05.07.21: The IUA warmly welcomes the announcement today by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD to invest €40m in funding to enhance strategic collaboration in research and innovation across the island of Ireland.
This funding will help strengthen social, economic, cultural and political links on the island through the exchange of talent and ideas between higher education institutes North and South. Following a call for proposals, individual researchers based in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will be able to seed their partnerships with funding of up to €100,000 per year for up to two years. Larger projects between North-South research teams will receive funding of up to €1m. Each successful project will be based on first class research and be of benefit to all people living on the island of Ireland.
Commenting on the opportunity to effect real change Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation at IUA said, “Research has the potential to have a transformative influence on all sections of society and all communities. That is why today’s announcement is so welcome – it is not only an opportunity for researchers across the island to work more closely together on our shared challenges and future opportunities but in doing so it will ensure greater collaboration and the building of mutually beneficial relationships in line with the overall ambition of the Shared Island project.”
The university sector welcomes the Government’s commitment to invest in knowledge and skills as a key driver in the recovery and for having the vision to see how higher education and research can strengthen the island of Ireland’s place in an increasingly competitive environment globally. IUA members look forward to working in partnership with the HEA and Universities Ireland on this important initiative bringing all elements of the higher education system North and South together to work on the great challenges we face on this island.
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For media queries contact:
Lia O’Sullivan, Head of Communications, Irish Universities Association.
085 7141414 lia.osullivan@iua.ie