Minister Unveils €34.5 Million Investment in Innovative Research

James Lawless, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, announced a significant investment of €34.5 million on November 14, 2025, aimed at supporting 39 groundbreaking research projects across Ireland. This funding is part of this year’s Frontiers for the Future Programme, which has been co-funded by the Children’s Health Foundation, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Collectively, these partners contributed €2.8 million to the initiative.

The funded projects encompass a wide range of innovative research areas. Notable initiatives include the creation of advanced materials for longer-lasting, sustainable batteries as alternatives to conventional lithium-ion technology. Another project focuses on developing biodegradable 3D-printed stent materials designed to assist in the healing of spinal fractures linked to osteoporosis. Additionally, researchers are working on computer models that aim to enhance predictions of long-term outcomes for infants affected by birth-related oxygen deprivation.

Highlighted Research Initiatives

Among the individual awards, several projects stand out. Professor Geraldine Butler from University College Dublin is exploring Irish ecosystems to identify novel yeast species that could be beneficial in food production, biofuels, and biotechnology. Dr. Daniela Bezuidenhout from Maynooth University is investigating safer, low-cost alternatives to precious metal catalysts for converting ammonia into valuable chemicals used in medicine, agriculture, and industry. Professor Tomas Ryan from Trinity College Dublin is examining early-life memory loss, specifically how this process varies in individuals with autism and between genders, with the goal of potentially reversing memory loss.

A total of 12 research institutions will benefit from this funding, including Dublin City University (1 project), 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), and University of Limerick (3).

Minister Lawless expressed his enthusiasm regarding the awards, stating, “We are investing in cutting-edge, curiosity-driven research, 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.”

Support from Key Organizations

Dr. Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, highlighted the program’s focus on high-risk, high-reward research ideas and the importance of collaborative teams in producing excellent research outcomes. He noted the program’s support for 66 PhD students, 47 postdoctoral researchers, and 13 other research positions.

Fionnuala O’Leary, CEO of the Children’s Health Foundation, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to empowering researchers with innovative ideas that can significantly improve outcomes for sick children. She acknowledged the generosity of the foundation’s supporters, which enables continued investment in scientific discovery.

Orla Dolan, CEO of Breakthrough Cancer Research, underscored the organization’s focus on cancers with the lowest survival rates, stating, “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.”

The €34.5 million investment marks a significant step towards fostering innovation in research within Ireland, with the potential to produce transformative outcomes in various fields, benefiting both society and the economy in the years to come.