Talk the talk

Vincent Cunnane, vice-president of research at the University of Limerick (UL), talks to David Clerkin.

Please tell us about the university’s research activity.

We’ve seen excellent growth in our research income and research endeavours.

We bring in €20 million per annum, which is three times as much as five years ago, on competitive research bids and have close on 900 postgraduate students.

This money comes from government agencies, such as Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Higher Education Authority, as well as from EU programmes and industry.

How important is research to the university?

Research makes up between 25% and 30% of our income and is becoming increasingly important. The system of funding Irish universities is changing and has become very competitive. But research is also very important for the country’s economic development.

How do you attract research income from industry? What makes UL appeal to businesses?

We pride ourselves on our strong links with industry and our pro-business approach. We pioneered the idea of students spending time in industry through work placements. We’re a very outward-looking organisation and see ourselves as key innovators and drivers of change.

In what areas is the university particularly strong?

We’ve lots of experience that complements what’s going on elsewhere. We’re strong on engineering materials and polymers (plastics) as well as nanotechnology. We recently secured the biggest Irish funding deal from an industry with a €5.2 million contract with Aughinish Alumina. We also focus on information and communications technology.

Where are the opportunities in the future?

We’re a small nation and we need to have a coherent research strategy at national level. Research provides a huge opportunity - we’ve never had an intellectual deficit in this country, but we have had a deficit of opportunity. We need a proper structure and strategy to realise the potential that’s contained in our universities. UL plans to be the university of choice and the first port of call for industries looking for a research partner.

How important is the new tax credit for research and development activity?

It’ll have a significant impact. The country needs measures to encourage multinational companies to embed research within their Irish operations. This needs to be incentivised. R&D tax breaks are key.