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The Establishment of Taighde Éireann: Transforming Ireland’s Research Infrastructure
By now, you’re probably well aware that Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland was officially established last August. But what exactly is it, why was it created, and what could it mean for the future of Ireland’s research? Here’s a quick breakdown.
What Is Taighde Éireann?
Taighde Éireann is Ireland’s new national agency for research and innovation funding. It was created by merging the activities and functions of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the Irish Research Council (IRC) into a single, unified organisation.
While the agency is still in its early stages, arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition from IRC and SFI. Funding calls and programmes will continue as planned.
This establishment marks a major step toward streamlining, strengthening, and simplifying Ireland’s research infrastructure by bringing together funding for everything from the humanities and social sciences to engineering, natural sciences, and beyond under one roof.
Why Was it Established?
The establishment of Taighde Éireann responds to the Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy. The overarching aim is to consolidate research and innovation funding under one umbrella organization. This will improve clarity, efficiency, and coordination in how research projects and talent are supported across all disciplines.
The aim is to reduce fragmentation by unifying the IRC and SFI, making it easier for researchers, institutions, and industry partners to engage with a single agency. This restructured agency is best positioned to lead more focused alignment with Ireland's national research priorities, access international research and innovation opportunities, and enable the development of a competitive, innovation-led research environment.
What Will Taighde Éireann Do?
The exact objectives and functions of Taighde Éireann are outlined in the Research and Innovation Act. Taighde Éireann is committed to promoting excellence in research and innovation across Ireland. The agency will support research in all fields, fostering a diverse range of projects by researchers at every stage of their careers, from emerging researchers to.
established experts. It will play an important role in ensuring that research contributes to the Ireland’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental development and sustainability.
Taighde Éireann also aims to strenghten collaboration between government bodies, enterprises, non-governmental organizations, and society at large, in order to promote Ireland as a location that is favorable for undertaking research and innovation.
Another central objective is to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion, to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals involved in research and innovation activities.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of Taighde Éireann is more than just an administrative change, as it is a statement of intent. It reflects Ireland’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in research and innovation. As this new agency evolves, it promises to open fresh possibilities for researchers, institutions, and collaborators both at home and abroad. You can learn more about the agency and its ongoing work at: www.researchireland.ie/about/ .