Embark offers postgrads €3.2m to complete research


9 Jul 2004

The Embark Initiative this afternoon issued offers of funding totaling €3.2m over two years to 40 talented researchers planning to complete post-doctoral research in science, engineering and technology.

Operated by the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering & Technology, the Embark Initiative is aimed at knowledge creation for the future benefit of society and the economy. It also seeks to retain highly talented researchers in Ireland. Following a call for applicants last December, over 264 eligible submissions were received for consideration by an independent assessment panel. According to Embark, the standard of applicants this year was excellent.

Professor Thomas Mitchell, chairman of the Embark Initiative, said: “There is a wealth of research talent in Ireland and a strong desire by many researchers to enhance their career in research. There are also many exceptionally able young researchers who wish to pursue their career development with Irish research teams of established achievement. The Embark Initiative is encouraging and facilitating this generation of highly motivated researchers so vital to Ireland’s future success.

“The training of adequate numbers of researchers is an ongoing problem, yet experience from our programmes to date has yielded very substantial demand from highly qualified personnel. Applications for the Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme were of a high standard which demonstrates the highly promising research skills base we have here in Ireland,” he said.

Within the 2004 Embark Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme Awards, one Special Research Fellowship is being offered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). Funded by the National Development Plan, SEI promotes and assists the development of sustainable energy.

By John Kennedy