The IUA welcomed Minister Hanafin's announcement on October 24th 2006 of the allocation of over €42 million to third level institutions across the country under the Government's Strategic Innovation Fund for higher education. The universities fared well overall either through individual or group projects. Highest awards went to University of Limerick - €9.6m, NUI Galway - €7.3m and UCC - €5.7m. The IUA was granted €3.45m in respect of sectoral proposals on behalf of the seven universities.
Commenting on the 1st phase awards Minister Hanafin said, "The strong level of collaboration between universities and institutes of technology is particularly encouraging. Of the twelve institutionally led projects, seven are based on partnerships that include both universities and institutes of technology. These projects are a real demonstration of the potential for improvement that can be achieved when resources and expertise from across the system are brought together".
The Strategic Innovation Fund will promote unprecedented levels of inter-institutional collaboration and the implementation of the universities’ reform agenda. Is it envisaged that the additional funds will also enable the universities to raise the international ranking of the Irish University sector, thereby making Ireland more attractive for students and researchers both from Ireland and abroad.
The €42 million awards are the first cycle of funding from the €300 million five year fund established by the Government. Preparations are underway for the next call for proposals for SIF funding planned for the first half of 2007.
