Scientific research in Ireland received a substantial boost this past week (November 13) as the government announced a 62% increase in funding for the country's national foundation for science research, but some scientists remain cautious of the government's long-term commitment.
The 62% rise will bring Science Foundation Ireland's (SFI) budget to over €110 million, an increase of over €40 million from the previous year. SFI's director general, William Harris, welcomed the announcement. The funding was “crucial to supporting and sustaining the development of a culture of scientific and technological innovation, a high level of research and development, and a globally competitive knowledge driven economy,” he said in a statement.
It has been a week of good news for science research in the country. An earlier announcement lifted a freeze on funding for SFI's sister agency, the Higher Education Authority (HEA), following a yearlong period of uncertainty. The so-called “pause” in ...
