IUA statement 12 Oct: IUA welcome announcement of funding to support researchers impacted by the pandemic.

IUA welcome the announcement of nearly €39million in funding for the seven IUA universities to support contract researchers and research students whose work has been disrupted by the pandemic.

The funding was secured by Minister of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Harris as part of the €168 million package of support for further and higher education in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Covid-19 crisis seriously disrupted research activity with many laboratories and research facilities rendered inaccessible. While universities continued to pay the salaries of researchers, many could not continue their critical work remotely leading to a requirement for research programmes to be extended or risk jeopardizing the research to date.

Our universities have clearly shown their capacity to respond to the needs of society, none more so than in their ongoing response to Covid-19 challenges.

Welcoming the funding Dr Lisa Keating, Director of Research and Innovation at IUA said: “The pandemic has demonstrated in stark terms the fundamental value of research and knowledge creation. This funding will enable the completion of contracted research activities, safeguarding researchers and their vital work.”

Ends.