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<h1>A Landmark Year for Research Funding</h1>
<div><p><strong>Research Ireland Awards to University of Galway (Academic Year 2025/26 to end of April)</strong></p>
<p>Research Ireland, established in August 2024 through the amalgamation of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council, is now Ireland’s largest competitive research funding agency. With a mission to advance research and innovation that contributes to Ireland’s economic, social, cultural, and environmental and sustainability development. Research Ireland plays a central role in supporting world-class research across the higher education sector.</p>
<p>Since 1 October, University of Galway has been notified of Research Ireland awards with a combined value of €139M. This exceptional performance reflects the University’s strengths across a broad range of disciplines and is driven in large part by its 7 Research Centre awards with a total value projected at more than €120M (budgets will be finalised over the 8-year Centre term). When matched with industry and other non-exchequer co-funding to be secured over the course of the awards, the total value of University of Galway’s RINN Programme will be more than double this figure.</p>
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<p><h2><strong>Leading the Next Generation of Research Centres</strong></h2>
<p>In December 2025 Research Ireland announced the outcome of its latest funding round. From 14 shortlisted bids, 7 national Centres were selected for funding over a period of 8 years.</p>
<p>The Centres programme has now been rebranded as the RINN Network. The Network is designed to deliver a programme of internationally leading research that spans both oriented basic and applied levels, led by a team of world-leading PIs and rising stars.</p>
<p>University of Galway has secured involvement in all 7 of the funded RINN Centres and will play a leadership role in 4 of them, an achievement that underlines the University’s national leadership in collaborative research in strategically important fields.</p>
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<p><h2><strong>The 7 Centres</strong></h2>
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<p><p>1. <strong>RINN Medical Devices</strong> (formerly CÚRAM)</p>
<p>RINN Medical Devices is led by Prof Abhay Pandit. Rinn Medical Devices is focused on supporting healthy ageing by developing medical device innovations that tackle the chronic conditions most likely to affect people as they age, from heart and kidney disease to neurological conditions, cancer, and beyond. The Centre for Medical Devices is led by Prof Abhay Pandit. Approximate Research Ireland budget to Galway is €62 million.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/AbhayPandit-2245.jpg">
<h6>Prof Abhay Pandit, Established Professor of Biomaterials at University of Galway; Director of RINN Medical Devices</h6><p><p>2. <strong>RINN Artificial Intelligence</strong> (formerly Insight & Adapt)</p>
<p>RINN AI is led by DCU and Co-led by the University’s Data Science Institute Director Prof Ed Curry (Computer Science). Rinn AI is designed to serve as a national hub for research and innovation in data science and AI.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ed-Curry-1.png">
<h6>Prof Ed Curry, Director of the Data Science Institute at University of Galway</h6><p><p>3. <strong>RINN Energy</strong> (Formerly Marei)</p>
<p>The RINN Energy is led by UCC. The Centre Deputy Director is Prof Rory Monaghan (Engineering). Rinn Energy will drive energy system decarbonisation by delivering an ambitious, world-leading, and scientifically excellent research programme.</p>
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<h6>Rory Monaghan, Professor in Energy Systems Engineering and Head of Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway </h6><p><p>4. <strong>RINN Advanced Therapies</strong></p>
<p>RINN Advanced Therapies is led by TCD, Deputy Director is Prof Aideen Ryan (School of Medicine). Rinn Advanced Therapies is focused on the development and manufacturing of personalised advanced cellular immune therapeutics (ACITs).</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dr_Aideen_Ryan_Associate_Professor_in_Tumour_Immunology_at_University_of_Galway.jpg">
<h6>Dr Aideen Ryan Associate Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway</h6><p><p>5. <strong>RINN Quantum</strong></p>
<p>RINN Quantum is led by TCD. Prof J-C Desplat (ICHEC) is the Deputy Director. RINN Quantum aims to establish Ireland as a global leader in quantum science.</p>
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<h6>Prof Jean-Christophe "JC" Desplat, Director of ICHEC, Adjunct Professor at University of Galway's School of Physics</h6><p><p>6. <strong>RINN Pharma & BioPharma</strong></p>
<p>RINN Pharma & BioPharma is led by UL. There are two Galway PIs.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/shutterstock_1731695755-scaled.jpg">
<h6>shutterstock_1731695755</h6><p><p>7. <strong>RINN Semiconductors</strong></p>
<p>RINN Semiconductors is led by UCC. There is one Galway PI.</p>
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<h2><strong>Notable Individual Awards</strong></h2>
<p><strong>Alongside its success in large-scale collaborative funding, University of Galway researchers also secured a number of prestigious individual awards across Research Ireland’s flagship programmes, highlighting excellence in fundamental research, innovation, and impact. </strong></p>
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<p><p><strong>National Challenge Fund</strong></p>
<p>Dr Indiana Agnieszka Olbert (Engineering) and her team won the Research Ireland National <em>Digital for Resilience Challenge</em>, with an associated prize of €1.3 million (€2.25 million over the course of the competition) for their project StopFlood, developing novel approaches for forecasting of flood events.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/indianaolbert-e1783345891568.jpg">
<h6>Dr Indiana Agnieszka Olbert, Lecturer and Programme Director of Project and Construction Management. Leader of EcoHydroInformatics Research Group.</h6><p><p><strong>Frontiers for the Future</strong></p>
<p>Dr Christina Tadiri (Natural Sciences) was awarded €1.8 million for her project ECODEMICS: The role of ecosystem connectivity and quality on host-parasite interactions.</p>
<p>Prof Laoise Macnamara (Engineering ) was awarded €1.3 million for her project STROMCO: Spatio-temporal regulation of osteocyte mechanobiology to treat cancer-associated osteolysis.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_4943_Christina-Tadiri_cropped-scaled.jpg">
<h6>Dr Christina Tadiri, Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway</h6><img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/laoisemcnamara-2958594146-e1783345689136.jpg">
<h6>Dr Laoise McNamara, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, University of Galway</h6><p><p><strong>Strategic Partnership</strong></p>
<p>Prof Patrick Serruys (Medicine) was awarded €1.7 million (co-funded by industry) for his Strategic Partnership project on Transforming Coronary Artery Disease Treatment.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/1116-Professor-Patrick-W.-Serruys.jpg">
<h6>Prof Patrick Serruys, School of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway</h6><p><p><strong>Research Infrastructure</strong></p>
<p>Dr Eimear Dolan was awarded €750k for MeDiNet, a Medical Device prototyping and innovation network.</p>
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<img alt="A Landmark Year for Research Funding"  class="img-fluid match single-39" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1404-2516665290.jpg">
<h6>Dr Eimear Dolan, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway</h6><p><hr />
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<p><h4>Research Ireland launched its inaugural strategy Curiosity, Capability, Competitiveness – Charting Ireland’s Research and Innovation Future 2026–2030, aimed at building a research and innovation system that delivers prosperity for the people of Ireland.</h4>
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<div class="pb-5">
<img alt="profile-photo" class="single-43" src="https://impact.universityofgalway.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/e18d3cb3-8472-4445-ac05-e2d138f61b5d.jpg">
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<h5 class="pt-15">Tony Flaherty</h5>
<h5 class="single-45">Head of National Research Programmes, Research Office</h5>
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<p>Tony Flaherty is the Head of National Research Programmes at University of Galway. His role is situated within the Pre Awards Team in the Research Office. The Research Office at University of Galway supports and drives impactful research aligned with three core pillars: Purpose. People. Place. Tony brings over 20 years experience managing industrial, national, and international R&D activities. </p>
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Tionchar & Tuairimí | Impact & Opinions

universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway

Tony Flaherty

Head of National Research Programmes, Research Office

University of Galway

A Landmark Year for Research Funding

20 July 26

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(0)
STARS

8 MINS

Leading the Next Generation of Research Centres

The 7 Centres

Prof Abhay Pandit, Established Professor of Biomaterials at University of Galway; Director of RINN Medical Devices

Prof Ed Curry, Director of the Data Science Institute at University of Galway

Rory Monaghan, Professor in Energy Systems Engineering and Head of Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway

Dr Aideen Ryan Associate Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway

Prof Jean-Christophe "JC" Desplat, Director of ICHEC, Adjunct Professor at University of Galway's School of Physics

shutterstock_1731695755

shutterstock 618880562

Notable Individual Awards

Dr Indiana Agnieszka Olbert, Lecturer and Programme Director of Project and Construction Management. Leader of EcoHydroInformatics Research Group.

Dr Christina Tadiri, Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway

Dr Laoise McNamara, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, University of Galway

Prof Patrick Serruys, School of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway

Dr Eimear Dolan, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway

Research Ireland launched its inaugural strategy Curiosity, Capability, Competitiveness – Charting Ireland’s Research and Innovation Future 2026–2030, aimed at building a research and innovation system that delivers prosperity for the people of Ireland.

Tony Flaherty

Head of National Research Programmes, Research Office

RATE

Republish

Tionchar & Tuairimí | Impact & Opinions

universityofgalway.ie

University of Galway

Tony Flaherty

Head of National Research Programmes, Research Office

University of Galway

A Landmark Year for Research Funding

20 July 26

0 (0) STARS

8 MINS

Leading the Next Generation of Research Centres

The 7 Centres

Prof Abhay Pandit, Established Professor of Biomaterials at University of Galway; Director of RINN Medical Devices

Prof Ed Curry, Director of the Data Science Institute at University of Galway

Rory Monaghan, Professor in Energy Systems Engineering and Head of Mechanical Engineering, University of Galway

Dr Aideen Ryan Associate Professor in Tumour Immunology at University of Galway

Prof Jean-Christophe "JC" Desplat, Director of ICHEC, Adjunct Professor at University of Galway's School of Physics

shutterstock_1731695755

shutterstock 618880562

Notable Individual Awards

Dr Indiana Agnieszka Olbert, Lecturer and Programme Director of Project and Construction Management. Leader of EcoHydroInformatics Research Group.

Dr Christina Tadiri, Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway

Dr Laoise McNamara, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, University of Galway

Prof Patrick Serruys, School of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway

Dr Eimear Dolan, School of Engineering, Institute for Health Discovery and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Trials, University of Galway

Research Ireland launched its inaugural strategy Curiosity, Capability, Competitiveness – Charting Ireland’s Research and Innovation Future 2026–2030, aimed at building a research and innovation system that delivers prosperity for the people of Ireland.

Tony Flaherty

Head of National Research Programmes, Research Office

RATE

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