Timeline

Kathleen James-Chakraborty:

"I am writing to draw attention to an issue of great concern to me and to many other academics in Ireland regarding the way Research Ireland is being run and the decisions it is taking. I am far from alone in believing that these represent a major threat to the excellence of higher education in this country."

Download the letter here

Open letter about the future of research in Ireland from the PWO (Postgraduate Workers Organisation Ireland) expressing "deep concern about the direction of the research system in Ireland, and object[ing] to Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland’s recently published 2026-2030 strategy and proposed 'Empower' programme".

Seher Asaf:

"As Western nations desperately seek meaningful economic growth, many are pondering whether to direct more of their research budgets towards industrial priorities. That is a policy Ireland has pursued since the 2008 economic crash. But researchers remain divided on its wisdom."

Read the full article: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/depth/has-irelands-research-prioritisation-agenda-gone-too-far-again?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial-weekly&spMailingID=33489148&spUserID=MjA4MzYwNDcxNjEyNAS2&spJobID=3011813757&spReportId=MzAxMTgxMzc1NwS2

Jennie C. Stephens:

"One critical public investment we can make to reduce devastating future societal costs is to dramatically increase third-level funding."

Read the full article: https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/07/16/universities-must-be-supported-to-lead-on-climate-action/

John Walshe:

"In a letter to Higher Education Minister, 2,300 academics criticise state agency’s strategy, saying it was an assault on Ireland’s research ecosystem, with too much focus on industry interests"

Read the full article: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/sad-day-for-irelands-future-academics-and-research-ireland-row-over-how-to-spend-4.55bn-of-taxpayers-money/a/157375196.html

Caroline O'Doherty:

"Almost 2,000 sign open letter criticising Research Ireland for favouring industry and commercial interests."

Read the full article: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2026/06/02/research-funding-body-neglects-arts-and-humanities-university-staff-say/

An open letter to Minister James Lawless expressing concern about Research Ireland’s Strategy and Programme Plan was published and received over 1000 signatories in one day.

Research Ireland launched its inaugural strategy for 2026-2030 aimed at “building a research and innovation system that delivers prosperity for the people of Ireland”