- 583 companies are partaking in 939 linkages with SFI funded researchers
- SFI researchers secured €156million from non SFI sources of funding
- SFI researchers engaged in over 1,900 collaborations in 68 countries
- 39 licensed technologies - 73% increase on 2010
- Investment by SFI has supported Ireland in maintaining its place in the top 20 countries in scientific global rankings
The Government’s science agency, Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), funded through the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (DJEI), continues to have a powerful impact in connecting research and industry it was announced today [Thursday] at the launch of the agency’s Annual Report for 2011 at the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF).
As reported in SFI’s 2011 Annual Report, the agency has seen a 19% increase in the number of linkages with companies in 2011, with SFI-supported researchers working in conjunction with 246 multinational companies and 337 SMEs. This increase highlights SFI’s role in creating an environment which retains jobs in Ireland while also creating new opportunities for employment. SFI funding contributed to significant breakthroughs in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), cancer, superbugs, blindness, nano-sensor technology, and social media trends, among other areas. SFI supported researchers reported a total of 5,740 scientific publications in 2011 – up by 15%.
Speaking at the launch of the 2011 Annual Report, Sean Sherlock, Minister of State with Responsibility for Research and Innovation said, "The 158% increase which SFI has seen in the number of industry-academic linkages over the past four years, is certainly a significant achievement and testament to the focus of the organisation and the dedicated and innovative minds of its researchers."
Minister Sherlock also commented, "As SFI enters its second decade of existence, SFI funded researchers have developed important technologies such as a microchip sensor that allows for constant monitoring of babies in cots, hospital patients and others at risk of fatalities such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). These are the kinds of ground-breaking discoveries that prove the true value of investment in science.
Minister Sherlock added "Due to Ireland’s current economic circumstances there is a need to accelerate the delivery of economic and societal benefits from Government investment in research by prioritising resources in areas of opportunity, building closer collaboration between the research base and enterprise and making it easier to commercialise and use new knowledge. We need to do this while maintaining the world class research base that has been built by SFI over the past decade. SFI’s focus on excellence has supported Ireland’s maintaining its position in the top 20 of countries for the quality of research, this is the platform on which the industrial collaboration and commercialisation is built. "
Chairperson of SFI, Professor Pat Fottrell added, "The publication of this report highlights the importance SFI places on supporting sustainable economic growth in Ireland. SFI’s strategic investment in research in the fields of science and engineering is building on our position in the global rankings and Ireland is internationally recognised for the quality of the work being done by the research community. The research breakthroughs which we have seen across Ireland over the past year serve to underscore the importance of investment in Ireland’s future and I look forward to seeing the further discoveries in 2012."
Also speaking at the launch, Director General of SFI Professor Mark Ferguson said, "SFI is an integral part of the enterprise ecosystem that endeavors to position Ireland as a great location to research, invest and employ. SFI has continued to fund research and train people that will play a critical role in attracting, retaining, growing and forming companies in Ireland. Investment in scientific research and innovation is delivering results with impact for today and for the future."
Further details of SFI’s 2011 activity are featured in the Chairman and Director General Statements in SFI’s Annual Report 2011. An overview of research activity is also published in the Annual Census 2011, available to download from www.sfi.ie.