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The government has committed EUR16 million to 119 new third level projects in science, engineering and technology.
One of the recipients of funding in the three-year program is a research project working to develop intelligent agent software. The software helps users around the world work on complex R&D projects together.
Dr. Thomas Roche, department of mechanical & industrial engineering at the Galway/Mayo Institute of Technology, is in charge of the project. He is investigating the use and development of intelligent software tools, which will enhance the productivity of the design process by supporting the sharing of information and knowledge across dispersed teams. Intelligent software like this highlights the role Ireland can play in developing cutting-edge software.
Mary Harney, Tanaiste and minister for enterprise, trade and employment together with Noel Dempsey, minister for education and science, announced the funding, which is the largest single allocation to date for the Basic Research Grant Scheme.
"By supporting the most promising individuals engaged in innovative research, Ireland will be put firmly on the map in terms of international developments and creativity in the fields of sciences, engineering and technology - which are crucial to the continued success of the Irish economy. A good capacity for basic science research is essential if higher-level industrial research and development is to be a reasonable ambition in Ireland," said Harney.
Minister Dempsey pointed out that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of projects being offered funding, which rose to 119 this year compared to 69 in 2001. The Basic Research Grant Scheme is open to all full time and contract academic staff in third level colleges in Ireland.
The new investment marks the first time that Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Council for Science, Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) have collaborated to support basic research in Ireland. The IRCSET's Embark Initiative and Enterprise Ireland are the two government-supported groups that have backed the Basic Research Grant Scheme. The Embark Initiative is funded by the NDP (National Development Plan) and has current research reserves of EUR95 million.
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