AMBER’s Dr Claire McKenna develops Research Classification Ireland (RCI)

9 August 2023

International Funding Manager at AMBER Dr Claire McKenna’s development of the first National Standard Research Classification named Research Classification Ireland (RCI) has been launched. The RCI categorises all exchequer funded research in Ireland and was developed following extensive consultation with stakeholders including an open public consultation, consultation with international experts, researchers and representative bodies.

The project was undertaken between 2020 and 2022 in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) under the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Fellowship Scheme.

Research Classification Ireland (RCI) will enable:

• Comparison of research statistics and data across the national research ecosystem
• Facilitate improved insights into the impact of public investment in research
• Aid the development of future research funding policy
• Will also contribute to open science practices through accountability and transparency in reporting publicly funded research in Ireland

The Classification is a three way matrix;

1. 1. Type of Activity (TOA) – includes Basic, Applied and Experimental Research
2. 2. Field of Research (FOR)  – top 6 divisions: Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology,         Medical Health & Life Sciences, Agricultural, Veterinary & Food Sciences, Social Sciences,     Humanities & the Arts
3. 3. Socio Economic Objective (SEO) – 3 hierarchical levels: Division, Group and Objectives

Full report on the RCI and documents

Watch Dr McKenna’s presentation of her work below: