent to the economy.”