How to work with SFI funded researchers
1. Join a Centre for Science Engineering and Technology (CSET)
The Centres for Science Engineering and Technology (CSETs) are SFI’s most significant investments (up to €25 million over a 5 year period) supporting internationally leading research activities that connect academic and industrial researchers.
SFI CSETs link scientists and engineers in partnerships across academia and industry to address crucial research questions, foster the development of new and existing Irish technology companies, and expand educational and career opportunities for Ireland’s citizens in science and engineering.
CSET Partners must include industry and may also include institutes or organisations that invest funds or valuable intellectual capital in the centre. New partners (industrial and academic) may join a CSET at any time.
Click here for a list of established SFI funded CSETs.
2. Join a Strategic Research Cluster (SRC)
SFI Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs) link scientists and engineers in partnerships across academia and industry to address crucial research questions, foster the development of new and existing Irish-based technology companies, and grow partnerships with industry that could make an important contribution to Ireland and its economy.
The SRC programme has been designed to facilitate the clustering of outstanding researchers to carry out joint research activities in areas of strategic importance to Ireland. While also giving the time and resources to attract and cultivate strong industry partnerships that can inform and enhance their research programmes. New partners (industrial and academic) may join an SRC at any time.
Click here for a list of established SFI funded SRCs.
3. Licensing Opportunities
Most Irish universities and institutes have established technical transfer offices responsible for the commercialisation of intellectual property and interactions between the institution and industry. Click here to access the websites for the HEI associated technology transfer offices to see the licensing opportunities that are available.
4. Collaborative Research – Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership
The Innovation Partnership Initiative offers financial support to companies who engage in collaborative research projects with Irish Universities and Institutes of Technology. Enterprise Ireland provides grants of up to 80% towards eligible costs of the research project. The proposal process and administration of the project is managed by the participating third level research institution. For further information, please visit the Enterprise Ireland website.
5. Feasibility and Training Support, Research Development and Innovation Grant (RD&I) Support – IDA Ireland
For further information on RD&I support by IDA Ireland, please visit the IDA website.
6. Contract research
Many SFI-funded groups are prepared to undertake contract research. If you wish to identify an SFI-funded research group with appropriate capabilities please contact either:
Dr Ruth Freeman, Director, Enterprise and International Affairs: + 353 (0) 1 607324
Dr. Janice Murtagh, Associate Scientific Programme Officer + 353 (0) 1 6073025
Ms. Ciara Cotter, Enterprise and International Affairs Executive: + 353 (0) 1 6073211
You may also use the SFI Researcher Database to search for researchers using a variety of criteria.
7. Marie Curie Actions 2012 – Opportunities for Industry
European Union (EU) funding is available for companies to grow their R&D base with no requirement for matching funding from companies.
There are two ways to participate in the programme:
1. As part of a consortium via:
a. The Initial Training Networks (ITN), which allows for the recruitment or secondment of doctoral students. The typical budget for a project is €3m-€5m for 4 years
b. The Industry-Academic Partnership and Pathways, which facilitates joint research activities and also allows of the recruitment of post doctorates. The typical budget for a project is €500k – €2m for 3-4 years.
A consortium must consist of a minimum of an Academic Partner in one Member State/Associated Country AND an Industrial Partner in one Member State/Associated Country
2. As a host organisation for experienced researchers.
The EU funding covers living allowances and mobility and travel allowances. Some additional funding is available for different actions, for example research/training/network costs, overheads, management costs or small equipment expenses for SMEs.
For further information, please see the slides attached, which include deadlines for application or contact Jennifer Brennan in the Marie Curie office: mariecurie@iua.ie
