Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
59. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the priorities of his Department in relation to scientific research funded by Science Foundation Ireland; the emphasis in this strategy on blue skies research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41109/20]
View answerThe creation of my Department reflects the priority which the Government attaches to research, innovation and science. My intent is to bring a renewed focus and level on ambition to how research and human capital can drive sustainable economic development in every part of Ireland and help us to address major societal and global challenges.
I have been very struck in my international engagements on research issues how other European countries are investing heavily in their research infrastructure and capabilities. It is a matter of strategic importance for Ireland, as a globally-oriented, knowledge-based economy that we remain competive as a centre of research and innovation.
In this context, a key priority for my Department in 2021 will be to develop a new national research and innovation strategy. This will set out how we will strengthen our research ecosystem over the coming years, which will be critical to Ireland's ability to develop research excellence and support our enterprise base and attract foreign direct investment.
A key priority will be to develop greater cohesion in research policy and funding across the full continuum. This will embrace all disciplines and the interface between disciplines. A balanced portfolia of research activity will be critical to addressing the challenges we face as a society and as a global community, which will rely on a high degree of co-operation and inter-connectedness between researchers in different areas.
Under the strategic framwork provided by my Department, Science Foundation Ireland, which has traditionally focused on the STEM areas, the Irish Research Council which funds researchers at all stages across all disciplines and the Higher Education Authority, which administers the core grant to higher education institutes will be working more closely together.
In this over-arching context, Science Foundation Ireland's Annual Plan for 2021 will see SFI deliver a range of programmes which will help develop Ireland as a global innovation leader in scientific and engineering research. The plan encompasses a balanced programme of activities to deliver excellent research through support of blue sky or frontiers research, investigator-led research, enterprise collaborations and international partnerships. Together, these will deliver tangible benefits to Irish society and the economy.
The 2021 plan will also further develop the talent base in Ireland, ensuring that Ireland remains a globally leading knowledge- based economy. Finally, it will empower and inspire much greater levels of public engagement with STEM and research.
SFI has the following key ambitions and priorities for the coming years, aligned with our national priorities:
- All Island opportunities, such as all-island research centres, involving collaboration with partner agencies operating in Northern Ireland;
- Opening a dialogue with the citizens of Ireland to inform the shape of future research and innovation in Ireland;
- Providing future skills for future jobs through further development of the SFI Centres for Research Training in areas of strategic importance;
- Working in partnership with other Government Departments to optimise a return on investment in RD&I by developing a National Grand Challenges programme;
- Developing programmes to continue to ensure that there are programmes available to establish early career and advanced investigator research opportunities.
SFI’s programme portfolio will be designed to ensure that there is a balanced approach to research funding. Funding of discovery/frontiers research is central to the agency’s activities. As demonstration of this, SFI has recently announced funding of 71 research frontiers awards under its SFI Frontiers for the Future Programme. This programme is currently active and open for applications. There is also significant frontiers research taking place within existing SFI investments - including the network of 16 SFI Research Centres. This world leading, fundamental/discovery research is at the core of the research centres – driving competitiveness and leading to more applied research projects and ultimately, commercialisation.
