Research Ireland has announced funding for 59 projects under its New Foundations programme.
Comprising a total investment of €683,677, these awards will support researchers in developing collaborative projects with community organisations and government departments. The projects will address health, social, environmental, and economic challenges in Ireland and beyond.
New Foundations promotes close collaboration between researchers, civic society groups, and policymakers. The programme includes co-funding from a range of Government Departments and agencies, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Irish Aid), Department of Education, Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA), Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Heritage Council.
Making the announcement, Celine Fitzgerald, Interim CEO of Research Ireland, commented:
“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.”
Funded awards include:
- The flats are coming down. Yup the flats! A sociological exploration of life in the Dolphin House flat complex using arts-based creative methods (Trinity College Dublin)
- The role of crime & security journalism in our democracy (Maynooth University)
- Co-designing a web-based resource to help young people with disabilities find suitable physical activities in their community (RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences)
- Social economy initiatives supporting ‘Ageing in Place’ (University College Cork)
Over a period of 9-12 months, the New Foundations funding will enable researchers to build new partnerships, explore innovative ideas, and bring academic expertise to real-world issues through research actions, network development, conferences and workshops, and capacity building for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Awarded researchers represent 14 higher education institutions, including: 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.
Photo caption: Dolphin House Flat Complex, Dublin 8
