Tyndall National Institute welcomed Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer during last UK-Ireland summit vist to showcase Tyndall’s cutting-edge research and UK-Ireland collaborations in sustainable semiconductor technologies.
During their visit, the delegation engaged with Tyndall researchers, postgraduate students, and industry partners, learning about the breakthrough technologies in sustainable AI, digital healthcare, energy efficient systems, and next-generation communications.
“This visit allowed us to showcase our state-of-the-art facilities, our world-class researchers, and our talented postgraduate students,” professor William Scanlon, CEO of Tyndall, said.
He added: “Tyndall’s leadership in semiconductor innovation, from materials to systems, is an important driver for strengthening research links between Ireland and the UK in addressing global challenges – from sustainable AI and energy efficiency to next-generation communications and digital health.”
The delegation met Dr Lynette Keeney, principal scientist at Tyndall, and Dr Shelly Conroy, associate professor at Imperial College London, who presented their collaborative research on ultrathin materials with both magnetic and electric properties.
These materials, measured at less than 10 nanometres thick, have the potential to enable a universal, energy efficient computer memory.
By analysing their behaviour using advanced nanoscale imaging tools, the team is developing technologies capable of storing more data in smaller spaces while dramatically reducing energy consumption.
Tyndall has a 15-year photonics driven collaboration with Seagate, which has advanced the push for higher density magnetic data storage.
What began as early research has since matured, greatly enabling the data storage product and technology roadmap by incorporating ultraminiaturised components produced through highly complex fabrication processes.
The expertise developed through this partnership is also informing progress in emerging fields such as quantum technologies and AI.
A group of Tyndall PhD students also shared insights into their research activities, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent contributing to Ireland’s leadership in semiconductor and photonics innovation.
The visit coincided with the announcement of a new Memorandum of Understanding between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Research Ireland.
The agreement expands bilateral collaboration in strategically important areas such as advanced connectivity, materials science, quantum technologies, and the creative industries.
Both organisations welcomed the MoU as a significant step forward in accelerating talent development, knowledge exchange, and cross-border research partnerships.
Tyndall is a leading European deep-tech research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) materials, devices, circuits and systems and a research flagship of University College Cork. It is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) specialising in both electronics and photonics.
Patryk Goron
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