Responding to the publication of the Innovation Taskforce Report’s recommendations the UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady and the TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty welcomed the Taskforce’s acknowledgement of the Innovation Alliance and its endorsement as a model which should be rolled out nationally.
“The Report provides a clear and decisive framework within which the goals of the Innovation Alliance between the two universities can be realised,” they said.
The Taskforce’s recommendation to reposition the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation at the heart of innovation policy and to extend it to 2020 is crucial in delivering these goals. The report’s recommendations also provide clarity of national policy for the coordination of research funding activities.”
Taken in their totality, these recommendations provide a platform, connecting all parts of the innovation ecosystem including education, enterprise and government and have the potential to change the future of this country.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Innovation Alliance, both universities jointly announced a series of new, focused, Innovation Bursaries through a joint €2 million fund.
In its suite of funded interdisciplinary PhD studentships and postdoctoral awards, which will be advertised in the national media tomorrow, Trinity College will be promoting innovation and research on the theme of Sustainable Society. All funding will be provided for the studentships, lasting four years, including fees and a stipend as well as start up and research costs.
UCD will shortly announce details of corresponding PhD studentships and post-doctoral awards in priority research themes covering Earth Sciences, Energy and the Environment, Global Ireland, Health and Healthcare Delivery, and Information, Computation and Communications.
“We believe that the Innovation Academy can and will play a central role in the emergence of Ireland as a global hub for innovation. Through its formation our two universities aim to ‘future proof’ quality graduate education – furnishing highly skilled graduates uniquely positioned to contribute to Ireland’s recovery and prosperity,” concluded UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady and TCD Provost, Dr John Hegarty.
