Minister Invests €34.5 Million in Innovative Research Projects

On November 14, 2025, James Lawless, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, announced a significant investment of €34.5 million to support 39 innovative research projects across various institutions in Ireland. This funding is part of this year’s Frontiers for the Future Programme, which received co-funding of €2.8 million from the Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The projects selected for funding this year encompass a wide range of groundbreaking initiatives. Among them is the creation of new materials aimed at developing longer-lasting and more sustainable batteries, which serve as alternatives to existing lithium-ion technology. Additionally, researchers are working on a biodegradable 3D-printed stent material designed to aid in the healing process of spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis. An important project also focuses on computer models that aim to better predict long-term outcomes for infants affected by birth-related oxygen loss.

Individual awards highlight notable research areas. For instance, Professor Geraldine Butler from University College Dublin will explore Irish ecosystems in search of novel yeast species that could be utilized in food production, biofuels, and biotechnology. Dr. Daniela Bezuidenhout from Maynooth University aims to identify safer, low-cost alternatives to precious metal catalysts for converting ammonia into useful chemicals for various industries. Another significant study by Professor Tomás Ryan from Trinity College Dublin will investigate how early-life memories are lost, particularly examining differences in autism and between genders, with the potential to reverse memory loss.

The 39 funded initiatives represent a collaborative effort spanning 12 research institutions, including:

– Dublin City University (1)
– Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (1)
– Maynooth University (3)
– Munster Technological University (1)
– RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (3)
– Teagasc (1)
– Trinity College Dublin (7)
– Tyndall National Institute (1)
– University College Cork (6)
– University College Dublin (9)
– University of Galway (3)
– University of Limerick (3)

In his announcement, Minister Lawless stated, “We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, and empowering individual researchers to progress bold ideas that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. These awards demonstrate our dedication to building a diverse and inclusive research community that delivers impact for our society and economy. I look forward to seeing the development and outputs of these projects over the coming years.”

Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, emphasized the importance of the Frontiers for the Future Programme, stating that it focuses on high-risk, high-reward ideas while fostering collaborative teams that produce excellent research. He expressed pride in partnering with the Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to support 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers, and 13 other research positions.

Fionnuala O’Leary, CEO of the Children’s Health Foundation, remarked on the foundation’s commitment to supporting innovative research that has the potential to transform outcomes for sick children. She acknowledged the generosity of the foundation’s supporters, who enable these significant investments in scientific discovery.

Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research, highlighted the organization’s focus on investing in research aimed at improving survival rates for the lowest survival cancers. She expressed excitement about the partnership with Research Ireland and the pursuit of bold, creative ideas to meet urgent needs in cancer treatment.

This substantial investment in research aims to foster innovation and improve health and environmental outcomes, reflecting a commitment to advancing science and technology in Ireland. The diverse range of projects not only showcases Ireland’s research capabilities but also aims to address pressing societal challenges.