Research Ireland Forum 2026
Research Ireland Forum | Monday, 30 November 2026 | Dublin
Building Capability and Shaping our Research System for the Future Together
The Research Ireland Forum 2026 will take place in-person on Monday, 30 November 2026 in Dublin. The Forum will bring together our community of researchers with sector leadership and policymakers from across Ireland’s research and innovation community to explore the future of research in Ireland and strengthen connections across the sector. As Research Ireland’s flagship research community event, it will provide opportunities to hear from leading national and international speakers, exchange ideas, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping research and innovation in Ireland.
Registration
Attendance is by invitation only and advance registration is required. Invitations with registration details were issued in September 2026. If you have any registration or invitation queries, please email forum@researchireland.ie.
Programme
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 9.30am -10.30am | Registration, Networking and Meet the Programme Managers Start the day by connecting with fellow delegates and meeting Research Ireland programme managers and staff. |
| 10.30am – 10.55am | Opening Address How can we build capability across the research community and work together to shape Ireland’s research system for the future. Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO, Research Ireland |
| 10.55am – 11.10am | Keynote: Ireland and the European Research and Innovation Agenda Ireland’s place in the European research and innovation landscape, and the opportunities ahead for our research community. Colm O’Reardon, Secretary General, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science |
| 11.10am – 11.50am | Panel Discussion: Ireland in Europe – Opportunities for Research and Innovation From European priorities to opportunities for Ireland: how our research community can engage, collaborate and make the most of the European research and innovation landscape. Panellists: Kevin Burke, Head of Horizon Programme, Enterprise Ireland Prof Susi Geiger, University College Dublin Prof Martin O’Halloran, University of Galway Chair, Dr Siobhan Roche, Director of Research for the Economy, Research Ireland |
| 11.50am – 12.10pm | Research Shorts: The Breadth of Research A showcase of research creating new knowledge, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to our economy and society. |
| 12.10pm – 12.40pm | Keynote: Is Research Becoming Less Disruptive?
Evidence suggests that research is becoming less disruptive over time. This session will explore the findings behind this trend and consider how we might create the conditions for more novel and disruptive ideas to emerge. Professor Erin Leahey, Professor of Sociology, University of Arizona |
| 12.40pm – 1.55pm | Networking lunch Continue the conversation over lunch, connect with fellow delegates and meet Research Ireland programme managers. |
| 1.55pm – 2.00pm | Afternoon Welcome A short welcome back and introduction to the afternoon programme. |
| 2.00pm – 2.10pm | Research in Performance Bringing research into Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, to life through music, poetry and song, reflecting on its legacy and influence on creative practice today. Dr Daithí Kearney, Director, Creative Arts Research Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| 2.10pm – 2.40pm | Keynote: Accelerating Disruptive Ideas What it takes to accelerate bold research ideas, moving them from scientific discovery to new technologies and real-world impact. Professor Rob Miller, Director, Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge |
| 2.40pm – 3.20pm | Panel Discussion: Nurturing Research Talent for the Future What does it take to attract, develop and retain research talent? Creating the opportunities, career pathways and connections that enable researchers to thrive and contribute across academia, enterprise and wider society. Panellists: Prof Emma Sokell, Dean of Graduate Studies, University College Dublin Prof Stephen Kinsella, Professor of Economics, University of Limerick and Economic Adviser to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Dr. Martin Mevissen, Senior Research Manager for AI & Quantum, IBM Research Lab Dublin Chair, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Research for Society, Research Ireland |
| 3.20pm – 3.40pm | Research Shorts: The Breadth of Research A showcase of research creating new knowledge, tackling real-world challenges and contributing to our economy and society. |
| 3.40pm – 3.50pm | Briefing: Research Ireland Programmes and Opportunities An introduction to Research Ireland programmes and the opportunities available to support researchers and research. Roisin Cheshire, Head of Individual-led Research, Research Ireland |
| 3.50pm – 4.00pm | Reflection and Closing Remarks Reflecting on the ideas and perspectives shared throughout the Forum, and the collective role we can play in shaping Ireland’s research system for the future. Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO, Research Ireland |
| 4.00pm – 5.00pm | Networking, Tea and Coffee Stay for a final opportunity to connect with fellow delegates, continue conversations from the day and meet Research Ireland programme managers over tea and coffee. |
Access Forum Content Online
Research Ireland is committed to sharing the insights and discussions from the Forum as widely as possible. Recordings from Forum 2026 will be available after the event. Highlights and updates will also be shared through Research Ireland’s LinkedIn channel, helping the wider research and innovation community stay connected to the conversations and outcomes from the event.
While preparations for Forum 2026 continue, we invite you to watch highlights from Forum 2025 and revisit discussions on the future of research and innovation in Ireland.
