SFI annual report shows Ireland in top 20 countries for research

Life

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has launched its annual report for 2011 which shows continued success in linkage with companies and in delivering results. The Government’s science agency has seen a steady rise in funding from non-government sources and breakthroughs in health and technology.

The reports shows an increase in the number of companies partaking in linkages with SFI, 583 companies were involved in 939 collaborations in 2011 – up 19%. Researchers secured €156 million from non-SFI funded sources while they engaged in nearly 2,000 collaborations in 68 countries. Ireland has maintained its place in the top 20 countries in the scientific global rankings.

As part of its research projects, SFI has been involved in breakthroughs in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), cancer, superbugs, blindness, nano-sensor technology and social media trends. SFI supported researchers reported a total of 5,740 scientific publications last year – an increase of 15%. SFI aims to create an environment which retains jobs in Ireland while also creating new opportunities for employment.

Chairperson of SFI Prof Pat Fottrell said: "The publication of this report highlights the importance SFI places on supporting sustainable economic growth in Ireland. SFI’s strategic investment in research in the fields of science and engineering is building on our position in the global rankings and Ireland is internationally recognised for the quality of the work being done by the research community."

Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock, who launched the report today, said: "The 158% increase which SFI has seen in the number of industry-acedemic linkages over the past four years, is certainly a significant achievement and testament to the focis of the organisation and the dedicated and innovative minds of its researchers. SFI’s focus on excellence has supported Ireland’s maintaining its position in the top 20 countries for the quality of research, this is the platform on which the industrial collaboration and commercialisation is built."

Fiona Donnellan

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