AMBER Researchers secure research infrastructure investment

14 April 2026

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD announced an investment of €17 million to support nine key infrastructure projects through the Research Ireland Infrastructure Programme.

AMBER researchers Professor Shalini Singh of University of Limerick and Professor Oran Kennedy of RCSI have secured 2 of the 9 research infrastructural awards for studying materials at the micro- and nanoscale and preparing and analysing hard tissues respectively.

• Prof Singh’s project ‘Surface to Structure: Microscopy Suite for Advanced Sample Preparation and High-Resolution Imaging under Environmental Conditions and External Stimuli (S2S)’ received €837,278.
• Prof Kennedy’s project ‘HARD2HISTO: Advanced HARD-Tissue, Biomaterial And Medical Device HISTOlogical Processing and Analysis Platform’ received €1,065,587.59.

This funding will enable the installation of state-of-the-art equipment and facilities across the country, strengthening Ireland’s research capacity in strategically important areas such as advanced materials, MedTech, AI, semiconductors and quantum technologies. The programme is designed to ensure that Irish researchers can access the specialised equipment needed to compete on the global stage.

Announcing the investment, Minister Lawless said:

“Today’s Research Ireland infrastructure announcement further underscores our strong commitment to ensuring Ireland’s research community have access to world-class facilities. These nine projects will strengthen national capability in areas vital to Ireland’s future, including advanced materials, AI, and MedTech. This investment will equip researchers across the country with the tools they need to remain at the forefront of global innovation and strengthen Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.”

Welcoming the announcement, Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, CEO of Research Ireland, added:

“We are enabling researchers across the country to pursue ambitious ideas, deepen collaboration and accelerate breakthrough discoveries by providing access to truly world-class infrastructure. The awards announced today are a key step in delivering on Research Ireland’s strategy to strengthen national research capacity, future-proofing our research ecosystem and ensuring Ireland remains a global leader in high-impact research.”

Full details on all projects can be found here: https://www.researchireland.ie/news/infrastructure/