University gets €4.3m grant

THE University of Limerick has been given €4.34 million for its mathematics research programme from the Science Foundation of Ireland.

Professor Stephen O’Brien, head of the research programme at UL, said the largest single award for mathematics research in this country signified a recognition of the academic and strategic importance of applied maths in a growing economy.

“This will also lead to the employment of more than 12 research fellows and graduate students in applied mathematics dedicated to the resolving of problems, a new cross-institutional fourth level postgraduate programme and outreach summer schools aimed at demystifying mathematics in the eyes of second level students and the general public.”

In September UL got €625,000 for the development of a new Master of Science degree, aimed at in-company employees which will be delivered through a blend of company projects, online sessions and face-to-face tutorials.

Prof O’Brien said the funding will also facilitate a closer working relationship between mathematicians and researchers from industry, finance, economics and engineering. This will involve developing a strategy for the solution of problems which arise in science, engineering and industry.

This, he said, will lead to collaboration with industries such as Analog Devices, Dell, Diageo, Waterford Crystal, Boston Scientific, Kostal, Transitions Optical.