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SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND ANNUAL REPORT 2015
Enterprise agencies Science Foundation
Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and
IDA creating an environment for
world leading industry/academic
collaboration
Science Foundation Ireland works closely with, and is supported by, a broad network of stakeholders
in government, education, industry and the general public. We also, on a day-to-day basis, work with
government departments and other agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and IDA. On behalf of the
Board, I would like to sincerely thank everyone for their engagement and support in 2015. We look
forward to more positive interaction.
Looking Ahead
In light of the publication of the Government’s science and innovation strategy, Innovation 2020, we will
review, if necessary, our objectives in Agenda 2020 to ensure that Science Foundation Ireland can support
the Government’s ambitious goals. As part of this process, we will focus on workforce planning to ensure
that our resources are robust and aligned.
An important part of Science Foundation Ireland’s mission is to build an awareness of the role, impact
and opportunities science creates, and to this end, the Board is very excited by our 2016 campaign,
ScienceRising. This campaign enables us to inform the general public of the significant advances our
funded researchers are making on society and the economy.
I would like to thank the Board for their support and time commitment to Science Foundation Ireland
through their work and attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year.
I would like to thank Mr. Dermot Curran, who stepped down from the Board in April, for his commitment
and contribution to Science Foundation Ireland over the years and I would like to welcome Mr. Dermot
Mulligan from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation in his place. I would also like to
acknowledge the re-appointment to the Board of Dr Pat Duane and Ms Bernie Cullinan in September
2015.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge all Science Foundation Ireland employees for their continued
commitment to meeting and delivering on our goals. Science Foundation Ireland employees strive for
excellence in everything they do - I am always struck by their energy and passion. We will continue to
focus on the culture, values and environment in which we work, and will continually strive towards
making Science Foundation Ireland a great place to work.
We look forward to another exciting year in supporting the best scientific and engineering research to
progress Ireland’s society and economy.
Sincerely
Ann Riordan
Chairman
Science Foundation Ireland