UCC to receive €3.7m funding for projects aimed at tackling climate change

Environmental Protection Agency to fund 33 research projects, eight of which are being led by UCC

The UCC-led studies will research topics including innovation for sustainability, dairy sustainability, and the impacts and sources of carbon export from land to water.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced €14.3m for 33 new research projects aiming to tackle climate change.

It marks a 34% increase on the funding call in 2022 and the money will support over 200 research staff across 13 organisations.

Of the 33 projects, eight are being led by University College Cork (UCC) — more than any other third-level institution.

In total, the Cork projects were awarded €3.7m. Of these, half have been awarded almost €600,000.

The UCC-led studies will research topics including innovation for sustainability, dairy sustainability, and the impacts and sources of carbon export from land to water.

UCC vice-president for research and innovation Professor John Cryan welcomed the news, saying the funding will help to tackle critical environmental, climate, health, and sustainability issues.

"These awards will further strengthen UCC’s position as a recognised global leader in the field of sustainability," Prof Cryan said.

"Aligned to UCC Futures — Sustainability, these projects will enable UCC researchers to support environmental policies in Ireland, address key societal challenges caused by climate change, and help deliver a healthier environment for all."

Other projects to receive funding include how blue light can affect human health and biodiversity, the circular economy for batteries, sustainable tourism, and air pollution in Irish towns.

EPA director general Laura Burke said the research led by the successful applicants would address knowledge gaps and provide robust evidence to support the implementation of effective environmental policies in Ireland.

"This EPA funding will also help to build transdisciplinary research capacity and talent in Ireland in key areas relating to sustainability transitions and societal transformations," said Ms Burke.

"These specialist skills and expertise are essential to enable Ireland to effectively leverage the full range of environmental, economic and societal opportunities offered by the green transition."

This year, the EPA is working in partnership with Met Éireann and Geological Survey Ireland to co-fund a number of projects — a reflection of the need for an integrated, cross-sectoral approach to the issues facing the country.

This is important as we move ahead in our attempt to address climate change and the impact it is having on the world around us, said EPA senior manager of research and strategy, Darragh O'Neill.

"The increase in funding over last year and previous years really shows the EPA's ongoing commitment to fund environmental and climate research and that strong acknowledgement that research is required to ensure that we have the best policies and make the best decisions," he said.