Irish R&D takes to the road
A series of regional roadshows, showcasing research and development (R&D) collaboration between Irish industry and academia, has got underway. Hosted by the Science Foundation of Ireland (SFI), the roadshows will feature presentations by leading scientists on the research being carried out at the country's seven Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology' (CSETs). Funded by grants of up to €25 million from SFI, the centres bring together scientists from academia with engineers from indigenous and multi-national companies to conduct research which can then be commercially exploited. The roadshows will aim to illustrate how working in close partnership with industry can foster a culture of innovation and help develop Ireland's knowledge economy. It is hoped that they will also act as a catalyst for new partnerships. 'These centres support a powerful synergy of the most important resource of any country� talented people,' said Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin at the launch of the roadshow in Cork on 12 February. 'By bringing together researchers from Irish third-level institutions with their counterparts in indigenous and multinational companies� these centres create a force for knowledge and innovation that is greater than the sum of its parts.' He added that Ireland's sustained economic growth and prosperity depended upon establishing a culture of scientific and technological innovation� a high level of research and development� and a globally competitive knowledge-based economy. In its recently published National Development Plan (2007-2013), the Irish Government announced plans to invest €8.2 billion in research over the next seven years. The CSET roadshows will continue their regional tour of Ireland in the coming months, stopping off in Limerick, Galway and Dublin.
Countries
Ireland