Minister Allocates €34.5 Million to Advance Innovative Research

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 Ireland. This funding is part of the Frontiers for the Future Programme, which aims to foster groundbreaking research initiatives that address pressing societal challenges.

Collaborative Efforts in Research Funding

The Frontiers for the Future Programme received additional backing from notable organizations, including the Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, which collectively contributed €2.8 million. These partnerships are indicative of a growing commitment to collaborative research efforts aimed at addressing critical health and environmental issues.

This year’s funded projects encompass a diverse range of topics. For example, researchers are exploring the development of new materials for longer-lasting, sustainable batteries as alternatives to traditional lithium-ion technology. Other projects include the creation of biodegradable 3D-printed stents designed to aid in the healing of spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, and sophisticated computer models aimed at predicting long-term health outcomes for infants affected by birth-related oxygen deprivation.

Highlighting Promising Research Initiatives

Among the notable individual awards are initiatives led by experts from various universities. Professor Geraldine Butler from University College Dublin is investigating Irish ecosystems to discover novel yeast species that could be utilized in food production, biofuels, and biotechnology. Dr. Daniela Bezuidenhout of Maynooth University is focusing on developing safer, low-cost alternatives to precious metal catalysts, which could enhance the conversion of ammonia into useful chemicals for agriculture and industry. Furthermore, Professor Tomás Ryan from Trinity College Dublin is researching the mechanisms behind early-life memory loss, particularly in individuals with autism, in an effort to reverse this cognitive decline.

The funded initiatives span a total of 12 research institutions, including Dublin City University, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies, Munster Technological University, and University College Cork, among others. This broad distribution of funding highlights the collaborative nature of the research community across Ireland.

In his announcement, Minister Lawless emphasized the importance of investing in “cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research” that empowers researchers to explore bold ideas with the potential for significant societal impact. He stated, “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, commented on the programme’s focus on high-risk, high-reward research, stating that it encourages the formation of collaborative teams that can produce excellent results. He noted that the initiative supports 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers, and 13 other research positions.

Fionnuala O’Leary, CEO of the Children’s Health Foundation, expressed pride in supporting the Frontiers for the Future Programme, highlighting its role in empowering researchers to pursue innovative ideas that can lead to transformative outcomes for children facing health challenges. She credited the foundation’s supporters for enabling this critical investment in scientific discovery.

Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research, also underscored the urgency of addressing low survival cancers through smart and effective treatments. She stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Research Ireland to support bold, creative new ideas and researchers to meet the urgent needs of people diagnosed with these very challenging cancers – to deliver impact where it’s needed most.”

This significant funding initiative marks a pivotal step toward advancing the frontiers of research in Ireland, with the potential to deliver meaningful innovations across various fields, ultimately benefiting society at large.