Tánaiste announces five new science 'clusters'

The Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, has announced the establishment of five new Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs).

Seven academic institutions and 22 companies have invested €23.9m in the collaborative research activities.

The SRC programme was first introduced in 2007 to link scientists and engineers in partnerships to address crucial research questions, foster the development of new and existing Irish-based technology companies, and to grow partnerships with industry.

The Tánaiste said: "Science, while engaging and exciting, is also a fiercely competitive arena, and it is increasingly clear that a country’s economic fortunes are significantly dependent on its ability to conduct research that translates into economically-beneficial outcomes.

"The 170 highly skilled personnel involved in these SRCs, together with the 22 partner companies, are central to achieving this."