Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan and Permanent Secretary at Northern Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Katrina Godfrey have today announced €70 million in joint funding to create two new research centres.
The funding will bring together academics, industry and policymakers across the Irish Government, UK Government and Northern Ireland Government Departments to collaborate on common challenges such as food sustainability and climate change.
The announcement was jointly made by Minister Harris and UK Government Secretary of State Donelan ahead of their attendance at the British and Irish Intergovernmental Conference and a bilateral discussion at Farmleigh House, Dublin, this afternoon.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister Harris, said:
“Addressing climate change and achieving sustainable and resilient food systems are intertwined challenges facing us all.
“This investment in two new collaborative research centres is a major development in addressing these pressing issues in a coordinated and concerted way.
“I’m delighted to see the very best minds and methods being brought together to create a dynamic research network across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.”
UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said:
“As I know from my own family links, UK and Ireland share deep ties – and in today’s fast-moving world, we share many of the same challenges, too.
“From our groundbreaking international work on AI, to our deal to join Horizon, the UK is determined to seize the opportunities for growth and prosperity that can be delivered, when we work together on science and tech with our neighbours.
gov.ie – Minister Harris, Secretary of State Donelan and Permanent Secretary Godfrey announce €70 million for research centres (www.gov.ie)