Irish Research Council, Science Foundation Ireland to come under single umbrella agency
The Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland are to be merged, creating a single body responsible for research and innovation funding, Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland.
The establishment of the new agency is a key action included in Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research & Innovation Strategy. The agency will work with other research funders and enterprise in creating a national system for research and innovation in Ireland. Additionally, it will streamline research funding calls across all disciplines and assist researchers in navigating the state support landscape.
Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland will support researchers in all disciplines, career stages, research types, in developing national capacity for research and innovation, and will support Irish research and innovation engagement internationally.
The establishment of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland is part of the Research & Innovation Bill which is scheduled to go before the Oireachtas this month.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science Simon Harris said: “For the first time, we are putting arts, humanities and social sciences research on a statutory footing, ensuring parity of esteem and supporting researchers in all disciplines, and at all career stages. As part of the wider research and innovation system, the agency will help build the capacity we need for research and innovation excellence into the future. The role of research has expanded, as we face into the green and digital transitions.
“The agency will support research, innovation, skills development, education, and cooperation across Government, across the country, and out into the wider worldwide research community, to support our country in responding to our national challenges, and in embracing new opportunities.”
Prof Philip Nolan, chief executive officer, designate of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland, said: “Since my appointment in May, the IRC and SFI communities have come together to plan for the establishment of the agency, and to engage with stakeholders in the wider research and innovation system, to get their insights on how we can support the most talented people to work on the most interesting and important research questions for the betterment of our society and environment.
“This agency will be a major support for a more connected and ambitious research and innovation system for Ireland. I look forward to working with our national and international research communities, and to building on our strengths and achievements.”
Peter Brown, director, IRC, said: “The Research & Innovation Bill will underpin parity of esteem for researchers in all disciplines, reflecting the value, contribution and potential of expertise across the research community. The IRC and SFI will continue to work together to ensure that we build on and develop the established and complementary strengths of the two agencies as we progress jointly towards the establishment of Taighde Éireann-Research Ireland.”
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