“The Irish university science academics are worried with the recent changes in the Government’s policy for funding research. In a letter to The Irish Times (March 18th) they wrote of the Government’s short-sighted drive for applied research which has a potential for industrial innovation …” (more)
[John Kelly, Irish Times, 17 April]
“Hundreds of researchers sign letter warning of cost of focusing exclusively on business-led priorities. Science in the Republic of Ireland is being destroyed by a ‘scientific apartheid’ that reserves most competitive research funding for 14 priority areas largely chosen for commercial reasons …” (more)
[Paul Jump, Times Higher Education, 16 April]
“Sir, – Prof David McConnell (Opinion, April 2nd) eloquently supports the case made in an earlier letter signed by many Irish scientists who argued for greater funding for basic research in the Irish higher education system. There is little doubt that balanced and sustained investment of public funds in both basic and applied scientific research yields significant economic and social dividends over time …” (more)
[Aidan Kennedy, Irish Times, 6 April]
“Government university funding has fallen dramatically and the rules by which SFI funds individual research scientists have drastically altered. Readers may have seen the letter now signed by about 1,100 Irish scientists and engineers asking the Government to restore confidence in the Irish scientific research system …” (more)
[David McConnell, Irish Times, 2 April]
“Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he plans to take in response to the unprecedented move by over 900 scientists expressing concern regarding the Government’s research policy and over-concentration on commercial research …” (more)
[Dáil Éireann, 26 March]
“Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he is taking to ensure Science Foundation Ireland continues to fund basic fundamental scientific research; and if he will make a statement on the matter …” (more)
[Dáil Éireann, 26 March]
“Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his policy on capturing the long-term benefits of scientific research, following an open letter by over 900 scientists (details supplied); his strategy for the funding of applied research and basic research; and if he will make a statement on the matter …” (more)
[Dáil Éireann Questions, 26 March]
“Sir, – As scientists in Ireland and Irish scientists abroad, we are committed to making our contribution to Ireland’s recovery by doing the best and most innovative research possible. However, we are deeply concerned about the research policies implemented by the current Government …” (more)
[Tom Cotter and others, Irish Times, 18 March]
“More than 800 leading research scientists have joined forces to lobby the Government as it prepares a new national strategy for scientific research. In a letter to The Irish Times today, they outline proposals for developing a strong research base within Ireland …” (more)
[Dick Ahlstrom, Irish Times, 18 March]
“Ireland’s drive to focus government research grants on areas that might create jobs and wealth is ‘short-sighted’ and is destabilizing the country’s basic-research fabric, say around 900 scientists in a letter to the Irish government. The call is aimed at changing the course of Ireland’s national research strategy, which is currently under revision …” (more)
[Declan Butler, Nature, 17 March]
“Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, TD, has welcomed the publication of the First Progress Report on implementation of the National Research Prioritisation Exercise which is Ireland’s Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategy …” (more)
[The Labour Party, 7 July]
“From the late 1990s onwards, the Irish Government embarked on a strategy of significantly enhancing the scientific, technological and innovative capacity of the country, as part of its aim to develop as a knowledge and innovation-based economy …” (more)
[Research on Higher Education in Ireland, 12 March]
“We all need a reality check from time to time, a fresh perspective offered by someone with an outsider’s view. It pulls you up short and forces you to reconsider why and how you are doing things, and identifies room for improvement …” (more)
[Dick Ahlstrom, Irish Times, 25 November]
“Legislation extending the remit of Science Foundation Ireland was signed into law by Minister for Research and Innovation Seán Sherlock today …” (more)
[Grainne Rothery, Business and Leadership, 11 October]
“From the abstract: ‘Agencies that fund scientific research must choose: is it more effective to give large grants to a few elite researchers, or small grants to many researchers? Large grants would be more effective only if scientific impact increases as an accelerating function of grant size.’ …” (more)
[Constantin Gurdgiev, True Economics, 29 June]
“Last week’s announcement of research centres has reinforced the policy of this government that will prioritize research resources into areas that bring together research and enterprise …” (more)
[The World According to Gar, 28 February]
“Irish and European science policy was on the agenda when Science Calling caught up with Minister of State for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock, in his office in Kildare Street recently …” (more, audio)
[Maria Delaney, Science Calling!, 18 February]
“Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock TD, and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, today announced funding, totalling €60million, dedicated to 85 pioneering research initiatives …” (more)
[The Labour Party, 25 January]
“Value for money from investment in R&D is more important than ever, which is why the role of the Government’s chief scientific adviser is so vital, writes Research Minister Seán Sherlock …” (more)
[Irish Examiner, 9 January]
“The science community should have nothing to fear from the research prioritisation process, according to Minister of State for Research Seán Sherlock …” (more)
[Dick Ahlstrom, Irish Times, 7 January]
