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Research and Innovation Minister Seán Sherlock today announced Government funding of €15 million to be provided over the next 4 years for 79 research projects as part of Science Foundation Ireland’s 2011 Research Frontiers Programme.

Making the announcement, Minister Sherlock said:

It is vital that Ireland has a robust and competitive research environment that contributes to economic recovery. The projects announced today are very much part of this drive to further build Ireland’s research capability in support of our economic development. Science Foundation Ireland is a key organisation in driving this in terms of indentifying opportunities for top class research in Ireland.

These projects are of direct relevance to our daily lives. Discoveries that can be achieved in these sectors will have an impact on computer science, the environment, health and other important fields with the potential to create and sustain top-quality jobs in Ireland.

Welcoming Ireland’s continued improvement in the world innovation rankings, up from 19th in 2010 to 13th in the 2011 Global Innovation Index, Minister Sherlock said:

achieving international recognition for our continued improvement in innovation is a long-term and constant challenge. Innovation is fundamental to building a sound economy for the 21st century which will lead to the creation of new and better jobs.

The SFI funding to 15 research bodies will support the development of Ireland’s human capital by providing employment and training to 94 researchers, mainly PhD students.

Amongst the successful projects to be funded involve cutting edge research related to optical sensors, energy/solar cells, cyber security, renewable gas, high-speed wireless communication interfaces and an integrated volcanic ash forecasting system. Also included are a number of health research projects linked to Cancer, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Schizophrenia, Inflammation of the brain, Urinary Incontinence, Type 2- Diabetes and Cystic Fibrosis.

Read the full press release here.

A full list of projects are available on the SFI website www.sfi.ie