15 Research Ireland Pathway awards to boost next generation of research leaders
Awards will support four-year independent research projects across science, technology and climate research.
Research Ireland is pleased to announce that 15 additional projects, with a total investment of €9.76 million, have been funded under the Research Ireland Pathway Programme.
The Pathway programme is designed to strengthen Ireland’s research talent pipeline by supporting outstanding postdoctoral researchers in their transition to independent research careers.
The awards provide funding to conduct independent research over a four-year period, along with support for a postgraduate student, helping early-career researchers to build experience in research leadership and establish independence.
The newly-funded projects span a wide range of scientific sub-disciplines, from quantum technologies to climate and sustainable energy.
Among the 15 projects to secure funding are:
Flexible Inorganic Quantum-dot LED Devices (QLED) using Heavy Metal-free Light Emitters – Dr Devika Laishram, University of Limerick: Dr Laishram will develop flexible, energy-efficient LED displays using non-toxic, heavy-metal-free quantum dots, supporting next-generation lighting and display technologies that are more sustainable, lightweight, and suitable for wearable and flexible electronic devices.
Quantum technologies for quantum materials, and vice versa – Dr Joshuah Heath, Maynooth University: Dr Heath will address key barriers to quantum computing by using insights from materials science to understand which quantum resources are needed, and how robust solid-state quantum devices can be designed for practical, near-term use.
Development of recyclable composite rotor blades for wind turbines – Dr Yadong Jiang, University of Galway: Dr Jiang will develop recyclable wind turbine blades using sustainable materials, reducing landfill and emissions while supporting Ireland’s net-zero goals, and a more circular and environmentally responsible wind energy sector.
A chemical approach to unravel marine glycan-mediated carbon sequestration – Dr Conor Crawford, Trinity College Dublin: Dr Crawford will investigate how complex sugars from marine plants trap carbon in the ocean, improving understanding of natural carbon storage, and informing future climate solutions and carbon capture technologies.
The 15 funded research projects will be hosted across eight research institutions: Maynooth University (2), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (2), TU Dublin (1), Trinity College Dublin (4), Tyndall National Institute (1), University College Dublin (1), University of Galway (2) and University of Limerick (2).
Photo caption: Research Ireland Pathway awardee, Andrey Bezrukov, University of Limerick, whose ROBOSORB project aims to accelerate the discovery of next generations of physisorbents for carbon capture, in the fight against the global climate crisis. (Photo: Asif Raza)
