Funding for Cutting-Edge Defence Research
Under the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge 2024, ten research teams will receive funding, three of which are from UCD. This funding will support innovative research projects aimed at enhancing the Naval Service’s maritime situational awareness, increasing drone usage in search and rescue operations, supporting aeromedical emergency services, developing advanced shelter designs, and fostering ideas for disruptive technologies.
Government Support for Defence Innovation
Announcing the funding, Tánaiste Simon Harris stated:
“I am delighted to announce this €3.2 million investment, which will help develop new and innovative technologies in our Defence Forces. This funding is not only designed to benefit our Defence Forces personnel but also the wider society as a whole.”
He also highlighted the collaboration between Defence Forces personnel, Civil Defence, and the Office of Emergency Planning, who are embedded in each research team.
Minister James Lawless added:
“Today’s announcement builds on and reinforces the partnerships we have developed between the research community and the Defence Forces, Civil Defence, and Office of Emergency Planning. It demonstrates the value and potential of collaborative research in addressing the challenges faced by our Defence Forces and Irish society as a whole.”
Defence Forces and Research Collaboration
Lieutenant General Sean Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, emphasised the importance of the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge in strengthening military capabilities:
“Óglaigh na hÉireann is proud to support the Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge with military subject matter experts. These personnel will provide both operational context and an understanding of the key challenges faced by Defence personnel to enhance defence capability.”
He outlined four key challenges identified by the Defence Forces for research:
- Maritime Situational Awareness
- Advanced Shelter Concepts
- Aeromedical Emergency Service Dispatch
- Search & Rescue
The Defence Research, Technology and Innovation Office coordinates the programme with Research Ireland and supports defence subject matter experts engaging with the research teams.
Challenge-Based Research Approach
Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, highlighted the importance of challenge-based research funding:
“Challenge-based research funding is a solution-focused approach that encourages researchers to work directly with those most affected by the problems they seek to address. Using this kind of collaborative funding model with agencies such as the Defence Forces ensures that research can help deliver innovative and impactful solutions for significant national challenges.”
Funded Research Teams and Their Projects
Advanced Shelter Concepts Challenge
- Assoc Prof Daniel McCrum (UCD School of Civil Engineering) and Dr Elizabeth Shotton (UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy): MASH - Mobile Adaptable Shelter
- Prof Guangbo Hao (University College Cork) and Dr Kevin Cronin (University College Cork): Ori-Can Shelter - Large-scale modular shelter for rapid deployment
Aeromedical Emergency Dispatch Challenge
- Dr Mohammadjavad Zeinali and Dr Pezhman Ghadimi (UCD School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering): ADMS - Aeromedical Dispatch Management Software – A Technology Hub
Disruptive Ideas Challenge
Dr Silas O'Toole and Prof Dominic Zerulla (UCD School of Physics): Advanced Imaging Technologies through Electronically Tuneable Lenses
- Dr Karen Neville (University College Cork) and Dr Nora McCarthy (University College Cork): P²REDICT - Predicting & Preparing for Risk of Emergencies
Maritime Situational Awareness Challenge
- Dr Indrakshi Dey and Dr Lizy Abraham (South East Technological University): MARSDEN - Adaptive Maritime Guardianship
- Prof Gerard Dooly (University of Limerick) and Dr Alex Vakaloudis (Munster Technological University): OVERSIGHT - Innovative Detection System for Maritime Awareness
- Prof Marco Ruffini and Dr John Kennedy (Trinity College Dublin): Sea-Scan - Vessel Identification for Maritime Awareness
- Prof Daniel J F Toal and Dr Edin Omerdic (University of Limerick): SeaDOM - Sea-Surface and Subsea Object Detection
Search and Rescue Challenge
- Dr Boris Galkin and Dr Lester Ho (Tyndall National Institute): PLANE - Precise Location Aerial Navigation and Estimation
Future of Defence Research in Ireland
The Research Ireland-Defence Innovation Challenge continues to strengthen partnerships between academia and the Defence Forces, fostering new technological advancements that will support military operations and benefit wider society. The €3.2 million investment underscores the government’s commitment to innovation and defence capability enhancement.
