Research Centres

NexSys (Next Generation Energy Systems) is an ambitious multidisciplinary energy research programme (2022-26). It is hosted by the UCD Energy Institute, in partnership with eight other leading research institutions:  DCU, ESRI, Maynooth University, NUI Galway, Queen's University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, UCC and Ulster University.

NexSys is an All-Island partnership with a team of 51 leading academics. It has received €16 million in funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), 9 industry partners and one philanthropic donor.

(opens in a new window)https://www.nexsys-energy.ie/

I-Form which is led by UCD College of Engineering & Architecture is funded under the SFI Research Centres programme, which has established a network of SFI Research Centres focusing on key research areas in Ireland ( (opens in a new window)https://www.sfi.ie/sfi-research-centres/). By partnering with 7 research institutes, I-Form brings together a nationwide pool of expertise in materials science, engineering, data analytics and cognitive computing. I-Form is actively engaged across a range of different materials processing technologies, with a particular focus on Additive Manufacturing (3D printing).

I-Form works with Industry to advance the low-cost, low-risk design of new products and the manufacture of high-value components exhibiting enhanced material performance while reducing processing times and achieving improved process reliability.

(opens in a new window)I-Form Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (UCD Led)

The iCRAG Research Ireland Centre for Applied Geosciences hosted by UCD, comprises 150 researchers across eight universities and institutions. iCRAG is supported by Research Ireland, Geological Survey Ireland and industry partners.  The centre develops innovative science and technologies to better understand the Earth’s past, present, and future and how people are connected to it. It drives research in areas that are critical to society and the economy, including:

• Sustainable discovery of energy resources and raw materials required for decarbonisation.
• Securing and protecting groundwater and marine resources.
• Protecting society from Earth’s hazards such as flooding and landslides.

 (opens in a new window)iCRAG Research Centre in Applied Geosciences (UCD Led)

At Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, we undertake high-impact research in data analytics that has significant benefits for the individual, industry and society by enabling better decision-making. All of our research is informed by our vision; Empowering Citizens. Smarter Societies.

Making good decisions is dependent on having the best and most accurate information at your fingertips. Our research helps to transform data into knowledge.

Insight is one of the largest data analytics centres in Europe. It seeks to derive value from Big Data and provides innovative technology solutions for industry and society by enabling better decision-making.

(opens in a new window)Insight Research Centre for Data Analytics

BiOrbic is Ireland's national research centre focused on the development of a sustainable, circular bioeconomy.

The centre is a platform for knowledge, bringing bioeconomy researchers, industry professionals, policymakers and communities together to solve grand societal challenges. Through innovation and collaboration, BiOrbic aims to restore our natural ecosystems, harvest biological resources sustainably, develop alternatives to fossil products and repurpose waste. Ultimately the centre is supporting Ireland to emerge as a leader in the global bioeconomy.

(opens in a new window)BiOrbic Bioeconomy Research Centre (UCD Led)

ADAPT, the world-leading SFI Research Centre for AI-driven Digital Content Technology, brings leading academics, researchers and industry partners together to deliver excellent science, engage the public, develop novel solutions for business across all sectors and enhance Ireland’s international reputation. ADAPT is pioneering new human-centric AI techniques and technologies including personalisation, natural language processing, data analytics, intelligent machine translation human-computer interaction, as well as setting the standards for data governance, privacy, and ethics for digital content. 

(opens in a new window)ADAPT Research Centre for AI-driven Digital Content Technology

AMBER is the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research. The Centre brings a multidisciplinary partnership between leading academics in Advanced Materials Science, BioEngineering and Industry to work collaboratively and develop new materials and devices for the ICT, medical devices, energy and sustainable industrial technology sectors.

(opens in a new window)AMBER Research Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research

SSPC is a world-leading hub of Irish research expertise developing innovative technologies to address key challenges facing the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry. 

The in-depth scientific and engineering research expertise within the Centre aids companies who need tailored solutions to their bespoke challenges.

(opens in a new window)SSPC Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals

CONNECT is the world-leading Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications. CONNECT is funded under the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres programme, which has established a network of SFI Research Centres focusing on key research areas in Ireland.

(opens in a new window)CONNECT Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications

CÚRAM, the Research Centre for Medical Devices, is developing the next generation of medical devices and training a highly skilled workforce. Set up in 2015, CÚRAM is now a world-leading Irish Medical Device R&D Centre based out of the University of Galway. While led by the University of Galway, CÚRAM’s partner institutes include University College Dublin, University College Cork, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin City University, Technological University of the Shannon, National Institute Bioprocessing Research and Training and Technological University Dublin.

The Centre is focused on the development of biomedical implants, and therapeutic and diagnostic devices that address the needs of patients living with chronic illness. They also partner with local small-and-medium-enterprises (SMEs), and multinational medical device and pharmaceutical companies to increase employment in Ireland.

(opens in a new window)CÚRAM Research Centre for Medical Devices

Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, brings together expert software teams from universities and institutes of technology across Ireland in a co-ordinated centre of research excellence with a strong industry focus. Lero’s research spans a wide range of subjects including software engineering, information systems and human-computer interaction in areas such as driverless cars, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, govtech, smart communities, agtech and healthtech.

(opens in a new window)Lero Research Centre for Software

MaREI is the Research Ireland Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine Research and Innovation coordinated by the Environmental Research Institute (ERI) at University College Cork.

The Centre comprises over 220 researchers focused on defined global challenges such as the Energy Transition, Climate Action and the Blue Economy.

(opens in a new window)MaREI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine

The Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water is an international research centre dedicated to tackling the complex challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and declining water quality.

The Co-Centre unites people from Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain to work across borders in creating solutions that benefit ecosystems and communities at local, regional, and global levels. Through innovative, transdisciplinary research and partnerships with businesses, policymakers, and community organisations, the Co-Centre is developing practical solutions that positively impact the environment, foster sustainable economies, and enhance the quality of life for everyone.

(opens in a new window)Co-Centre for Climate+ Biodiversity and Water

The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems encompasses a research programme of oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and social sciences across the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB).

The Co-Centre presents a unique opportunity to rapidly develop innovative and transformative solutions to transition the food system and position Ireland and the UK as research and innovation global leaders for positive and sustainable change in the transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

(opens in a new window)Co-Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems

CeADAR is an Enterprise Ireland and IDA-funded technology centre established to support businesses and organisations in Ireland to understand, adopt and leverage the benefits and value of AI and machine learning in a constantly advancing and evolving environment. The Centre supports start-ups, SMEs and large-scale organisations to identify, design and develop AI strategies, prototypes and solutions that will bring their product or service to the next level and ensure they remain competitive in this ever-changing global and local marketplace.

(opens in a new window)CeADAR - Centre for AI

Food for Health Ireland is a national full-service scientific organisation that gives companies a competitive edge in the global food and ingredients market. The global functional food market is forecast to be worth more than €450 billion by 2028, with huge growth expected in all regions in that timeframe. The Centre aims to position Ireland as a global leader in functional foods and give companies a competitive edge in the global food market.

(opens in a new window)Food Health Ireland (UCD Led)

The vision of Construct Innovate, Ireland’s construction technology centre, is to make Ireland a global leader in sustainable construction and built environment technology.

The centre is a partnership between Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University College Cork, the Irish Green Building Council and our host institution, the University of Galway.

(opens in a new window)Construct Innovate – Construction Technology Centre

DPTC is a centre of excellence for dairy processing research and innovation. The Centre will help to fuel growth in the Irish dairy sector by performing research focused on cost-efficient processing, facilitating a step-change in environmental sustainability and creating, validating and commercialising a pipeline of science and technology-based manufacturing platforms for dairy ingredients.

The foundation of the DPTC is a strong, long-term industry-academic collaborative partnership that will develop, build and translate the knowledge and capabilities in dairy processing that are needed today and for the long-term growth and development of the sector.

(opens in a new window)DPTC - Dairy Processing Technology Centre

MCCI – Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland is a Technology centre that provides high-impact microelectronic research. MCCI is funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA and hosted at Tyndall National Institute, Cork, Ireland.

The Centre works with global semiconductor companies to enhance their microelectronic technology developments for innovative product application enhancements. Its research strategy includes analog, analog mixed-signal, RF, & millimetre wave circuit IC architecture and design, including the development of system-level solution research demonstrators or prototypes.

(opens in a new window)MCCI – Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland

The Irish Composites Centre (IComp) was established in 2010 under the EI/IDA Technology Centres initiative. It is hosted by the University of Limerick (UL), working in partnership with University College Dublin (UCD), Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and NUI Galway (NUIG). IComp is supported by world-class academics and a dedicated team of highly experienced researchers

IComp is the link between industry and the extensive resources dedicated to composite materials available in Irish third-level institutions. Directed by industry members, IComp’s work is focused on solving technical challenges encountered daily and supporting research and development activity. The IComp team is helping to develop knowledge and skills within the Irish composites community enabling it to take advantage of the latest technology and be competitive in the growing global market.

(opens in a new window)IComp – Irish Composites Centre