UKRI and Research Ireland Forge New Partnership for Innovation

A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Research Ireland aims to enhance collaboration in research and innovation, coinciding with the second UK-Ireland Summit in Cork. The agreement is designed to bolster existing partnerships and foster advancements in critical areas of technology that contribute to economic growth.

The MoU will facilitate cooperation across various fields, including telecommunications, advanced materials, and quantum technologies. Additionally, it will support the launch of a new creative industries programme later this year. This initiative aims to connect researchers and practitioners in both nations, enabling them to share knowledge and resources effectively.

Continuing the established relationship, the MoU builds on the existing lead agency agreement between the UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and Research Ireland. This long-term collaboration is expected to yield significant benefits for both parties.

Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, emphasized the importance of the MoU, stating, “Research Ireland is delighted to agree this MoU with UKRI, which paves the way for both an extension and expansion of our partnership arrangements. The MoU is aligned with our strategy, launched earlier this month, which is structured around the three interconnected impact themes of talent, economy, and society.”

The agreement is a crucial step in advancing research capabilities in both countries, aiming to address major challenges through innovative solutions.

Professor Christopher Smith, UKRI international champion and executive chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), highlighted the significance of UK-Ireland collaborations. He remarked, “From the creative industries, design and advanced communications to vaccines and biomedical research, collaborations between the UK and Ireland are addressing the major challenges and opportunities of our time.”

The MoU aims to strengthen the ties between the research and innovation sectors of both nations, enhancing their collective ability to drive growth and serve the needs of society. The partnership signifies a commitment to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive, benefiting researchers and the wider community alike.

As the agreement unfolds, stakeholders look forward to the potential advancements in research and technology that may arise from this collaborative effort. The initiative not only underscores the importance of cooperation in research but also signals a forward-looking approach to addressing global challenges through shared knowledge and innovation.