Mark Ferguson

Government accounces €28m in funding for SFI projects

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Pictured: SFI Director General Prof Mark Ferguson

12 January 2016

The Government has announced details of a €28 million investment in research equipment and facilities through Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) at an event in Birr, Co Offaly this morning.

A total of 21 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 rigorous international review to research groups where the research equipment and facilities are required to address major research opportunities and challenges, including partnerships with industry and international funders.

This new infrastructure will 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.

BAmong the projects supported are a low frequency array (I-LOFAR) gathering radio images of astronomical objects using advanced image processing and data analytics techniques; a new Ireland-wide wireless network testbed to support new Internet of Things concepts;  a 400Gb/s communications testbed to enable the development of the next generation core network and datacentre technologies; and additive manufacturing nanomaterial infrastructure for the development of innovative printable materials such as 3D hip and knee implants.

“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,” said Prof Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland (pictured). “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.”

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