Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), a sub-board of Forfás, was established in 2000 to administer Ireland’s Technology Foresight Fund. It plans to provide funding of €646m between 2000 and 2006 to support research teams who are most likely to generate new knowledge, leading-edge technologies and competitive enterprises in the fields underpinning two broad areas: biotechnology and information and communications (ICT) technology.
What does it do?
Sfi.ie offers comprehensive and detailed information on Ireland’s research and development sector, with relevant links to its funding applications, funding terms and conditions, SFI’s grant awards history and a extensive list of publicly-funded research bodies in Ireland. International links available on Sfi.ie include Research Councils in the UK and Community of Science, both providing information on research funding opportunities and researchers around the globe that is updated daily.
How does it look?
The website is clean and modern. The only quibble is the small font size, which can make the text difficult to read. Overall, navigation is straightforward.
The verdict?
Sfi.ie is a useful tool for anyone working in or around the biotechnology and ICT sectors, and an essential bookmark for researchers in Ireland’s third-level institutions.
By Brian Skelly
