Towards 2020, Future National and
International Perspectives on Research
Presentation to LYIT Research Showcase
Andrew Brownlee
1st March 2013
The Role of the RDI Office in
Supporting and Promoting Research
Across Institutes of Technology
2
The work of the RDI Office is framed by 4 core objectives and a
commitment to ongoing accountability...
RDI
Operational
Plan 2012
The Office must
also account for
its work by making
clear its
responsiveness,
quality, value-formoney and
effectiveness
3
Role in supporting the research activities of the Institutes...
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Develop and roll-out mentoring and support programmes for
researchers
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Successful IRCSET Embark/EPS mentoring and support system rolled out
via Sharepoint site
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18 awards, 80% of those accessing support programme were successful
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Running this again next year
IRC Employment Based Postgrad scheme identified as key opportunity for
IoT targeting during the year
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IRC Postgrad Scholarship Scheme
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50 participants in webinar & high level of interest
68 participants in recent webinar & support programme prior to deadline of 12/3
Information on funding sources circulated by e-mail, website,
Sharepoint, social media
Database & contact list for researchers recording expertise
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Peer-to-peer evaluation service part of support programmes
Facilitating potential research collaboration across Institutes
4
Role around communications and representation...
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Research and innovation section of the website developed
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More interactive and externally focused
Searchable research centres and case studies
Science Without Borders postgraduate sub-site now incorporated
Can add or update material at any time
Look at showcasing work of researchers
IoT activity promoted through social media
Arrange Young Scientist, Irish Independent promotional opportunities
Target development of new series of case studies
Represent IoT sector on various groups

EI IRCC, Open Access Group
5
The RDI section of the website should provide a focal point for
promoting activity across the sector...
6
There is now a searchable database of research activity across all
IoTs...
7
This links to research centre profiles and provides direct access to
centre websites...
8
There is also a searchable database of industry case studies...
9
The new Science Without Borders site allows students to search for
postgraduate opportunities...
10
Role around policy and influencing national RDI agenda...
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Working with Director of Academic Affairs to ensure a sustainable,
high quality model of postgraduate education
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Working with Heads of Research producing strategic position paper
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Sustaining and Growing the Delivery of Strategically Oriented, Impact Focused
RDI in the IoTs
Strategy to be finalised & taken to Board
Case for sustainable postgraduate funding for the IoTs
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Involved in development of TU Quality Assurance Framework
New framework for PhD provision
Submitted to HEA but Sectoral Development Fund postponed
Now being rolled out as IOTI initiative
Support development of more strategic relationship with EI
Lobby government on development of policy

Regular meetings with key stakeholders & submissions to SFI Strategy & HEA
Researcher Career Development consultations
11
Role around access to European funding...
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Work with UASnet to build partnerships & improve access to Europe
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Focused programme targeting FP7 access during the year
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Engaged directly with researchers to encourage interest
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96 participants including 60 researchers at support workshop
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Led to 28 FP7 Project Expressions of Interests out of 51 from IoTs
Marie Curie webinar with 34 participants in July
Need to turn all this interest into funded projects
Facilitating access to key Commission contacts for researchers
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Proposal on sharing best practice in industry engagement around innovation
Linked up UASnet institutes around potential FP7 collaboration
Need further institutional impacts & target influencing new Horizon 2020
programme development
Ambassadors Lunch, InterTrade Ireland delegation, EC researchers trip
Support involvement in EU Charter for Researchers
Facilitating collaboration between IoTs/potential international partners
12
The Development of Research
Capability in the Institutes of
Technology
13
There has been a transformation of research capability in the IoT
sector in the last decade...
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In late 1990s PhD and other research study very rare in the IoTs and
sporadic and unstructured in nature
System transformed by expanding RDI role and commitment in IoTs,
increased accreditation autonomy and new TSR fund
The IoTs were able to take advantage of their close links with industry
to offer unique postgraduate and wider research propositions
The base of PhD study across the 13 IoTs has grown from less than
10 in 1995 to 196 in 2011
Postgraduate research students at both PhD and Masters students
have grown from 27 in 1995 to 86 in 2000 and 665 in 2011 (1,018 if
DIT is included in the figures)
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The pipeline of PhD and Masters research students provided real
impetus for the development of specialist research capability...
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Sizeable base of annual external research funding secured by
Institutes (currently around €40mn per annum)
After significant growth this has fallen in recent years due to fiscal
constraints
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Commitment to and investment in postgraduate education stimulated
a development path which means that the IoT sector today has...
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46 specialist research groups;
521 researchers and support staff (all actively engaged with research);
656 postgraduate research students;
€218mn in research funding generated between 2006 and 2010
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66% is allocated toward research in ICT, Health and Biotechnology.
Increased proportion of funding drawn from European Programmes
On-site innovation and incubation centres which provide dedicated
space, support, facilities and access to research expertise for up to
300 new and growing companies at any one time
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Over 1,000 innovative new businesses have been supported by the IoTs over
the last few years
The experience in starting and growing businesses ensures real market focus
to all of our RDI activities
CoLab excellent example of how the spin-in model can work in IoTs
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Research capability has been built up in specialist areas with centres of
scale now in place and strong evidence of impact...
Development and Application of Biotechnology Research
Capability in LIT & IT Tralee
Industry
Solutions
Capability
Strand 1

EI f und Shannon ABC
Development
under Applied Research
Investment
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Supports development of
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Strand 1 supported 14
postgraduates under
PIs Siobhan Moane,
Daniel Walsh, Michelle
McKeon Bennett,
Shane O’Connell &
Michael Hall

key expertise in bioactive
sector
Recognition of growing
capability via awarding of 3
Innovation Partnerships, 5
Innovation Vouchers, 1mn
HEA f acilities grant, FIRM
grant and 1.4mn of EI
research equipment
grants
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Enhancement programme
Centre develops processes f or
screening of natural byproducts f or bioactive
molecules
7 Innovation Partnerships
completed or in completion
SFI TIDA award
7 research projects directly
f unded by industry
11 invention disclosures
Scale &
Impact
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€11.9mn in f unding
between 2007-11
Includes 6mn EU
f unds
2 Strand Leaders, 5
senior research
f ellows, 3 postdocs,
2 research
assistants, 16
postgrads, 1 centre
manager
33 journal
publications
Coordination of 3
FP7projects
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This has also been reflected in growing success in accessing Research
Council programmes...
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Dedicated IOTI-run support programmes to encourage take-up of
Research Council opportunities
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Webinars providing guidance to interested researchers
Guidance materials available to help preparation of applications
Examples of good applications and supporting statements provided
Panel of mentors from IoTs with previous success in securing Research Council
funding offer pre-evaluation of applications
Starting to be reflected in results
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18 successful EMBARK awards last year
Highest scoring applicant of all EMBARK awards (Glenn Gordon at IT Sligo)
Number of successful EPS projects (e.g. Dairymaster & IT Tralee, Dynamac
Corp/NASA & Limerick IT)
Strong interest in the recent employment-based postgraduate scheme due to
established relationships with industry and track record in masters by research
provision (which requires a shorter-term commitment from industry)
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One of the most notable products of the development of capability
has been the establishment of EI funded ARE Centres...
Enterprise Ireland
funded Applied
Research
Enhancement (ARE)
Centres in IoTs
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The success of initiatives like the ARE Centres demonstrates the
potential to offer industry-focused research solutions...
Industrial Collaborations
Innovation Voucher
Projects
Innovation Partnership
Projects
Projects Directly Funded
by Industry
2008
2009
2010
2011
Total
36
69
117
150
372
20
45
70
52
187
2
7
13
19
41
14
17
34
79
144
Income from Collaborative
Projects
€570,000
€451,000 €1,550,000 €3,200,000 €5,771,000
Industry Contribution to
Collaborative Projects
€226,000
€102,000
Industry Contribution %
39.7%
22.2%
€615,000 €1,500,000 €2,443,000
39.7%
46.7%
42.3%
Further examples of IoT RDI industry impact available at
http://www.ioti.ie/rdi/delivering-impact-for-industry
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The IoT key research capabilities are closely aligned with National
Priorities and offer scope for further collaboration...
Digital
Platf orms,
Content &
Applicatns
Athlone Institute of
Technology
Future
networks
& comms
Data
Analytics
Managmt
Security &
Privacy
Connected
Health &
Independt
Living
Medical
Devices
Diagnostics
STORC (CASALA)
Processing
Technology
& Novel
Materials
SMRC (ICBC)
Innovation
in Services
& Business
Processes
CREDIT
MFWRC
CiSET
NSCFRG
Institute of Technology
Tallaght
ITSG
RFTC
CASH (CREATE, MICRA)
Institute of Technology
Sligo
MBRR
Limerick Institute of
Technology
Waterf ord Institute of
Technology
Manuf actg
Technology
MRI
GMedTech
Institute of Technology
Blanchardstown
Smart
Goods &
Smart
Cities
CAPPA BIOEXPLORE(MEDIC)
Galway-Mayo Institute
of Technology
Institute of Technology
Tralee
Marine
Renewable
Energy
EnviroCORE DesignCORE
NIMBUS (TEC)
Dundalk Institute of
Technology
Institute of Art, Design &
Technology
Sustainable
Food
Production
&
Processing
GameCORE
Cork Institute of
Technology
Letterkenny Institute of
Technology
Food f or
Health
BRI
SRI (SUNAT)
Institute of Technology
Carlow
Therapeutic
Synthesis,
Formulation
Processing
& Drug
Delivery
GRG
Shannon ABC/CELLS
WiSAR/Epicentre
CCTA
Sustainability/CfDI
REMEMBER
CAMBIO
CCTA
CPC
CIDS
TSSG(FAME/3CS)
Shannon ABC
PMBRC
GOG/CIMMS
MCP/SEAM
RIKON
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Searchable Database of all IoT Research Centres and Groups
http://www.ioti.ie/rdi/research-and-innovation-activity-across-the-institutes
Towards 2020: Key Developments and
Opportunities in the Institute of
Technology Sector
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There is a need for a whole system approach to the way in which RDI
activity in Institutes is funded, supported and maintained…
RDI
Operational
Plan 2012
23
Achieving a sustainable postgraduate pipeline absolutely critical...
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Recognition of significant gap in postgraduate funding since end of
TSR Strand 1 and Strand 3 funding
Lobbied HEA strongly and put forward proposal for sectoral
postgraduate funding initiative for Sectoral Development Fund
Sectoral Development Fund postponed until this year
Presidents agreed to set aside 10% of reallocated money to kickstart
initiative
11 IoTs participating including LYIT
Plan to submit new proposal to 2013 Sectoral Development Fund
Heads of Research appointed working group to develop
documentation for scheme
Launch expected by April 2013
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There is also a need to take further advantage of IRC funding
opportunities...
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Could be enhanced opportunities from merger of IRCSET & IRCHSS
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IRC Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme
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Open to all disciplines – Closing date of 12th March 2013
80% of those accessing EMBARK support programme last year successful
IRC Enterprise Partnership Scheme open to postgraduate &
postdoctoral applications.
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Level playing field with IoT proposals showing strong practical, impact focus
Single calls facilitate multi-disciplinary approach
Allows for partial and transfer funding for self or President scholarship funded
opportunities
IRC very keen to see applications from the Institutes of Technology because of
close links to industry
IRC Employment-based Postgraduate Programme being rolled-out
after a pilot last year
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Successful applicants registered as postgraduate researchers in HEI but
directly employed by the Employment Partner for the duration of their award
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The IoTs need to look at national, EU and international collaboration to
drive further development in key areas...
Digital
Platf orms,
Content &
Applicatns
Athlone Institute of
Technology
Future
networks
& comms
Data
Analytics
Managmt
Security &
Privacy
Connected
Health &
Independt
Living
STORC (CASALA)
Limerick Institute of
Technology
SMRC (ICBC)
MFWRC
CiSET
ITSG
CAMBIO
CCTA
CPC
CIDS
TSSG(FAME/3CS)
Innovation
in Services
& Business
Processes
CREDIT
WiSAR/Epicentre
CCTA
Processing
Technology
& Novel
Materials
Pharma,
Food,
Medical
Materials
marine
CASH (CREATE, MICRA)
devices
and green
and
Sustainability/CfDI
GRG
and MBRR
technology
biotech
diagnostics Shannon ABC/CELLS REMEMBER
ICTNSCFRG
networks
RFTC
and
systems
Institute of Technology
Sligo
Manuf actg
Technology
MRI
GMedTech
Institute of Technology
Tallaght
Smart
Goods &
Smart
Cities
CAPPA BIOEXPLORE(MEDIC)
NIMBUS (TEC)
Institute of Technology
Blanchardstown
Marine
Renewable
Energy
EnviroCORE DesignCORE
Galway-Mayo Institute
of Technology
Waterf ord Institute of
Technology
Sustainable
Food
Production
&
Processing
BRI
Dundalk Institute of
Technology
Institute of Technology
Tralee
Food f or
Health
GameCORE
Cork Institute of
Technology
Institute of Art, Design &
Technology
Diagnostics
SRI (SUNAT)
Institute of Technology
Carlow
Letterkenny Institute of
Technology
Medical
Devices
Therapeutic
Synthesis,
Formulation
Processing
& Drug
Delivery
Shannon ABC
PMBRC
GOG/CIMMS
MCP/SEAM
RIKON
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There is an opportunity to develop a more strategic relationship with
Enterprise Ireland….
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Success of the ARE programme now re-launched with 5 years of
funding as Technology Gateways
Success of New Frontiers in building on EPP and starting and growing
business
Essential regionally accessible incubator infrastructure
The ‘spin-in’ model by linking new campus companies to research
capability
Innovation Vouchers proven as a key means of engaging SMEs in
innovation for the first time
Deepening relationship by accessing programmes such as Innovation
Vouchers
Also significant success in Commercialisation Fund
Recent breakthrough in SFI/EI TIDA awards with 10/58 awards last
year (easing constraints on access this year)
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Horizon 2020 offers a real opportunity to build on Success in FP7 SME
& Other Calls
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Has been a lot of success by Institutes on Research for the Benefit of
SMEs in FP7
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With focus on Horizon 2020 on wider innovation agenda and SME
engagement should be continued & growing opportunities
DG Research have indicated simpler, innovation partnership style
approach to encourage work with SMEs under Horizon 2020
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Shorter term project durations (2 years) and reduced consortium partner
requirements typically 5-10.
Typical Budget of €0.5 m to €1.5m, 100% Funded for RTD partners, 75%
Funded for SME partners with 65% pre-financing
Will require 1 HEI and 1 international SME
Need to start planning now to ensure ready for calls in 2013
IOTI looking at holding a support event to help development of ideas
& application skills, building on success of last year’s FP7 event
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Collaboration will be a critical element of future RDI success...
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TU process facilitates working together across IoTs
Building links to access SFI research centre resources
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Technology transfer support delivered through consortia
Collaboration across IoTs and cross-disciplinary research increasingly
important
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Potential IoT contribution due to proximity to industry & SMEs completely
overlooked
New international development initiative attracted interest from range of
disciplines across IoTs
Over 60 researchers expressing interest & Irish Aid engaged
HEA/QQI framework for provision of doctoral education will place
requirements around critical mass which can be addressed by
clustering or collaboration
Our engagement with industry and other key regional stakeholders is
a unique attribute on which we must focus
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There is a strong opportunity for IoTs to define a clear role in
delivering impact-focused research & innovation activity...
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Working with all our stakeholders to define current and future priorities
Building on critical mass in specialist research areas
Attracting high quality postgraduate and postdoctorate resources to
our Institutes
Benchmarking research performance through establishment of
strategic international partnerships
Complimenting national grants with EU funding wherever feasible
Embedding sufficient research and postgraduate management
infrastructure
Establishing and maintaining a research foundation funding
programme which ensures a pipeline of postgraduate students in
respective IoT specialist areas
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Thank you for your time
Andrew Brownlee
Director of Research, Development and Innovation
Institutes of Technology Ireland
1st Floor, Fumbally Square
Fumbally Lane
Dublin 8
Tel. 01 708 2953
Mob. 0876203405
Andrew.brownlee@ioti.ie
Twitter: andrewbrownlee7
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