Three Trinity researchers are among the leaders of 33 research infrastructure projects awarded a total of €53.3 million through the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Infrastructure Fund.
The funding was announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science Simon Harris this morning, to support the progress of “high-quality and high-impact research activities”.
Among the awardees were Dr James Meaney of College’s School of Medicine, Professor Redmond O’Connell of the Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, and Dr Stephen Dooley of the School of Physics.
Dr Meaney is leading a project for the replacement of 3T MRI scanner and ancillary equipment, while Professor O’Connell’s proposal is entitled “Placing Ireland at the centre of a brain-imaging revolution with OPM-MEG”. Dr Dooley is researching “end-to-end test-bed for power-to-X Processes: Carbon Dioxide to Aviation Fuels”.
The total funding awarded to these projects amounts to €5.7 million.
Announcing the award today, Harris said: “I am delighted to announce €53.3 million in funding through my department that will support and encourage transformative research which will have both a national and international impact.”
He continued: “The research community on our island has consistently proved itself to be world-class, not least during COVID-19, and continues to undertake cutting-edge, innovative research projects.”
“In order for this community to continue to thrive, it’s essential that they have sustained access to modern infrastructure and equipment.”
The SFI Research Infrastructure Programme supports the building and maintenance of the required infrastructure needed for “high-quality, high-impact and innovative” scientific research in Ireland.
Founded in 2000, SFI is a statutory body with responsibility for investment in scientific and engineering research, as well as promoting and supporting awareness and understanding of the value of science and technology “to society and to the growth of the economy”.
