By Business & Finance 
Professor Mark Ferguson, director general, Science Foundation Ireland
Details of a €28m investment in research equipment and facilities through Science Foundation Ireland to assist Irish researchers has been announced today.
A total of 21 exemplary research projects will be supported in sectors including applied geo-sciences, pharmaceutical manufacturing, bio-banking, marine renewable energy, internet of things, astronomy, big data and additive manufacturing using nano-materials.
This infrastructure funding was awarded following an international review to research groups where research equipment and facilities are required to address major research opportunities and challenges.
This new infrastructure should help ensure that Irish researchers continue to be internationally competitive, with access to modern equipment and facilities which will enable them to be successful in securing future funding from leading companies and Europe, including Horizon 2020.
Damien English TD, Minister for Research, Innovation and Skills, commented: “The 21 projects will enable globally compelling research to be undertaken across the country; facilitating greater industry and international collaboration; supporting the training of researchers and demonstrating to an international audience that Ireland on an all island basis, is business friendly and bullish in its pursuit of, and participation in, excellent research.”
Professor Mark Ferguson, director general, Science Foundation Ireland and chief scientific adviser to the Government of Ireland, added: “Ireland is increasingly becoming the location of choice for multinational companies to develop and test tomorrow’s technologies and this investment demonstrates our commitment and expanded ability to engage, discover and collaborate at all levels. Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to support and drive Ireland’s science strategy, Innovation 2020, with the addition of key infrastructure to propel important research projects. Ultimately, this is about providing Irish researchers in strategic areas with the tools to be world leading.”
