Research at UCC

University College Cork (UCC) is a world-class research-led University that plays a key role in the development of Ireland’s knowledge-based economy. Our research strategy is focused on creating major centres of excellence for world-class research and is closely aligned with key Government policies including the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (SSTI), Building Ireland’s Smart Economy and the Report of the Innovation Taskforce

Key performance indicators are detailed in UCC’s Strategy for Research 2009−2012. Despite adverse economic conditions, overall research expenditure achieved in 2009/2010 was €83.8 million. 19% of research income (€15.7 million) came from non-exchequer sources and new awards from the EU increased by 275% (to €13.3 million). 2009/2010 also saw continued growth in relation to other key research output metrics including the number of enrolled PhD student numbers (1135 students, an increase of 116% in 6 years), the annual output of PhDs (181graduates, an increase of 124% in 6 years), and the frequency with which UCC research is published and cited. Since 2006, UCC researchers have published over 3,500 articles in ISI Web of Knowledge-indexed publications.

In addition to the implementation of the University’s Strategy for Research against key performance indicators, UCC was the first institution in Ireland to undertake a comprehensive and focused review of its research status. A comprehensive Report detailing the outcomes of this exercise, including recommendations that will inform future strategy, was published in May 2010. The review confirmed that the University has achieved distinction in its research output as well as considerable success in the transfer of research to the market place, with many areas performing at the highest international level.

In the 2011 QS World University Rankings, UCC was placed 181th in the world, up 3 places relative to 2010.

UCC also continued its commitment to the Innovation Agenda through 2010. Outputs included over 20 new patent filings, over 15 licenses of UCC and Tyndall intellectual property were signed with commercial and industry partners, and 3 new start-ups were launched out of the University. This high level of commercial output is indicative of a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that is developing within the University and builds on the success of previous years in this space.