EU funds millions to nine Irish research teams

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The first cohort of finalists under the National Challenge Fund, managed by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), has been announced today by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan, AEC reported.

 Nine research teams from various Irish universities will receive €500,000 each in EU funding to further their research on climate and digital transformation over the next 12 months.

The National Challenge Fund, a €65 million programme supported by the EU, was first announced two years ago. It comprises eight research challenges focused on Ireland’s green transition and digital transformation. Researchers are tasked with identifying problems related to these themes and collaborating directly with those most affected to develop innovative solutions.

EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The teams selected are showing what benefits EU funding can bring. They are working directly with those most impacted by the climate and digital transitions to develop the innovative solutions needed for a more sustainable future. This will benefit both Ireland and the European Union as a whole.”

The nine teams selected to receive funding are:

  1. SubScrewHydro: Led by Prof Aonghus McNabola of Trinity College Dublin, this project focuses on sustainable hydroelectric power solutions.
  2. Drive: Led by Dr Séamus O’Shaughnessy of Trinity College Dublin, this project aims to advance digital and electric vehicle technologies.
  3. RESR: Led by Dr Andrew Phillips of University College Dublin, this project is centred on renewable energy storage and resilience.
  4. H2Glas: Led by Prof Mary Pryce of Dublin City University, this project explores hydrogen production and storage technologies.
  5. AI2Peat: Led by Dr Oisín Boydell of University College Dublin, this project seeks to use AI to manage and restore peatlands.
  6. AirPrint: Led by Dr Andrew Daly of the University of Galway, this project focuses on AI-driven 3D printing technologies.
  7. Robomate: Led by Dr Philip Long of Atlantic Technological University, this project aims to develop robotic solutions for various applications.
  8. Strohab: Led by Prof Eleni Mangina of University College Dublin, this project focuses on creating AI solutions for stroke rehabilitation.
  9. AI-Form: Led by Dr Nan Zhang of University College Dublin, this project aims to advance AI in manufacturing processes.

Over the next year, these teams will advance their prototyping activities and demonstrate how their solutions can create tangible value by addressing the specific societal needs identified and refined in the previous phases of the funding programme. This project is a big step in the right direction for Ireland and the EU toward a sustainable and technologically sophisticated future.