€40m announced for North-South Research Programme

The government have announced a fund that will see €40 million invested in a North-South Research programme. The investment, provided through the Shared Island Fund, will support the deepening of links between higher education institutions, researchers and research communities on the island of Ireland.

Speaking on the announcement Deputy Brendan Smith, who Chairs the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, described it as an investment in the future: “This further investment in north-south research will strengthen important collaborations on this island. This is an investment in knowledge and skills, but also a major investment in the future of this island.”

The Cavan and Monaghan TD said it can act as a launchpad for future prosperity: “As someone who represents an area along the border, I know the lasting importance of maintaining and deepening relationships across this island or ours. While we have a shared history which is complicated, we need to work together to build a shared future which offers real hope and prosperity for all.”

Taoiseach, Micheál Martin stressed the importance of forging cross border links in the area of education and research: “All island research cooperation is one of my Government’s top priorities and the allocation of €40m from the Shared Island Fund to the new North-South Research Programme sends a clear signal of our commitment to foster new North-South research collaborations.”

An Taoiseach concluded: “This work will build on the cooperation which already exists and will broaden and deepen relationships between the partner institutions.”

In the Year 1 call, Strand I projects may receive a maximum of €100,000 per annum for up to two years, while Strands II and III projects may receive up to €1 million per annum for up to four years. A maximum of 50% of any award may be allocated to NI partners.

At the end of Year 2, a review will be undertaken of the projects funded thus far in order to inform the format of the second call.