The Applied Research Enhancement (ARE) programme has been created to enhance the applied research capabilities within the Institutes of Technology. The role of the Institutes of Technology in research and development is still a relatively new and evolving one. The Sector is recognised as having developed a track record in industry-relevant and applied research.
Significant research expertise in niche areas exists throughout the Sector, and recent years have seen an incremental increase in levels of postgraduate research taking place. These developments have been achieved against a background of inadequate resources, both current and capital, for the Sector’s research activities.
Given the importance of the Institutes of Technology to balanced regional development the Applied Research Enhancement programme is being introduced on a National basis to provide an opportunity for the Institutes to develop research capability in areas of strategic importance to the individual colleges and of relevance to industry both regionally and nationally.
The programme is run on an open call basis with a total funding of €1,250,000 for a project duration of 3 - 5 years.
Objectives of the ARE Programme
- To generate regional economic activity through the creation of a strong applied research base for the Region by bringing together researchers into the Institutes of Technology.
- To provide a centre of excellence in applied research capable of exploiting opportunities in science, engineering, and technology to the benefit of the Regional and National economy.
- Compete successfully for National and International research funding to support a growing applied research presence in the Institute of Technology.
- To provide an opportunity for the Institutes to develop research capability in areas of strategic importance to the individual colleges and of relevance to industry in the region.
The Application Process
- Initial dialogue with the Enterprise Ireland ARE Programme Management team.
- Submission of an Expression of Interest Form.
- After an evaluation process, a successful expression of interest will lead to invitation to submit a full proposal.
- The proposal is evaluated by 4 evaluators and a independent chairperson on a one day site evaluation.
- Recommended proposals are presented to the Industrial Research Commercialisation Committee for final approval.
Applied Research Enhancement Centres
Ten ARE research centres now exist across Ireland covering a broad range of research themes and are contributing directly to regional development by the commercialisation of their applied research outputs. Brief descriptions of each centres research interests and contact details are given in the document below:
Funding
Funding is available to support initiatives for up to five years and costs of the order of €1,000,000 to €1,250,000. Eligible direct costs include:
- The costs of employment of the Principal Researcher who will also be the Research Manager. To ensure additionality, this person will be expected to be recruited from outside the Institute and very likely outside the region.
- Salaries for senior scientific staff, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students.
- Reduction of lecturing load of key college researchers to support interaction with the new centre.
- Equipment necessary for the research to be undertaken.
- Necessary materials and consumables.
- Related travel for such activities as industry networking and strategic alliances.
- Access to special facilities available in colleges elsewhere in Ireland.
- Customisation of the research space where necessary
Expectations
A funded research group will be expected to:
- Achieve strategic goals shared by the Institute of Technology and Enterprise Ireland.
- Form partnerships with industry to work on challenging problems and facilitate technology transfer among the participants. (Efforts to establish co-operation and collaboration with other academic institutions are also strongly encouraged.)
- Work with Enterprise Ireland to develop R&D in indigenous Irish industry and with IDA Ireland to attract and retain foreign direct investment and participation in the Irish research community.
- Provide a basis for the creation of new companies and industries within the region.
ARE Project Guidelines and Financial Report Forms
Contact Details
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Deirdre Brougham, Manager, Applied Research Enhancement (ARE) Programme, Enterprise Ireland, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork.
+(353) 21 4800233
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Paddy Byrne, Applied Research Enhancement (ARE) Programme, Enterprise Ireland, Waterford Industrial Park, Cork Road, Waterford.
+(353) 51 333531
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