University Research for a Better Ireland
With an ever increasing number of challenges facing Irish society today there’s never been a more important time to invest in research to tackle them. IUA University Research is making a difference, helping solve major national challenges and making Ireland a better place for all its citizens. With research funding in Ireland at just one third of the EU average its amazing what we have achieved so far, but we can do so much more….
The Challenge
Ireland is falling behind in innovation performance. Between 2016 and 2023, Ireland’s innovation growth lagged at just 2.3%, well below the EU average of 8.5%, putting the Impact 2030 goal of becoming a European Innovation Leader at serious risk.
The Programme for Government 2025 outlines the need for increased and sustained research investment. Our universities are wholly committed to working with government to deliver on this commitment. We have the potential to help fuel the next wave of innovation in our country and to expand the pipeline of talented researchers.
The Solution
The Research Infrastructure and Talent Development Fund that we propose is critical for restoring Ireland’s competitiveness in research and innovation, particularly against key European and global competitors. This investment programme will help to realise the government ambition to make Ireland “an innovation leader”.
“A €600 million investment over five years through a multi-annual Research Infrastructure & Talent Development Fund is proposed to transform Ireland’s research infrastructure, drive innovation, and address critical societal challenges.”
From Lagging to Leading: Universities Driving Ireland’s Innovation
Ireland and its universities are committed to leveraging research to drive societal and economic advancement, cementing its standing as a small nation making an outsized impact on the world stage. By strengthening research capacity, we can boost international rankings for Irish institutions and highlight Ireland as a competitive, forward-thinking destination for education and innovation.
We’ve chosen some examples of the world leading research being carried out in IUA universities. We begin by looking at Health.