AMBER and CRANN secures SFI Public Service Fellowships

22 October 2020

Dr Claire McKenna, International Funding Manager at AMBER, and Dr Cormac Ó’Coileáin, Research Fellow in the School of Chemistry and CRANN have secured SFI Public Service Fellowships that will see them work on specific collaborative research project with a Government Department, agency, and/or the Library & Research Service of the Oireachtas..

12 fellowships have been awarded to foster innovation within the Public Sector by supporting the development and implementation of data-driven and evidence-based approaches.

Dr McKenna will be hosted by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. She said:

“I am working on the development of a standard research classification system for tracking public investment in research. This is a deliverable under Innovation 2020, Ireland’s Strategy for Research and Development, Science and Technology.

A standard classification system will enable a greater understanding of how public money is spent across the Irish research ecosystem. I am looking forward to using my research background in the AMBER centre in Trinity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of future national research policy.”

Dr Ó’Coileáin said:

“I will be looking at the economic, social and ethical implications of Nanotechnology as a Researcher in Residence at the Oireachtas Research & Library Services. It is an interesting opportunity to share scientific knowledge and experience – to help inform evidence-based development of policy within Ireland.”

Announcing the award, Minister Harris, said:

“I am delighted to support the SFI Public Service Fellowship initiative which will contribute to the Government’s objective of promoting a culture of innovation through collaboration, knowledge exchange and the development of data-driven and evidence-based solutions. The successful researchers will play a pivotal role in enhancing collaboration between the research community and Government for the benefit of society.”

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director Science for Society at SFI said:

“Congratulations to all of the Public Service Fellowship award recipients announced today during Public Service Innovation Week. The SFI Public Service Fellowship programme recognises the importance of connecting the Irish research community with public sector organisations to help inform new policy and improve the services that they deliver. The projects announced today will enhance collaboration of the research community with public bodies while also allowing researchers to advance their work and further develop their careers.”