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University College Cork welcomes An Taoiseach and UK Prime Minister
University College Cork (UCC) welcomed An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, for an official visit that included a tour of one of UCC’s research flagships, Tyndall National Institute.
During the visit, An taoiseach and the Prime Minister met with university leadership, researchers, postgraduate students, and industry partners to learn more about the pioneering work taking place at Tyndall in areas such as semiconductor technologies and photonics.
The visit included a guided tour of Tyndall’s laboratories, where researchers demonstrated cutting-edge technologies that are helping to shape the future of sustainable AI, digital healthcare, energy efficiency and next-generation communications.
Welcoming An Taoiseach and the Prime Minister to campus, representatives and students of University College Cork highlighted the strong tradition of research collaboration between Ireland and the United Kingdom. University College Cork expressed its appreciation to the Prime Minister for visiting the university and engaging with the researchers and students whose work continues to advance scientific discovery and technological development.
“It is a great honour to welcome An Taoiseach and Prime Minister Starmer to University College Cork and to showcase the pioneering work taking place at Tyndall. This visit highlights the strength of the research and innovation partnerships that exist between Ireland and the United Kingdom. Tyndall plays a key role in our ambition as a globally engaged, research intensive university, and it plays a crucial role in the delivery of Silicon Island, Ireland's semiconductor strategy,” stated Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC.
“Tyndall has a proud track record of collaboration with academic and industry partners across the United Kingdom, and it was a privilege to highlight some of this research to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin. Today’s visit allowed us to showcase our state-of-the-art facilities, our world-class researchers, and our talented postgraduate students. Tyndall’s leadership in semiconductor innovation, from materials to systems, is an important driver for strengthening research links between Ireland and the UK in addressing global challenges - from sustainable AI and energy efficiency to next-generation communications and digital health. As Ireland strengthens its position in sustainable semiconductor innovation, Tyndall remains committed to being a beacon for talent, technology, and transformative impact.” said Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall.