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Government boosts grants by EUR16m
Wednesday, June 26 2002
by Louise Carroll


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.