UCC Core Research Facilities

UCC is committed to sustained, evidence-based investment in research and teaching infrastructure across all disciplines, informed by institution-wide scoping exercises and the continually evolution of technology, services and processes. UCC prioritises investment in Core Research Facilities, digital infrastructure and research support services that address critical capability deficits, supports interdisciplinary collaboration through the UCC Futures Framework and maximises access for researchers, students, industry, community and other national and international partners. UCC is committed to the sustainable development, governance and renewal of its research infrastructure ecosystem, ensuring that facilities, technologies, data resources and technical expertise continue to support discovery, innovation and impact in line with institutional and national priorities.

These enabling structures provide access to world-class infrastructure, advanced technologies, specialist expertise and collaborative environments that accelerate discovery and increase research quality, its reproducibility and efficiency. They strengthen collaboration within UCC while making it easier for external partners to engage and to pursue ambitious projects that would not otherwise be possible.

UCC Core Research Facilities are university-wide ecosystem of full-service research facilities, directly informed by UCC’s activities, opportunities and institution-wide scoping exercises.

They are shared, centrally managed research infrastructures that provide advanced equipment, technical expertise and specialised services to multiple research groups across the university and beyond. A trusted research environment that provides the digital infrastructure, including high performance computing, supports every discipline and interdisciplinary cohort to design, undertake, protect and best exploit the potential of their research and innovation activities.

Core Research Facilities are designed to maximise resource efficiency, foster internal and (revenue generating) external collaboration and support high-impact research in alignment with institutional, national, and EU strategic priorities. These centralised, expert-led hubs accelerate discovery, enhance funding competitiveness and maximisereturn on our research investment. Sustainable research infrastructure strengthens UCC’s ability to attract competitive funding, recruit exceptional researchers and develop strategic partnerships with industry and international collaborators. They are a key research enabler.

Empowering Research & Advancing Impact

• Accelerating Discovery - State-of-the-art technologies and expert support drive high-quality research and innovation.
• Enhancing Collaboration - Shared platforms bring researchers together across disciplines and sectors to solve complex challenges.
• Improving Funding Competitiveness - Access to world-class infrastructure strengthens grant applications and research performance.
• Maximising Value for Money and Return on Investment - Shared resources specialist expertise ensure efficient, effective use of investment.
• Strengthening UCC's International Networks - Core facilities underpin partnerships with leading institutions, industry and research consortia.
• Global Connectivity and Impact - Enabling research with global reach that addresses real-world needs and delivers societal impact.