Galway’s Marine Institute is leading one of six projects which have been awarded €25 million under the SFI Research Infrastructure Programme.
The Oranmore based Marine Institute is developing the EirOOS Irish Ocean Observing System, our national component of the European Ocean Observing System.
This is meant to further scientific and technical research capacity in key areas such as sea level science, ocean circulation and carbon sequestration in the Atlantic.
Welcoming the investment, Dr Paul Connolly, CEO of the Marine Institute said “Sustainably managing our oceans and understanding the impacts of ocean and climate change, requires increased observations on and within the ocean.”
“These observations underpin research and advice to support policy makers in sustainably managing our oceans and also in developing adaptation and mitigation plans for climate change impacts.”
“The investment in the EirOOS infrastructures will enable enhanced ocean observation and underpin forecasting and modelling in the marine area.”
Other projects supported by this programme include research into autonomous technologies; flow cytometry and gene analysis; medical imaging; cleanroom processing and metrology; and molecular analysis.
The funding for the Science Foundation Ireland Research Infrastructure Programme was announced by Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys as part of Future Jobs Ireland.
“The quality of research being undertaken in Ireland today is testament to our world-class research community,” Minister Humphreys said.
“This talent combined with the support provided through programmes like this one maintains our reputation as a great place to do business and work.”
“The successful projects are at the cutting edge of innovation and are helping us to achieve our goal of preparing now for tomorrow’s world.”
On top of the government funding provided here, the SFI Research Infrastructure Programme ensures that Irish researchers have the opportunity to apply for other international funding sources such as the EU’s Horizon 2020.
Dr Ciarán Seoighe, Deputy Director Science Foundation Ireland added “The SFI Research Infrastructure Programme was developed to support excellent research in Ireland.”
“To allow researchers to meet the evolving challenges both globally and domestically we must ensure that they have the cutting-edge infrastructure required for their research to positively impact our economy, society and environment.”
“Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to support researchers by providing them with facilities and equipment which enable them to keep exploring the frontiers of STEM research, and to progress their discoveries towards practical implementation.”
