SFI and NSFC to Develop Strategic Research Goals

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) are collaborating on R&D initiatives in areas of strategic importance to the People’s Republic of China and Ireland. Announced by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade with responsibility for Brexit, Simon Coveney, TD and Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, TD, details of eight new research collaborations involving 30 scientists will be supported through the partnership over the next four years.

The announcement, which was made on the occasion of the Export Trade Council meeting at Iveagh House in Dublin at the end of June, is a direct result of a joint investment made by the Irish government through SFI to the value of €8.6 million euro and ¥31,920,000 (ca. €4,273,000) from the NSFC.

Speaking at Iveagh House, Tánaiste, Simon Coveney, said: “Over the last decade Ireland’s engagement with China has grown from strength to strength, with China now ranking as Ireland’s largest trading partner in Asia. Collaboration and partnership in RD&I is vital for expanding this relationship. China’s emphasis on high technology systems, particularly in green-tech is extremely complimentary to Ireland’s research prioritisation and reflected in some of the outstanding projects being launched here today.“

Madam Hua Yang, Charge d'Affaires, Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China, Ireland, commented: "Today’s award symbolises a good start of greater Science, Technology and Innovation cooperation between China and Ireland in the years to come. It is our belief and hope that, with concerted efforts from both countries, our cooperation in Science, Technology and Innovation will achieve more accomplishment, benefiting the well-being of the people from both countries and around the world."

The eight projects that received funding after the rigorous review process feature research into the areas of wireless and optical communications, artificial intelligence, micro- and nano-electronics, climate change, green energy and nano-materials for biomedical applications. Four academic institutions in Ireland will collaborate with six institutions across the People’s Republic of China to carry out this work.