Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has launched Strategic Research Clusters (SRC) 2008, a new programme aimed at linking scientists and engineers in key areas of research with industry with the aim of improving existing Irish-based tech companies and helping to create new ones.
While SFI already have several programmes to fund researchers within the science and engineering community in Ireland, this one is intended to gather together researchers in ‘clusters’ to work on joint research projects.
In line with SFI’s goal of a ‘knowledge economy’, the programme will also be providing industry-specific skills to third-level researchers such as working with industrial road maps and research goals.
The grants available under SRC 2008 will range from €500,000 to €1.5m depending on whether a period of three years is offered or a further two-year option is added on.
While the focus is on information and communication technology (ICT) and biotechnology, the SFI will also consider submissions from the field of financial mathematics.
Deadline for submission of an expression of interest is today, while full proposal submission is not until 6th June 2008.
By Marie Boran
