Science foundation sets global prize target

More than €30m is being invested in high-end research equipment as Ireland sets its sights on top international science awards.

As Science Foundation Ireland launched an ambitious eight-year plan, with targets including a major international prize for one of its researchers or teams by 2020, 37 projects have been awarded funding to progress to the next level and to train the next generation of Irish researchers.

Among those to receive SFI research infrastructure awards are a germ-free facility for research in food and life sciences at UCC, and a marine energy testing site in Galway Bay to help secure renewable energy from ocean power.