AMBER & CRANN Researchers funded via Research Ireland Government of Ireland postgraduate and postdoctoral programmes

10 April 2026

AMBER and CRANN Researchers have successfully received funding via the Research Ireland Government of Ireland postgraduate and postdoctoral programme for projects in tissue engineering, 2D materials and Quantum Systems.

Announcing the awards, Minister Lawless said:

This significant investment of €36.3 million in our early career researchers reinforces the Government’s commitment to the future of Ireland’s research and innovation system. The Government of Ireland programme is a central measure in supporting the system’s continued development and in strengthening Ireland’s international competitiveness. Early career researchers are the lifeblood of that system.  These awards, which span a wide range of subject areas, represent an investment in the country’s future capacity to innovate, driving both social and economic benefits. Without new ideas and new ways of thinking, we cannot hope to build or sustain Ireland as a knowledge economy. My congratulations to all the awardees. I look forward to seeing the impact of your work – on society, on your careers, and in further enhancing Ireland’s reputation as an innovation economy.

Annael Sort-Montenegro of RCSI was awarded €134,733.46 for Project: ‘Development of Electro-Active Polypeptide-Based Hydrogels as Dynamic Electromechanical 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications’

Sajjan Sajjan of Trinity College Dublin was awarded €134,149.07 for Project: ‘Ab Initio Spin-Transfer Torques in 2D Altermagnetic Tunnel Junctions’

Alexander Nico-Katz of Trinity College Dublin was awarded €134,149.07 for Project: ‘Unravelling Causal Information Flow in Realistic Quantum Systems and Networks’

The Government of Ireland programme will support 244 postgraduate scholars and 97 postdoctoral fellows across 16 higher education institutions and research performing organisations.

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

 At the heart of these programmes are the researchers themselves – individuals whose creativity and determination are shaping new ideas and advancing knowledge across all disciplines. This year’s awardees have demonstrated exceptional potential, bringing forward ambitious ideas and fresh perspectives that will enrich Ireland’s research community. Research Ireland is proud to support their development and to provide an environment in which their talent can thrive. Theirs is the curiosity, skill and dedication that will shape the breakthroughs of tomorrow. We are excited to see where their endeavours lead.