Research Ireland funds 59 projects to tackle social issues

The funding will go towards supporting researchers in developing collaborative projects with community organisations to tackle real-world issues.

Research and innovation agency Research Ireland has announced funding for 59 projects as part of the New Foundations Programme, an initiative that focuses on Ireland’s health, social, environmental and economic challenges. 

With total investment coming to €683,677, the New Foundations programme encourages collaboration between researchers, civic society groups and policymakers, and includes co-funding from a range of Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and the Heritage Council.

Over a period of nine to 12 months, by taking part in research, networking and industry events, the funding will enable researchers to establish partnerships, innovate and apply their academic expertise to real-world problems. 

The selected researchers represent 14 higher education institutions in Ireland: Atlantic Technological University, Dublin City University, Mary Immaculate College, Maynooth University, Munster Technological University, National College of Ireland, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, South East Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway and University of Limerick.

Awarded projects include Trinity’s sociological exploration of life in the Dolphin House flat complex using arts-based creative methods, a study of the role of crime and security journalism in democracy from Maynooth University and UCC’s social economy initiatives supporting ‘Ageing in Place’. 

Celine Fitzgerald, the interim CEO of Research Ireland said, “The New Foundations programme exemplifies how research can be a powerful tool for societal change. By supporting collaboration between academic researchers and those working on the frontlines of community development and public policy, we can co-create knowledge that directly benefits people’s lives. 

“We are proud to support these new projects, which will contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable and evidence-informed Ireland.”

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